If you’re a contractor here in Fort Lauderdale, you realize that construction disputes can threaten to derail even the most well-planned builds. In fact, a recent report from Arcadis, a consultancy and design firm, claims that two of the most common reasons for construction disputes are unsubstantiated claims and errors and omissions.
An average dispute takes more than a year to resolve. That’s money down the drain for contractors, because in the construction industry, time equals money.
What if there were a way to prevent these types of construction problems? As it turns out, there is a way to reduce the costs and frequency of these disputes.
Computer modeling — the answer?
More and more contractors, builders and civil engineers are turning to BIM. Known as Building Information Modeling, this design process is a collaborative build that uses a system of computer models instead of separate sets of drawings.
Contractors use BIM in conjunction with the owners, architects and other stakeholders. They can collaboratively generate and manage three-dimensional versions of projects from conception through ribbon-cutting, thus eliminating many of the problems that can arise on-the-job.
BIM can reduce the costs of construction, while also assisting with post-construction management of assets. While there are no across-the-board requirements to use these 3D modeling systems, they are emerging as a modern way to increase productivity while simultaneously reducing the need for litigation and alternative dispute resolution.
What happens when disputes arise?
To be sure, BIM won’t wipe out construction disputes entirely. But when problems do manifest, BIM is a helpful tool that can be utilized during the dispute resolution process.
It offers a forensic blueprint into the project and can verify that the scope of the completed work dovetails with the contract requirements.
Using BIM is not a magic formula to make every project go off without a hitch. However, contractors who are concerned with the costs of litigating disputes may decide to take another look into this modern tool.