A Cost-estimating Building Information Modeling Tool Developed on Sketchup Platform for Single-Family Residential Design

Abstract

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has become a popular tool in design and construction. Despite its wide applications, the cost-estimating function of BIM is not robust enough, especially for projects in the schematic design stage. One hurdle for BIM-based estimating is that the architects’ 3D models lack cost information. Architects typically do not have the necessary information of cost until the late design stage, when estimates are provided by contractors. To overcome that hurdle, this research invents a new estimating tool on the platform of Sketchup. This tool integrates the contractor’s cost-estimate database with architects’ knowledge base. It leverages BIM technology to provide simple and reliable cost estimates for single-family housing projects. With this tool, architects can easily estimate construction cost from their schematic Sketchup models.