Good Morning Everyone!
It has been so hot in Dubai lately. Around 50 degrees. Humidity is just the cherry on top... ( This is a new phrase I learned and I just wanted to use it:)))
Even if we stay outside 2 minutes, it is enough to give you a horrible headache.
And obviously many people are suffering from this. People are forgetting their commitments, coming late to the meeting and etc.
Europe is another issue. They are all on holiday:)))
So what to do now! Shall we also slow things down!
No!
Here comes a summer reading list. Take your iced drinks and enjoy your summer:)))
BIM Estimating: Myth Versus Reality
BIM estimating is not model-based voodoo. The workflow utilizes a quantity takeoff of the 3D model, a database of material and labor costs, modifying the formulas based on past experience, and presenting an integrated view of the 3D model, the takeoff, and the target cost. This article presents a true story about a concrete bid so the reader can de-mystify the construction estimating workflow with BIM.
The Benefits of Cost Planning Versus Estimating
Traditional estimating can be a time-consuming process that involves multiple iterations. Cost planning naturally evolves the estimate as the design changes highlighting cost variances for the project stakeholders.
Five Quick Steps to Compare Cost Plan Snapshots
Estimators have several options in Vico Office Cost Planner to explore "what-if scenarios" for Owner budgeting meetings. One approach is to compare two versions of the Cost Plan using the Compare & Update feature. For example, let’s say that an Owner would like to go back to Plan A even though you’ve already gone down the Plan B (or C or D) path for quite a ways. This article illustrates how to revert back to the first cost plan and pick up where you left off.
Does BIM Mean Estimators Are Out of a Job?
Model-based estimating does not mean that estimators need to learn how to model or can be easily replaced with a few lines of computer code. It simply means learning how to work with model-derived quantities.
Quickly Update Unit Rates for Material and Labor
How do you prepare a construction project estimate when there are spikes in commodities and materials costs due to market demand? How do you factor in new labor rates for subcontractors in your area? Here is a quick tip for updating these unit rates in your Vico Office estimate.
There Is No Easy Button for BIM Quantity Takeoff
As 5D BIM becomes prevalent in the market, many people believe that you simply push a button to get quantities. However, construction-caliber quantities require properly assigned polygons - either from the geometry or manually painted by the Estimator.
Organizing Your Revit Model to Create Useful Quantity Takeoffs
There is confusion in the AEC/O market that a designer’s BIM model can be multipurposed for design-intent, fabrication, and construction. Unfortunately, that just isn’t the case. But there are ways to make any BIM model more useful. This article explains how to use the Revit Mark property to extract better construction-caliber quantities to be used in scheduling and estimating.
Quantities by Location Are Key to Costing, Planning, and Controlling Construction Projects
A straightforward discussion on BIM-based estimating with the AACEI quickly turned into a planning session centered on Quantities by Location. Key to Vico’s construction management platform is the reliance upon quantities per location to cost, plan, and manage even the most complex construction projects.
Why 5D Comes before 4D in Vico Office
While the construction industry counts 3D-4D-5D BIM, Vico does it differently. Because of the tight integration between the Estimator and the Scheduler’s workflows, we count 3D-5D-4D. The Estimator’s components and assemblies are linked to the Scheduler’s productivity rates by Task Manager. This way our quantities per location divided by productivity rates equals durations!
Lightning Strikes at the BIM Storm for Balfour Beatty and Parsons Brinckerhoff
Balfour Beatty Construction and Parsons Brinckerhoff offered Vico an interesting challenge at the BIM Storm: provide a schedule and estimate for three college campus buildings...in 24 hours. It was a breeze in Vico Office. Roll the videotape!
When Estimators Block BIM
Instead of just estimating an accurate GMP, Estimators are now required to provide information which is used by the scheduler to build and optimize the schedule, and by the site guys to buy out the project and to control production. The resistance typically manifests itself as downplaying the importance of detailed cost data, and emphasizing the risk of showing model quantities to subcontractors.
Keeping Construction Practices Connected
Connecting your construction firm’s data and best practices is just one way you can move from a BIM Department to a BIM Enterprise. The 5D Data Pack designed to help you integrate your 3D models with 4D schedules and 5D estimates.
Doing Your First Model-Based Estimate
Model-based estimating is a gradual, but rapid, cost planning exercise. As the level of detail increases for particular elements, its estimate grows more precise.
Applying Quantity Ratios from Past Projects to Concept Stage SketchUp Models
Vico has developed a new best practice for data mining past project information for quanties, cost, and schedule data. This information can be applied to concept stage BIM models (like Revit, ArchiCAD, even SketchUp) to produce very detailed construction estimates and schedules. And, these quantity ratios grow more precise over time - much more precise than standard square foot costs.
The Role That Level of Detail Plays in Your BIM Estimate
5D BIM utilizes the 3D model geometry and properties from which construction-caliber quantities can be derived. These quantities are then organized by location for scheduling and priced for the cost plan. But the 3D model needs to be at the proper level of detail for the elements being analyzed.
A Shortcut to 5D BIM
The Vico Office Data Pack is a jumpstart for your new BIM project. The Data Pack is a combination of the Vico Standard 5D Library and the Vico Standard 5D Warehouse. The Warehouse is a collection of coded building elements which can be linked to the Library’s knowledge base for costing, resources, and productivity rates. This information is ready to go when a new bid is being developed and creates resource-loaded schedules and cost-loaded estimates with element assemblies and activity assemblies, all divided into labor, material, machinery, subcontractors, etc.
Diyane Koseoglu
www.bimes.com
It has been so hot in Dubai lately. Around 50 degrees. Humidity is just the cherry on top... ( This is a new phrase I learned and I just wanted to use it:)))
Even if we stay outside 2 minutes, it is enough to give you a horrible headache.
And obviously many people are suffering from this. People are forgetting their commitments, coming late to the meeting and etc.
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Europe is another issue. They are all on holiday:)))
So what to do now! Shall we also slow things down!
No!
Here comes a summer reading list. Take your iced drinks and enjoy your summer:)))
BIM Estimating: Myth Versus Reality
BIM estimating is not model-based voodoo. The workflow utilizes a quantity takeoff of the 3D model, a database of material and labor costs, modifying the formulas based on past experience, and presenting an integrated view of the 3D model, the takeoff, and the target cost. This article presents a true story about a concrete bid so the reader can de-mystify the construction estimating workflow with BIM.
The Benefits of Cost Planning Versus Estimating
Traditional estimating can be a time-consuming process that involves multiple iterations. Cost planning naturally evolves the estimate as the design changes highlighting cost variances for the project stakeholders.
Five Quick Steps to Compare Cost Plan Snapshots
Estimators have several options in Vico Office Cost Planner to explore "what-if scenarios" for Owner budgeting meetings. One approach is to compare two versions of the Cost Plan using the Compare & Update feature. For example, let’s say that an Owner would like to go back to Plan A even though you’ve already gone down the Plan B (or C or D) path for quite a ways. This article illustrates how to revert back to the first cost plan and pick up where you left off.
Does BIM Mean Estimators Are Out of a Job?
Model-based estimating does not mean that estimators need to learn how to model or can be easily replaced with a few lines of computer code. It simply means learning how to work with model-derived quantities.
Quickly Update Unit Rates for Material and Labor
How do you prepare a construction project estimate when there are spikes in commodities and materials costs due to market demand? How do you factor in new labor rates for subcontractors in your area? Here is a quick tip for updating these unit rates in your Vico Office estimate.
There Is No Easy Button for BIM Quantity Takeoff
As 5D BIM becomes prevalent in the market, many people believe that you simply push a button to get quantities. However, construction-caliber quantities require properly assigned polygons - either from the geometry or manually painted by the Estimator.
Organizing Your Revit Model to Create Useful Quantity Takeoffs
There is confusion in the AEC/O market that a designer’s BIM model can be multipurposed for design-intent, fabrication, and construction. Unfortunately, that just isn’t the case. But there are ways to make any BIM model more useful. This article explains how to use the Revit Mark property to extract better construction-caliber quantities to be used in scheduling and estimating.
Quantities by Location Are Key to Costing, Planning, and Controlling Construction Projects
A straightforward discussion on BIM-based estimating with the AACEI quickly turned into a planning session centered on Quantities by Location. Key to Vico’s construction management platform is the reliance upon quantities per location to cost, plan, and manage even the most complex construction projects.
Why 5D Comes before 4D in Vico Office
While the construction industry counts 3D-4D-5D BIM, Vico does it differently. Because of the tight integration between the Estimator and the Scheduler’s workflows, we count 3D-5D-4D. The Estimator’s components and assemblies are linked to the Scheduler’s productivity rates by Task Manager. This way our quantities per location divided by productivity rates equals durations!
Lightning Strikes at the BIM Storm for Balfour Beatty and Parsons Brinckerhoff
Balfour Beatty Construction and Parsons Brinckerhoff offered Vico an interesting challenge at the BIM Storm: provide a schedule and estimate for three college campus buildings...in 24 hours. It was a breeze in Vico Office. Roll the videotape!
When Estimators Block BIM
Instead of just estimating an accurate GMP, Estimators are now required to provide information which is used by the scheduler to build and optimize the schedule, and by the site guys to buy out the project and to control production. The resistance typically manifests itself as downplaying the importance of detailed cost data, and emphasizing the risk of showing model quantities to subcontractors.
Keeping Construction Practices Connected
Connecting your construction firm’s data and best practices is just one way you can move from a BIM Department to a BIM Enterprise. The 5D Data Pack designed to help you integrate your 3D models with 4D schedules and 5D estimates.
Doing Your First Model-Based Estimate
Model-based estimating is a gradual, but rapid, cost planning exercise. As the level of detail increases for particular elements, its estimate grows more precise.
Applying Quantity Ratios from Past Projects to Concept Stage SketchUp Models
Vico has developed a new best practice for data mining past project information for quanties, cost, and schedule data. This information can be applied to concept stage BIM models (like Revit, ArchiCAD, even SketchUp) to produce very detailed construction estimates and schedules. And, these quantity ratios grow more precise over time - much more precise than standard square foot costs.
The Role That Level of Detail Plays in Your BIM Estimate
5D BIM utilizes the 3D model geometry and properties from which construction-caliber quantities can be derived. These quantities are then organized by location for scheduling and priced for the cost plan. But the 3D model needs to be at the proper level of detail for the elements being analyzed.
A Shortcut to 5D BIM
The Vico Office Data Pack is a jumpstart for your new BIM project. The Data Pack is a combination of the Vico Standard 5D Library and the Vico Standard 5D Warehouse. The Warehouse is a collection of coded building elements which can be linked to the Library’s knowledge base for costing, resources, and productivity rates. This information is ready to go when a new bid is being developed and creates resource-loaded schedules and cost-loaded estimates with element assemblies and activity assemblies, all divided into labor, material, machinery, subcontractors, etc.
Diyane Koseoglu
www.bimes.com
