Assessing the impact of BIM-enabled quantity surveying workflows on cost predictability and change management in large-scale residential developments.

Project Abstract

This study evaluates how Building Information Modeling (BIM)-enabled quantity surveying workflows influence cost predictability and change management in large-scale residential developments. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of project cost data, schedule performance, and change orders with qualitative insights from stakeholder interviews and process observations. The primary objective is to quantify improvements in cost accuracy, early risk detection, and change control enabled by integrated BIM workflows, while also understanding organizational and procedural factors that facilitate or hinder adoption in practice. Data were collected from three case study developments at different stages of completion, employing BIM-enabled quantity surveying processes such as integrated cost planning, 5D BIM for cost and schedule alignment, automated take-off and bill of quantities generation, and clash detection linked to procurement streams. The study develops and tests a framework for measuring cost predictability, incorporating metrics such as the variance between forecasted and final costs, the frequency and magnitude of change orders, and the lead time required to process changes, alongside qualitative indicators of stakeholder satisfaction and perceived risk exposure. Findings indicate that BIM-enabled QS workflows significantly enhance cost predictability by enabling dynamic cost planning that updates in real time with design modifications, thereby reducing the magnitude and frequency of late-stage cost overruns. The integration of 5D BIM with standardized change management protocols accelerates decision-making, improves transparency among designers, contractors, and clients, and mitigates unintended cost escalations through proactive risk identification and value engineering opportunities. The research also reveals critical enablers of successful implementation, including early executive sponsorship, cross-disciplinary collaboration, standardized data schemas, and a clear governance structure for BIM data ownership and updates. Conversely, challenges such as data interoperability issues, initial implementation costs, team resistance to procedural changes, and the need for upskilling QS personnel are identified as potential barriers that can dampen the realized benefits. A cost-benefit analysis demonstrates a positive net present value for BIM-enabled QS workflows when long-term lifecycle costs and maintenance of BIM models are accounted for. The study contributes to practitioners’ understanding by offering a pragmatic roadmap for integrating BIM into quantity surveying practices, detailing recommended workflows, data requirements, and performance indicators that can be scaled to various project typologies and geographical contexts. Policy implications are discussed, highlighting how standardization of BIM protocols and adoption of standardized cost libraries can enhance market-wide cost certainty. Finally, the study identifies areas for future research, including the role of generative design in optimizing cost and constructability, the integration of BIM with digital twins for ongoing facility management, and the longitudinal assessment of BIM maturity on budget performance across diverse residential markets.

Project Overview

What This Project Is About

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A plain-language overview of the topic and what the project investigates.

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The Problem It Addresses

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What problem or gap this project tackles and why it matters to the field or society.

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Objectives of the Project

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1. Clarify how BIM-enabled quantity surveying workflows work in residential developments.
2. Evaluate whether these workflows improve cost predictability during design and construction.
3. Assess how BIM affects handling and communication of changes and variations.
4. Identify practical challenges and limitations in real-world projects.
5. Suggest actionable improvements for practitioners and students.

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What You Will Do Step by Step

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1. Review basic concepts: BIM, quantity surveying, and change management.
2. Collect case studies or project data from large-scale residential developments.
3. Analyze how costs changed with BIM workflows compared to traditional methods.
4. Examine change management processes and stakeholder communication.
5. Identify barriers to adoption and potential benefits.

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Expected Outcome

Short, practical conclusions about whether BIM-enabled workflows improve cost predictability and change management, with recommended steps for future projects and coursework.