Advantages and Challenges of Using BIM: a Cost Consultant’s Perspective

Building Information Modeling (BIM) represents the formation of digital models for use during the planning, design, construction and operation stages of a facility’s life. Whilst BIM is currently receiving high volumes of attention around the world, it appears that general understanding of it is relatively low. Focus of this study is to identify the advantages, challenges and usability of BIM for cost consultants, and its likely impact during cost estimating. Research was carried out through an in-depth review of existing literature, which was refined through questionnaire surveys and expert interviews within the UK to assess the potential advantages and challenges for cost consultants using BIM in their working practices. This research also identifies potential areas for expansion of cost consultancy services, through BIM implementation and shows that BIM has the capacity to influence the operations throughout the construction industry.