Evaluation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) Estimating Methods in Construction Education

Estimating in construction education has remained relatively unchanged despite continual technological advances. Currently, students conduct time consuming quantifications and take-offs from construction documents. This traditional estimating process is disconnected from the physical building leading to greater differences between estimated and actual construction costs. To remedy this condition, significant technological advances in building information modeling have occurred and now allow professionals to link components of three-dimensional computer models to costs databases eliminating human error and reducing time. Accepting that estimates are projections for future construction costs and thus profits, this comparison study seeks to understand how the visual processes of BIM estimating improves our ability to accurately assess building construction costs beyond mere speculation. Overall, this comparison study examines the ability of BIM estimating procedures for integration within construction education and its ability to improve student’s understanding of the estimating process.