8 - Cost Estimating Using BIM

BIM-based cost estimation, 5D BIM
Week 8 lecture
Dr Sara Shirowzhan
UNSW, FBE, Term 2 2021
Learning objectives
To understand the benefits of BIM To learn the process of BIM-based

based cost estimation cost estimation using CostX
When intending on developing a construction
project, most clients work with a tight, predefined
budget.
If the budget is exceeded, the project could
Cost fail/be stopped.
Cost management exercise helps in ensuring that
management the design and construction of a project:
• is within the budgetary limit stipulated by the
client
• provides best value for money
Forecasting/ Cost forecasting/ estimating – predicting the likely cost of
estimating construction/expenditure to the client
Cost
management
involves Cost Cost control – controlling the design and construction within the
predicted budget
different
approaches:
Value management- improving the value of a project without
Value increasing the cost or reducing the cost without reducing the
value
The method of cost management deployed varies depending on the project phase
Detailed design phase
Detailed estimating (Bill of quantities preparation)
At this stage, the design matures
in details and different design
information becomes available.
A detailed cost estimate is often
prepared to predict the cost
required to build the project
Cost consultants/QSs prepare a
detailed bill of quantities (BOQ)
for this purpose
The BOQ is a schedule of present
work items for individual
portions of contract works
This estimate is more accurate
than any conceptual cost plans
as it is developed with matured
Detailed Estimating details.
Standards for BOQ preparation
BOQs are prepared based on a common standard of structure and
descriptions.
In Australia, Australian Standard Method of Measurement (ASMM)
is used.
ASMM classification:
• 26 measurement classes
• Some have subclasses
1. Preliminaries 15. Roofing
2. Demolition 16. Suspended ceilings
BOQ is 3.
4.
Groundworks (5 subcategories) 17.
Piling 18.
Windows
Doors
organised as 5. Concrete (8 subcategories) 19. Finishes (5 subcategories)
6. Masonry 20. Apinting
per the 7. Stonework (2 subcategories) 21. Furniture
categories of 8.
9.
Structural steel
Metal work
22.
23.
Hydraulics
Drainage
items in 10.
11.
Woodwork
Galzing
24.
25.
Electrical installation
Mechanical installation
ASMM 12.
13.
Hardware
Access floors
26. Exterior elements (2
subcategories)
14. Partitions
Process of
detailed
estimating
Whilst being fairly accurate, it is extremely
time consuming and tedious
Incorrect visualisation of drawings might cause

significant inaccuracies and errors in
estimating
Challenges
Variations and design changes make iterations
in the process harder
Lots of paper work and record keeping

involved
• Computers have been used
for estimating since the
1970s.
• Initially, general purpose
applications were used
• Subsequently, specialist
estimating software came to
the scene
• They do not automate the
process completely
• The challenges remained the
same. Probably at a scaled
down level
Computer aided estimating
Detailed estimating with BIM
A BIM model is a collection of

E.g. dimensions and counts of
computable building
elements
information
BIM models can be used to

generate automated quantity Therefore, the information is
take-offs and assist in the always consistent with the
creation of cost estimates design
directly
Software for We use CostX
Apply for an educational licence (use your student email)
BIM based cost https://education.exactal.com/support/forum/educational
-request/
estimation
How does a BIM based estimating software work?
Export
utility
Automated Compile BOQ

Import Pricing BOQ
quantity items Reports
model items
take-off (unpriced)
Unit rate
buildup
Resource
Resource
consumption Archives
price library
norms
Reduces the time to take-off quantities from weeks to
hours/days
Reduces errors caused by incorrect visualisation in the

estimating process
Advantages
of BIM Minimises the incidence of disputes arising from errors in
estimation
based cost
estimation Allows cost consultants to spend more time on value-
adding activities’
Reduces overheads since the “risk” component allocated

to the construction price to cover errors is reduced.
Thank you
Resources
https://www.exactal.com/en/costx/videos/webinars/#/
https://www.exactal.com/en/costx/videos/training/#/
https://techweb.exactal.com/documentation/index.php

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BIM-based cost estimation, 5D BIM

To understand the benefits of BIM To learn the process of BIM-based

Incorrect visualisation of drawings might cause

Lots of paper work and record keeping

A BIM model is a collection of

BIM models can be used to

Automated Compile BOQ

Reduces errors caused by incorrect visualisation in the

Reduces overheads since the “risk” component allocated

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