Adding CAD and BIM Resources for Home Design in the US Adding CAD and BIM Resources for Home Design in th | Page 2

sharing through cloud storage. Data created and gathered can improve processes, efficiency and
constantly updated communication.
Originally, BIM systems were designed as a more efficient way to create 2D documents, which
remain crucial to the industry. In the past, 2D drawings were simple, not always accurate, missing
data and lacked coordination due to several changes both on and off site. Utilising BIM solutions
leads to a single version displaying 2D sections, elevations and information which are coordinated
and are reflective of the actual live design.
BIM’s role in the construction industry has upgraded the use of computer-aided design practices to
produce digital drawings, designs and models. Many industry professionals still prefer creating
conceptual designs on paper, but an increasing number of AEC (architectural, engineering and
construction) firms have moved to utilising CAD for designs and drawings.
Computer-aided design drawings have been efficient and widely used in the construction industry,
however in some cases, the output produced using CAD has not been sufficient. BIM became useful
in tying up the loose ends that CAD sometimes missed. BIM technology enables all users to share
data and thus improves coordination among the different stakeholders. This way, design-related
issues are taken care of promptly and effectively.
A number of advantages can be enjoyed with BIM systems. With constant and regular advances in
robotics, prefabrication, 3D printing and modular construction, a more adaptable design process is
required. BIM technology integrates these additional features and further produces immersive
visualisations and virtual reality views from the 3D model. This provides greater insight into the
designs. By using computational design to extend BIM workflows, geometry is built, design options
are considered, processes are automated and links can be created between multiple applications.
Cloud-based collaboration tools enable greater efficiency with extended project teams.
In the home design construction industry, contractors are still heavily dependent on detailed
drawings and residential CD sets. This means that the data required must be placed in relevant
layers and thus avoid changes as much as possible. Accurate details must be created dimensionally.
The relevance of structural construction drawings come into play at this stage. Structural drawings,
portable structural drawings as well as homebuilding design drawings for construction require 2D
drafting and detailing.
BIM facilitates project coordination, asset management and cost estimation. Construction projects
require architectural, mechanical and structural shop drawings. Design engineers proficient in
AutoCAD (architectural, structural), Revit MEP (MEP), Autodesk BDS (architectural, structural, MEP),
Tekla (structural), STAADPro (structural), among other BIM technology software, can seamlessly
provide these shop drawings. To make estimates of the home plan, 2D construction drawings from