Currently, the primary approach to using Building Information Modeling (BIM) for cost estimation involves defining quantities and materials within the BIM environment and transferring this data into a cost budgeting system. There are several methods to achieve this transfer, and here is a brief overview:
1. Application Programming Interface (API): This method suits budget programs provided by vendors such as U.S. COST or Innovatya (which later merged with Sage Timberline Office Estimating). It establishes a direct connection between the cost budgeting system and Revit, allowing users to export the building information model from Revit in the cost budgeting program’s data format. The exported model is then imported into the budgeting software to initiate the cost estimation process.
2. Open Database Connectivity (ODBC): Used by cost budgeting programs like CostX (Australia) and ITALSOFT (Italy), ODBC is a reliable and widely accepted standard for data-centric integrated applications. This method accesses attribute information stored in the building model via an ODBC database and retrieves spatial data through exported 2D or 3D CAD files. Subsequently, these building data are reorganized within the cost budgeting solution to link attributes and pricing effectively, often through software like Cost Geometry.
3. Exporting to Excel: Although simpler compared to the aforementioned methods, calculating quantities in Revit and exporting the data to Microsoft® Excel® remains a popular and straightforward approach. Many companies prefer this method because it is easy to operate and fits certain cost budgeting workflows. Typically, material quantities are calculated in Revit, exported to a spreadsheet, and then handed over to cost estimators for further processing.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution among these BIM-based cost calculation methods. The choice of integration strategy depends on the company’s budgeting workflow, the cost estimation software used, and the associated price database.
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