BIM Outsourcing Guide: How to Choose the Right Service Provider

In 2026, bidding and winning projects will be influenced by a rise in infrastructure projects, a surge in competition and increasingly stringent compliance requirements. As I've mentioned in previous posts, Architects, Engineers and Contractors must adopt the latest technology to gain a competitive edge. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the cornerstone of any digitisation strategy for the AEC sector. This article offers essential information to help you collaborate effectively with a dependable BIM Service Provider for outsourcing.

Clarity of Project Scope

You might be a representative of an architecture firm, a general contractor or a plumbing specialist. Your Building Information Modelling (BIM) requirements will depend on your role in a project. Typical projects are divided into three stages: Design, Construction and Handover. An architecture firm is heavily involved in the design phase and often uses tools like SketchUp for its ease of use. However, these models aren't suitable for a BIM workflow. Instead, they're translated into Level of Detail 300 (LOD 300) BIM models that downstream contractors can reference during the Bidding and Construction phases.

The needs of a general contractor differ from those of an architectural consultant. As a general contractor, the focus is on referencing a BIM model to create 4D models for planning, quickly developing cost estimates from BIM (such as quantity takeoffs for 5D BIM) or ensuring subcontractors' disciplines don't clash, which could lead to costly rework on site. General contractors might be more involved in developing the Construction and Asset Management BIM model, which typically involves more detail than a consultant's work.

Defining BIM Requirements

A crucial document in any project is the BIM Requirements document or Employer's Information Requirement (EIR). Typically developed by the Asset Owner in collaboration with a BIM Consultant, it outlines the project's goals, parties and workflows. This serves as a vital reference for downstream players like architects, consultants and contractors and should be consulted. You can learn more about this in our BIM Execution Plan guide. In some cases the EIR may specify a preferred Common Data Environment (CDE) limiting downstream players to a narrower range of BIM development tools. While OpenBIM's growing adoption may address some vendor ecosystem challenges, it itself presents its own set of difficulties.

Model According to Need

A common problem in projects is a lack of clarity on the appropriate BIM Level of Detail (LOD) for each stage. This lack of development according to need leads to scenarios where models can't be completed on time resulting in models that are merely for show. In some projects, the BIM model is only created at the project's end after construction begins. This is a waste because potentially costly clashes can't be detected beforehand and design flaws can't be captured during collaborative model sessions. Ultimately this drives up costs and causes delays in project completion.

Collaboration in the Cloud

In the early days of BIM in the early 2000s, model collaboration sessions used tools like Navisworks, and were conducted in-person. However, the technology for collaboration has vastly improved over the decades, leading to improvements in model loading times and version control. Tools like Autodesk Construction Cloud and ProjectWise allow teams of consultants that may be based in different parts of the world to review and collaborate in the cloud. A BIM Service Provider should offer such tools to facilitate the model review process with your project teams. These tools typically feature advanced tools for document management, access control, and collaboration that makes it easy for project teams to keep track of outstanding tasks and issues.

OpenBIM and IFC Adoption

Everyone has their favourite tool that works for them. Architects might prefer SketchUp or Revit for their advanced modelling capabilities while structural engineers might favour Tekla or STAAD for their comprehensive structural analysis tools and BIM integration. Software vendors often lock users into a single ecosystem, forcing them to adopt tools specific to that vendor. However, this is becoming less of a problem as awareness of OpenBIM's benefits grows. Countries like Singapore are even adopting OpenBIM to streamline regulatory review processes through platforms like CORENET X.

At Bimeco, we understand your preference for your chosen tools. We're familiar with them all and work with you to create BIM models that can be exported as OpenBIM or IFC. This approach allows everyone to use their preferred tool of choice.

Training & Adoption

BIM adoption is futile without all project stakeholders involved. Essential workflow tasks include reading models to flag issues and extracting shop drawings from the BIM CDE. Training doesn't need to be exhaustive but should equip your team to fully utilise the available information. At Bimeco, we recognise the importance of such enablement sessions and have partnered with training providers like Ace Industrial Academy. They offer in-person and remote BIM adoption courses. These Skillsfuture-approved courses follow a well-established curriculum, facilitating rapid adoption of BIM by industry professionals.

Managing Model Change

It's rare for a design to remain unchanged throughout a project. Clients often discover additional changes or unexpected issues, leading to design modifications. These changes can have downstream effects during construction and require contractors to update their construction models. Most BIM service providers create a BIM model based on a pre-defined scope of work, so any additional changes may incur unexpected charges. At Bimeco, we offer comprehensive BIM support throughout your project, connecting you with skilled experts and BIM software that facilitate digital delivery workflows. Our model changes are directly updated to a BIM Common Data Environment, providing project stakeholders with real-time access to the latest model data.

Getting Started with BIM

In today's competitive landscape, material, personnel and compliance costs are constantly rising. By adopting the latest digital tools, firms can gain a technological edge over their rivals. This enables them to cut costs, deliver high-quality projects and ultimately create greater value for their customers. Whether you need BIM services for architecture, structural engineering, MEP coordination, or BIM consulting, interested parties are welcome to schedule a call with us today.