In an article published in Condo Lifestyles’ April Issue with the above title, Elara Engineering co-authors Jesse Langille (Digital Design Team Leader) and Adam Sanders (Associate Principal/Practice Leader) walk building owners through a better way – using 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM) — to navigate retrofit construction projects, especially those in vintage multifamily buildings where original documentation is often incomplete or outdated, utilities are packed tightly into constrained spaces, and unforeseen conditions are the norm rather than the exception.
By using BIM instead of traditional 2D blueprints to address common challenges faced by building owners undertaking retrofit work, the following advantages can be realized.
Fewer Surprises: In older buildings ductwork, piping, and conduit are often routed through tight spaces and represented by a single line in a 2D drawing. With these traditional drawings, actual existing overlaps aren’t caught until construction—requiring last-minute changes and compromises. During the design phase with BIM, designers can verify that systems work together in harmony, resulting in fewer change orders and cost overruns during construction.
Improved Visualization: Understanding spatial layouts from 2D drawings can be difficult, especially in tight mechanical rooms or utility chases. BIM gives all stakeholders—from building owners to contractors—a clearer understanding of how systems will fit and function in the real world. Contractors can also use MEP BIM models to better plan their installations, leading to higher-quality builds and fewer issues down the line.
Enhanced Team Integration: BIM enhances communication among all parties involved. Building owners can see a more representative illustration of the work to be done, and contractors can better understand design intent to provide bids with greater confidence. For project teams, BIM acts as a centralized platform for all disciplines—architecture, structure, and MEP.
Even though BIM has yet to become standard practice in the retrofit market because these projects are often viewed as too small or too constrained to justify the perceived extra effort; engineers and designers who have experience with BIM and various project types know full well the value BIM brings and many, including Elara Engineering, have now standardized BIM technology on nearly all project types and sizes.
The bottom line is that using 3D BIM tools can bring better retrofit project results.
A reprint of Jesse Langille’s and Adam Sanders’ article can be found here.
