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Vico Office for Preconstruction and Estimating Teams

Vico Office for Preconstruction and Estimating Teams extends conventional estimating methodology. Now there is a systematic approach for gradually planning the cost of a construction project from "idea" to "pre-construction." Starting with assumptions and allocations, followed by budget iterations based on either manual input or BIM-based quantity takeoff, the solution provides visual comparisons between any cost plan version and earlier assumptions, greatly improving cost feedback on design decisions.

>> The spreadsheet-like user interface is key. Teams can harness quantity input information from Revit, Tekla and ArchiCAD BIMs and derive a comprehensive takeoff resulting in construction-caliber quantities that can then be costed and classified.

>> Track and analyze a constantly changing project cost plan. 3D models and the unique Cost Explorer interface visually present the cost breakdown.

>> Cost plans from early project phases are typically based on average cost per square foot. These allocations can be replaced with more detailed Uniformat or CSI Masterformat line items when the required input becomes available in your project. The flexible Assembly and Component structure lets you decide when it is time to replace an allocation with a more accurate number, and then automatically performs a comparison.

>> This extension of the traditional estimating methodology helps you quantify, visually identify and present the cost variances that constantly threaten to create a budget overrun and to organize the information for an easy to communicate presentation of the choices to the rest of the project team.

What: A free online webinar
How: Register today at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/115010576

In the previous BIM 501 and BIM 502 classes, we’ve examined the theory behind model-based estimating. Being able to utilize the complex information contained in the BIM streamlines the estimating process. Geometry, means and methods, and costing expertise combine to produce a very precise estimate.

Moving from theory to practice, we’ll demonstrate a typical scenario and workflow for a new project, and how it is managed inside Vico Office.

Vico Office is a BIM-Neutral Platform. Imagine the flexibility of using the most popular BIM authoring tools to create an exhaustive quantity takeoff, cost plan versions, and budget comparisons. We’ll demonstrate how to publish Revit, Tekla, and ArchiCAD files to Vico Office. These BIMs can now be compared, combined, and even augmented with 5D estimating data.

Takeoff Manager Derives Construction-Caliber Quantities. Pivotal to the precision of the 5D estimate is the derivation of model-based quantities. The quantity takeoff algorithms look at each piece of geometry within the 3D BIM, calculates their properties (such as surface area, volume, etc.). The model geometry analysis algorithms can even determine the sides of the elements (for example “top of slab”) and use the boundaries to calculate quantities such as “net surface area.” This type of analysis is much more intuitive than simply counting windows and doors, floors, ceilings, and walls, and produces a much more detailed quantity takeoff. Additionally, the 3D model visually verifies the origination of said quantities.

Cost Planning as Robust as a Database as Flexible as a Spreadsheet. As we saw in the Conceptual Estimating with the MPS webinar, the cost plan evolves with the project. Vico Office Cost Planner supports the living estimate with an intuitive Excel-like interface. Model elements and components are grouped into assemblies, creating in essence, an element-based cost calculation for the project. While looking at line items in the spreadsheet, the user can compare the highlighted elements in the BIM. It’s almost as easy as paint-by-numbers: all the “1s” are columns, all the “2s” are walls, etc. The true power of the database is amplified when the user compares similar past projects and can elect to cut and paste and modify similar assemblies.

Model-Based Estimating as the Hub of Collaboration. We can stare at a stack of plans until we’re cross-eyed, but sometimes we just can’t “see” the project. Owners feel just as overwhelmed, plus, the cost keeps escalating without explanation. But not with Vico Office Cost Explorer. The Cost Explorer visualization engine promotes healthy dialogue between all the constituents. Now you can actively dive into what-if scenarios with the Owner and designers and compare two or three budget options side-by-side. Now your team is the go-to source for analysis and effectively communicating cost variance.

Vico Office for Preconstruction and Estimating Teams is available today for general contractors, CMs, and Owners who want to augment their BIMs with full 5D estimating horsepower. We invite you to this special product edition of Fridays with Vico to learn more.

And as with all our Fridays with Vico sessions, we'll include case studies, ROI, and plenty of time for Q&A.

What: A free online webinar
How: Register today at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/115010576

For more information on the benefits of 5D cost planning versus traditional 2D paper-based estimating, please explore our Blog Forum.

To see a transcript of the questions from this webinar, please head over to the Vico Office Cost Planner FAQs page. If you have a question that is not covered, please email or call us!

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