BIM Modelling Services —
From Kickoff to Fabrication Export
Every element placed, sized, classified and data-rich. BIMBAM delivers BIM modelling at LOD 100 through LOD 500 — geometry that becomes the ground truth for coordination, shop drawings, and quantity takeoffs.
What Is BIM Modelling?
(And Why It Matters for Your Project)
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the process of creating a data-rich 3D digital representation of a physical building or infrastructure project. Unlike traditional CAD, every element in a BIM model carries geometry AND embedded data — pipe class, duct gauge, insulation spec, system classification, and fabrication parameters.
On a real project, this matters because the BIM model becomes the single source of truth.
Quantities flow from it. Shop drawings are generated from it. Coordination is performed
inside it. When the model is right, every downstream deliverable is right.
What "Building Information Modeling" Actually Means on a Real Job
In practice, BIM modelling at BIMBAM means:
- Every element placed at the correct size, height, and position — not schematic, not approximate
- System families applied correctly: duct gauge, pipe class, insulation thickness all part of the geometry
- All fittings modelled individually: elbows, tees, reducers, valves, flanges — each one counts
- Penetrations, sleeves, and builder’s work openings modelled as discrete elements
- Supports and hangers modelled at correct spacing
- All elements tagged with correct system classification (Uniclass / OmniClass)
Our BIM Modelling Workflow — End to End
"A quantity from an uncoordinated model is not a quantity.
It is a guess with a BIM logo on it."
Kickoff & Information Gathering
Before a single element is placed, we align with the trade team:
- Attend kickoff with superintendent & PMs
- Confirm LOD scope & deliverable schedule
- Agree on file naming, axis, base point & levels
- Identify key milestones driving model releases
- Collect architectural, structural & civil drawings
- Confirm services zones & clearance requirements
- Clarify fabrication vs installation scope split
Model Setup & Shared Standards
The model framework everything downstream depends on:
- Load approved project Revit template
- Link architectural + structural models using shared coordinates
- Set survey point, project base point, grids & levels
- Apply internal BIM standards: layers, line styles, view templates
- Configure workset structure for full MEP collaboration
- Set up Navisworks Manage: discipline NWC files, selection sets, clash tolerances
LOD Modelling (LOD 100 to LOD 500)
Right detail, right data, right time — no over-modelling, no under-modelling:
- Geometry modelled per agreed LOD scope
- System families + correct sizing applied throughout
- Penetrations, supports & connections included
- Manufacturer data embedded at LOD 400+
- Type & instance parameters fully populated
- Uniclass / OmniClass system classifications applied
- Fabrication data embedded for MAF export elements
LOD 350 is the minimum for reliable QTO. At LOD 350, every connection, fitting, support and accessory is in the model. Below this, quantities require manual adjustment and lose the traceability that makes BIM-based QTO defensible.
Quality Control Before Coordination
Check before you clash. Internal QC runs first:
- Model health check (warnings & errors)
- Parameter completeness audit
- LOD compliance check vs scope document
- Cross-check against project BEP requirements
- Client-specific QA checklist review
- Document & resolve all non-conformances
Clash Coordination Integration
Internal first, then federated:
- Federate own disciplines in Navisworks Manage
- Run clash detection, triage & resolve
- Update model, re-run, confirm clearances
- Issue internal coordination report
- Attend multi-trade clash resolution meetings
- Keep superintendent updated on all open clashes
File Exports & Fabrication Handoff
Issue the right file to the right person in the right format:
| File Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| IFC | Federated BIM coordination & handover |
| NWC | Navisworks clash detection |
| DWG | 2D construction drawings & overlays |
| Marked-up drawings for site team | |
| .MAF | Factory fabrication (spools, panels) |
All exports issued with revision history and full transmittal record.
What Makes a BIM Model Reliable?
LOD 350 — The Minimum for Trusted Quantity Takeoffs
Missing fittings in a duct run can undercount fabrication components by up to 30%. Wrong LOD
means wrong quantities — and wrong quantities mean wrong procurement. BIMBAM models to the
LOD your project actually needs, confirmed at kickoff.
System Families, Fittings & Data — All Embedded
Every fitting is individually modelled: elbows, tees, reducers, valves, flanges. Insulation thickness is in the geometry, not assumed. Supports and hangers are at correct spacing.
This is the difference between a model that produces trusted quantities and one that produces a liability.
❌ What Kills BIM Model Accuracy:
- Schematic or symbolic elements used as placeholders
- Missing fittings (up to 30% undercount on fabrication)
- Wrong LOD — LOD 200 elements produce LOD 200 quantities
- No insulation geometry
- Unhosted or disconnected elements
- Copy-paste overlapping elements
BIM Technology We Use
Autodesk Revit
Primary authoring platform for all disciplines — architectural, structural and MEP models.
Worksets, shared coordinates and LOD compliance managed per project BEP.
Navisworks Manage
Federated clash detection and coordination review. All NWC exports appended into a single federated file. Clash tests run per discipline pair.
Revizto
Cloud-based coordination and issue-tracking. Live model federation shared with all trades,
GC and superintendent. Issues logged, assigned and tracked directly in the model.
BIM 360 / ACC & Fabrication CADmep
Cloud document management, model hosting, revision control. MAF fabrication files exported
with part numbers, cut lengths and material specs embedded.
Who We Model For
Mechanical & HVAC
Ductwork systems, AHUs, FCUs, VAV boxes, fire and smoke dampers, grilles and diffusers.
All modelled with insulation as a separate geometry layer.
Electrical
Main switchboards, distribution boards, cable trays, conduits, HV/LV/ELV systems. Tray
stacking order enforced in the model with minimum clearances maintained and verified.
Plumbing & Hydraulics
Cold/hot water mains and branches, sanitary and stormwater gravity lines with correct fall modelled at minimum 1:80. Pumps, HWS units, backflow prevention — all included.
Fire Protection
Sprinkler mains, branches, drops, upright/pendent/sidewall heads. Void heads above suspended ceilings modelled separately. 150mm minimum clearance to any obstruction — modelled and clash-checked.
BIM Modelling FAQs
What is BIM modelling used for?
BIM modelling is used to create a data-rich 3D model of a building’s components — structure,
architecture, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems — before construction begins. The
model then drives coordination, shop drawings, quantity takeoffs, fabrication and handover.
What does a BIM technician do on a project?
A BIM technician builds and maintains the discipline models in Revit, ensures LOD compliance,
populates element parameters, runs internal clash checks, and exports coordination and
fabrication files. At BIMBAM, every BIM technician works within a structured QC process
before any file leaves the team.
What LOD do I need for procurement and fabrication?
LOD 350 is the minimum for reliable quantity takeoffs and procurement. LOD 400 is required
for fabrication-level geometry, including manufacturer-specific data. We confirm the required
LOD at project kickoff and model to that standard consistently.
How does BIM modelling differ from 3D coordination?
BIM modelling is the authoring phase — building each discipline’s model. 3D coordination is
what happens next: all models are federated, clashes between disciplines are detected and
resolved, and the combined model is signed off as construction-ready. → See our 3D BIM Coordination page for full details.
Start Your BIM Modelling Project
Need expert BIM modelling support for your project? We provide a fixed-price proposal after a 20-minute consultation — no ambiguity, no open-ended billing.