Delivering value for money with BIM-embedded housing refurbishment

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this research is to examine if building information modelling (BIM) is feasible as an information management platform to determine a financially and environmentally affordable housing refurbishment solution based on the life cycle cost (LCC) and LCC calculation.Design/methodology/approachA case study in conjunction with BIM simulation approach using BIM tools (Autodesk Revit and IES VE/IMPACT) was adopted to identify the feasibility of BIM for the simultaneous formulation of LCC and life cycle assessment in housing refurbishment.FindingsThis research reveals that BIM is a suitable for the information management platform to enable construction professionals to consider trade-off relationship between LCC and life cycle assessment simultaneously, and determine the most financially and environmentally affordable refurbishment solution. The interoperability issues in data exchange among different BIM tools and unstandardized BIM object libraries with incomplete data sets of construction materials are recognised as the major shortcomings in a BIM system. Essential remedial actions to overcome the shortcomings in the current BIM tools are identified.Research limitations/implicationsActual housing information and various refurbishment materials for the BIM simulation are limited.Practical implicationsThis research contributes to supporting construction professionals to prepare practical BIM adoption for the integration of the LCC and life cycle assessment that can significantly improve early decision-makings on sustainable housing refurbishment.Originality/valueThis research will contribute to providing proper remedial actions to overcome the shortcomings in the current BIM tools, and insights for construction professionals to understand the implication of BIM-embedded housing refurbishment.