Cost-Estimation in Construction: BIM versus Total BIM

Paper in proceeding, 2022

Implementing Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been promoted to address cost overrun issues in the construction industry by improving the efficiency and quality of cost-estimation processes. Recently, the ‘Total BIM’ concept has emerged in Scandinavia, where the BIM is the legally binding construction document, 2Ddrawings are excluded, and stricter BIM requirements are implemented. This paper highlights, explores issues, challenges, and opportunities within the cost-estimation process. Ten interviews were conducted with participants from traditional projects, involving the parallel use of BIM and traditional construction documents. An indepth investigation of a ‘Total BIM’ project was also performed. Findings show that even in projects where BIM is present, traditional 2D-based methods were still used for cost-estimation due to a BIM's unclear legal status and lack of trust in BIM. ‘Total BIM’ may reduce cost estimation time by up to 90%, but issues regarding training, data and information management and education must be addressed.