The lack of proper documentation is one of the biggest barriers to successful renovation and retrofitting. Without having precise information about the condition of your structure, you won't be able to plan for a smooth process or design safe upgrades. Thankfully, with the help of accurate 3D BIM as-built modeling, you can finally get the necessary documentation to transform any existing building safely.
Here, you'll learn how accurate modeling makes retrofit design a lot easier, why 3D BIM as-built services trump 2D drawings, and the best practices for making reliable models.
As-Built BIM Modeling Explained
As-built BIM modeling refers to the creation of a detailed 3D digital model that reflects your existing building's actual current state. Unlike typical as-built drawings, which usually are just 2D layouts with little information, BIM provides a much more advanced solution. In BIM models, each and every element is an intelligent object containing relevant information about itself and its relations with other building components.
Here's how the typical scan-to-BIM process usually works:
Capture the geometry of your building using 3D laser scanners
Create a point cloud consisting of millions of measuring points
Convert the cloud to a parametric BIM model using BIM software like Autodesk Revit
Enrich data with additional information such as maintenance schedules or compliance dates
The Importance of Accurate As-Built BIM for Renovation
Unlike constructing a completely new building, renovating existing structures comes with some unique challenges. If you want to avoid costly reworks and delays, you have to be fully aware of existing features in the structure.
Potential Issues With Unclear As-Built Drawings
Challenge | Project Consequences |
MEP conflicts | Up to 25% of average project costs spent on reworks |
Dimensional inaccuracies | 3-6 week delays due to multiple redesigns |
Structural problems | $50,000+ emergency redesign fees |
RFI requests | Holdup of at least 2-4 weeks in project approvals |
Site verification trips | Costs of $5,000-$15,000 for extra visits |
How Accurate As-Built BIM Solves These Problems
With accurate as-built BIM, you can address most of the potential risks above:
Clash detection eliminates conflicts between your designs and existing features by identifying potential clashes between new and old components before construction.
MEP verification captures existing utilities such as heating, plumbing, and electrical installations with exact dimensions to avoid rework.
Visualization helps ensure that everyone sees the same model, which prevents misunderstandings and improves client approval rates.
Minimizes the number of RFIs by providing all necessary data upfront so that designers won't need to ask many questions.
Significant reduction in renovation costs by avoiding re-verifications and other common delays. Studies estimate savings of 10-20%.
Using As-Built BIM Modeling for Successful Retrofits
Renovations and retrofits have become a necessity in the modern world due to technological advancements and changes in regulations. In order to carry out a successful renovation, you will have to do more than simply upgrade the building's exterior.
Applications for As-Built Modeling in Retrofits
Purpose | As-Built Modeling |
Upgrade HVAC | See where existing ducts, pipes, and wiring are located and design systems with minimal conflicts. |
Post-renovation digital twin | Serve as an as-is model of the building to facilitate long-term facility management. |
Multiple phases | Create one unified model for each phase to visualize renovation progress throughout your project. |
MEP systems verification | Determine where your existing utility elements such as pipes are located and their characteristics. |
Here are the main steps in this process:
Laser scan all existing conditions of your structure, taking photos from overlapping scan stations
Validate the resulting point cloud by performing additional verification in the field
Convert the cloud to an accurate 3D BIM model with embedded data
Use the model for clash detection, coordination, and visualization
Eventually, the next step will be developing AI-powered retrofits.
Advantages of Professional 3D BIM As-Built Services
Using professional 3D BIM as-built services provides numerous benefits that will impact your renovation or retrofit project positively.
Superior Accuracy
Instead of relying on inaccurate drawings, laser scanners capture existing geometry with high precision. Your BIM model will reflect actual conditions after construction, not a design that might no longer match the reality.
Facility Management for Years to Come
Unlike as-built drawings that only provide a snapshot of your structure's current state, 3D BIM allows storing all necessary information in one place for long-term use by owners, contractors, architects, and facilities management professionals.
Avoid Costly Re-verification
Since BIM models provide precise data on existing structures, you won't have to conduct multiple verification visits and pay for extra labor.
Time and Cost Savings Through Better Processes
Instead of spending money on expensive re-verifications, you can use laser scan data and cloud BIM software to eliminate delays and cut renovation costs.
Instant Access to Verified Data
With BIM, you don't have to wait for drawings to be reviewed and signed off. Cloud software allows accessing verified data immediately.
Effective Collaboration Through Real-Time Access to Information
Since everyone accesses accurate information at once through BIM software, misunderstandings between stakeholders will be reduced.
BIM As-Built Modeling Best Practices
To create accurate as-built BIM models, you should follow best practices and methodologies.
Use laser scanning instead of 2D drawings. Original plans may not be fully accurate anymore, especially for buildings older than 10 years.
Scans must be taken from multiple stations with sufficient overlap. Otherwise, missing points may lead to inaccurate data.
Verify your building's utilities. As-built models aren't limited to architecture alone, document all mechanical systems as well.
Use consistent file names and versions for better tracking in case multiple people use BIM.
Crosscheck field measurements with your point cloud.
As-Built BIM Models - The Building's Living Documentation
As-built BIM isn't just documentation. It evolves into living information sources containing updated data about a building's current condition.
Future of BIM Integrated With IoT Devices, AI & Cloud Software
BIM as-is models will incorporate IoT sensors to allow real-time monitoring and management of building performance, energy consumption, predictive maintenance alerts, compliance reporting, and other information.
AI-Powered Scanning and Machine Learning
AI will help in automating laser scan data collection and model creation, allowing getting more accurate and precise information. ML will identify various elements automatically, which will cut as-built BIM modeling costs by 30-50%.
This technology enables more efficient facility management, lower energy costs, predictive maintenance, and other smart building solutions that will make renovation or conversion more convenient.
Conclusion
Accurate as-built BIM models are essential for any renovation or retrofit project, whether it's replacing your building's HVAC system or turning a historic industrial space into a commercial center. Investing in professional as-built services will save you lots of money, eliminate potential risks, and make your design process a breeze.
As-built BIM becomes your long-term asset, helping to maintain and manage your facility for decades to come. The technology is now available and affordable with CAD Drafting Services. Start using BIM models for your retrofit projects and save on costs and time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is as-built BIM modeling and why is it important for renovations?
As-built BIM modeling refers to the process of creating detailed 3D BIM models of your existing building. It allows you to get all the necessary information to perform renovation or retrofit successfully.
Q2: How does as-built BIM modeling save money during renovation?
By helping detect clashes upfront, minimizing redesigns, reducing RFIs and eliminating field verification trips. According to industry experts, accurate as-built BIM modeling can reduce renovation costs by 10-20%.
Q3: What's the difference between 2D as-built drawings and BIM as-builts?
The biggest difference is that as-built BIM models are intelligent objects. Unlike drawings, they contain embedded data and allow clash detection, coordination, and visualization.
Q4: Why do scan-to-BIM processes make renovation easier?
The main advantage of scanning is that the result is highly accurate. No more guessing when planning your renovation - everything is captured accurately right away.
Q5: What should I do to ensure reliable as-built BIM modeling?
Here are the main best practices that will guarantee reliable data capture: use laser scanning, take overlapping scans, include utility elements, and crosscheck field data.
Q6: How will AI revolutionize as-built BIM modeling?
AI will make scanning and modeling almost instant and significantly cheaper. Costs of as-built BIM modeling could drop by 30-50%.