Top 5 Challenges in Implementing BIM for Small Construction Firms

The construction industry is shifting toward standard and sustainable integration and collaboration with BIM. Nevertheless, implementation of BIM is not an easy task, especially for small construction firms that are small. However, small firms experience issues that prevent them from achieving total integration of BIM systems entirely though they are likely to be resource-rich than their smaller counterparts. 

In this article, we detail the five major costs that small construction firms face in implementing BIM and how these barriers can be overcome.  

1. Lack of trained Professionals in the BIM industry 

It is one of the key challenges that negatively impact the ability of small construction firms to implement BIM- the shortage of qualified personnel. Special skills are needed for BIM ranging from architectural design, 3D modeling services, data management, and many other small businesses that do not have access or cannot afford experienced BIM professionals. Small organizations may lack the capital to address BIM implementation adequately, provide initial staff training, or seek a staff member with expertise in BIM. This lack of skilled personnel becomes a problem for small firms to implement BIM to its maximum potential reducing its application to partial, or ineffective usage.  

2. The Unwillingness of All Stakeholders in BIM Adoption 

The implementation of BIM is dependent on the commitment of all project participants including the architects, engineers, contractors and clients. In small construction firms, management’s resistance to any change is quite apparent. Certain stakeholders may never have been exposed to the applications of BIM and so they may find this method tedious and unnecessary compared to the conventional techniques.  

3. Lack of awareness of BIM’s full potential 

Unfortunately, for some small construction firms, BIM is yet another 3D design tool, rather than a comprehensive project management system. This lack of awareness regarding the full utilization, like optimization of cost estimates schedules and sustainability. The belief that BIM is just beneficial for bigger projects, smaller firms continue to discourage it. Thus making it a secondary choice for construction needs in smaller firms.  

4. Too many details are required at the initial stages of the project 

Another issue that small firms face is, the overwhelming amount of details that must be provided at the start of a BIM project. BIM is based on a highly detailed digital representation of built assets; this involves more than just geometric dimensions of construction but project timelines, cost estimates, and lifecycle management data. For small firms that need not embrace large project teams or IT to support project delivery, getting and managing this amount of detail at the early stage of the project might be daunting. This can delay project initiation, or nearly complete models which do not fully exploit the potential of BIM. 

5. High Initial Costs 

Although the potential benefits of adopting BIM are cost-saving through optimisation of time and error reduction in the long run, its cost for early adoption is relatively high, particularly for smaller firms. The reality is that the purchase of licenses, training people, and procuring the hardware required for it can become expensive, which results in increasing pressure on the company’s finances. Furthermore, the cost that is required to adopt BIM from conventional project management can pose a problem for most small firms since they have to struggle even to provide for basic needs that enable them to meet their organizational goals and objectives effectively. Thus, unfortunately, many small firms are reluctant to make this investment without understanding the long-term Returns on Investment.  

Conquering BIM Obstacles and Future-Proofing Small Firms! 

While BIM has numerous benefits in construction processes for small and large projects, there are issues that small companies experience when adopting this effective tool. These challenges may include a lack of skilled professionals to implement BIM, and high initial cost implications which hinder the integration process by small firms blocking them from realizing the whole benefits of adopting BIM. Though, small construction firms can follow these challenges when implementing BIM by receiving appropriate support, and training, and raising awareness of enhanced project outcomes and increased competitiveness in the market. Since BIM is still a young technology that is only gradually being implemented, small businesses need to remain current and spend money on those that will assist them in transitioning into the new environment successfully.