Recently, many students on the BIM Building Training Network have asked about BIM training courses. However, a common misconception is that since they only work on cost estimation and not modeling or data analysis, BIM isn’t useful for them, so they choose not to learn it. This perspective is entirely mistaken. Here, I want to share my thoughts on the matter.
When BIM, a foreign technology, first arrived in China, the construction industry was still dominated by CAD. Few people noticed or paid attention to it. Yet, BIM technology silently made a powerful impact. Within just a few years, it has transformed the entire construction sector in China. Specifically for the engineering cost consulting industry, BIM represents a disruptive revolution that will completely change traditional workflows and trigger a major industry reshuffle.
According to the Center for Integrated Facilities Engineering (CIFE) at Stanford University, based on an analysis of 32 projects, the benefits of using BIM technology include:
(1) Eliminating 40% of off-budget changes;
(2) Reducing cost estimation time by 80%;
(3) Lowering contract prices by 10% through identifying and resolving conflicts;
(4) Shortening project durations by 7%, enabling earlier returns on investment.
These results highlight that even achieving one of these outcomes would give a cost estimator a significant competitive edge in the industry. Mastering all of them simultaneously is even more powerful. When a few consulting firms or individuals adopt BIM technology, they will become industry leaders. When most companies and professionals master BIM, those who don’t will face swift elimination—including those working in cost estimation.
In my view, it is essential for cost professionals to learn BIM for several reasons:
First, anyone involved in a project—whether designers, contractors, consulting firms, or owners—receives the same BIM model. This uniformity effectively resolves a long-standing issue in engineering cost consulting: quantity takeoff discrepancies. Traditionally, the quantities shown on engineering blueprints are fixed data, but cost engineers often produce different numbers based on their interpretation and expertise. BIM provides a single, definitive source of truth.
Second, extracting quantities directly from a BIM model is quick and straightforward, eliminating the tedious manual calculations that cost engineers have traditionally performed. This frees cost professionals from repetitive tasks and opens up better career opportunities.
Finally, once BIM is adopted, construction teams can no longer conceal quantities of work. To maintain profits, they must find new ways to add value, promoting greater transparency and efficiency throughout the project lifecycle.
In conclusion, I want to thank everyone who has reached out to the BIM Construction Training Network. However, I urge all cost engineers not to cling to outdated mindsets. The rise of BIM is unmistakable and inevitable. Use every available moment to improve your skills and strengthen your professional capabilities.
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