Who would use estimating software with CAD?
Design/build companies where real-time budgets and detailed cost estimates are equally important are ideally suited for extending BIM with the fourth and fifth dimensions. In the design/build environment, reducing the time spent performing quantity takeoffs and cost estimates saves time and money. Architectural firms also stand to benefit from being able to quickly see the costs associated with their designs up front during the design process. Large owners are also recognizing the benefits of BIM. In a number of cases cost conscience owners are demanding that project teams adopt BIM technology for their projects. Owners are becoming more and more aware that BIM technology can lead to fewer change orders and faster and more accurate project cost estimates. For more information on software to help you move forward in the BIM environment, visit www.winest.com. Steve Watt is President of WinEstimator, Inc and has been in the AEC industry for 20+ years.
