Why “Do BIM on This Project” is the Wrong Way to Start

When someone says “do BIM,” they often mean:

• Model everything in Revit

• Make it look detailed and impressive

• Throw in some clash detection

Sounds reasonable, right?

But here’s the truth: Pretty models don’t build better buildings. Purpose-driven ones do.

The DDG Global Difference: We Start With the End

At DDG Global, we don’t just “do BIM.” We engineer value.

Before we touch Revit, we sit down with the client and ask:

• What decisions will this model support?

• Who will use it—designers, contractors, facility managers?

• Is LOD 400 really necessary—or will LOD 300 do the job better and cheaper?

Often, especially on small to mid-size projects, clients don’t need full-blown LOD 400 detail. What they actually need is:

• LOD 250 for architectural and structural models

• LOD 300 for MEP systems

That’s usually enough to coordinate effectively, run clash detection, and hand off a clean, constructable model to the field.

Why LOD 300 Is Often Enough for BIM Coordination

What LOD 300 Delivers

LOD 300 provides:

• Accurate geometry and spatial layout

• Clash detection capability

• Coordination-ready outputs

• Clear deliverables for contractors

When LOD 400 Is Justified

In contrast, LOD 400 adds fabrication-level detail that’s only justified in:

• Prefabrication-heavy jobs

• Facilities management-driven scopes

So, why spend 40% more for 5% more value?

Real-World Example: How We Saved a Client Time, Money, and Rework

The Ask vs. The Reality

A client recently requested full LOD 400 across architecture, structure, and MEP. But there was:

• No Revit model for the structure or architecture

• No detailed scope for facilities management

• No BIM Execution Plan or BIM Schedule

• A modest, 5-story residential project

Our Recommendation

We advised:

• LOD 250 for architecture and structure

• LOD 300 for MEPs

• Focused BIM coordination with critical trades

The Result

• 💡 30% faster delivery

• 💡 Significant cost savings

• 💡 A model aligned with the actual project needs

BIM Strategy Over BIM Hype

This is why BIM strategy matters more than BIM software.

At DDG Global, we focus on:

• Defining the right Level of Development (LOD)

• Aligning models with project stage and budget

• Enabling smarter decision-making—not just prettier visuals

Because let’s be honest: The field doesn’t care how pretty your model is if it doesn’t help build better.

What to Ask Before You “Do BIM” on a Project

5 Key BIM Strategy Questions Every Owner Should Ask

1. What problem is BIM solving for me?

2. Who is using this model and how?

3. What LOD is truly necessary at each phase?

4. Is the rest of the team (Arch/Str) ready for BIM?

5. Do I need a complete model or just coordinated trades?

Final Word: Value-Driven BIM Starts With the Right Questions

BIM done right isn’t about complexity. It’s about clarity.

At DDG Global, we help clients stop overspending on unnecessary modeling and start investing in the kind of BIM that delivers ROI—on the ground, in the field, and at turnover.

So the next time someone says, “I need you to do BIM on this project,” we’ll ask: “What are you really trying to achieve?”

Because once we know that—we’ll make sure the model actually delivers it.