Building Information Modeling (BIM) outsourcing among general contractors

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a process used by Architecture Engineering Construction (AEC) stakeholders which simulates a construction project in a multi-dimensional digital model and provides multitudes of project benefits from project inception to its occupancy. However, a variety of barriers impede a holistic BIM implementation. Due to these barriers, some general contractors outsource the creation and use of BIM models to specialized Information Technology (IT) firms. Since limited literature currently exists for BIM outsourcing, this study aims to identify BIM outsourcing patterns among the general contractors across the US and the perceived impacts it has on construction projects. Analysis of two-hundred and fifty-two complete responses from general contracting firms determines that 45% of responding companies have outsourced BIM, this signifies that outsourcing has become an important facet of BIM implementation. Data was also collected on company demographics, BIM outsourcing locations, strategic reasons for outsourcing, and various other aspects related to BIM outsourcing. The results indicate that respondents perceive BIM outsourcing as less efficient than in-house BIM implementation. However, continued use of outsourcing for BIM functions also displays the adaptability of the industry in meeting challenges and embracing new technology through alternative methods, despite the potential risks. •72% of the responding contractors reported using BIM within the past ten years.•45% of all responding contractors reported outsourcing BIM to some degree.•BIM is outsourced primarily to companies located in the US (94.7%) and India (22.1%).•Most commonly implemented and outsourced BIM functions were clash detection, visualization, and as-built and shop drawings.•41% of contractors with in-house BIM capabilities choose to outsource BIM instead.•Respondents perceived in-house BIM implementation to have a more favorable project impact than outsourcing BIM.