Complete Building Information Modelling Services Checklist Before Starting Your Next Project

The checklist creates a list of 10 crucial quality checks to be done before handing over BIM models for successful delivery on construction projects

1. Verify Model Coordination Across Disciplines – Check model coordination between disciplines to guarantee compatibility of architectural, structural and MEP models per project specifications.
   
   • Adhere to the BIM project standards set forth.
   • Verify levels, grids, and heights of the building.
   • Coordinate openings with MEP structures.
   • Check major equipment placement accuracy.
   • Use the most recently approved model.
   • Resolve or approve coordination issues.
2. Conduct Comprehensive Clash Detection – Pinpoint construction conflicts and ensure that they are addressed prior to starting construction work.
   
   • Check hard clashes between pipe networks and structures.
   • Ensure the availability of equipment for service.
   • Examine MEP routes through the wall, slab and shaft.
   • Examine clashes of duct, tray and ceiling.
   • Eliminate duplicate clash reports as well as other irrelevant clash reports.
   • Clashes should be classified by disciplines and record clash resolutions.
   • Re-run the clash detection after updating the model.
3. Validate Model Geometry Accuracy – Check that all components in the model are sized, shaped, oriented right and located correctly.
   
   • Compare geometry with drawings, specifications and surveys.
   • Check column heights and thickness, beam sizes and positions and openings.
   • Check for element orientation, height, rotation and location.
   • Make sure that there are consistent units, scale and coordinate systems.
   • Validation of Scan-to-BIM models against point clouds or surveys.
   • Evaluate discrepancies based on project tolerances.
4. Review Naming Conventions and Standards – Achieving uniformity in naming of BIM models, views, drafts, components, and files based on BIM Execution Plan (BEP) and information management requirements for the project as a whole.
   
   • File names should be verified according to the naming convention.
   • View names, sheet names, levels, grids, families, and elements need to be verified.
   • Discipline, revision, status, and classification codes need to be verified.
   • Folder structure needs to adhere to CDE.
   • Names have to be consistent for all disciplines.
   • Duplicate files should be removed from active folders.
5. BIM Data and Parameters Validation – Ensure that model’s specifications correspond to business needs and are sufficient, complete, and compatible.
   
   • Check for all parameters required by the respective categories of elements.
   • Check for parameter values, units, names and format.
   • Find any missing or duplicated asset IDs.
   • Verify material and equipment property values from approved sources.
   • Check classification codes and metadata.
   • Check data completeness for schedule, quantities and asset handover.
6. Constructability Review – Guarantees that coordinated designs are feasible in terms of construction, installation, access, and maintenance.
   
   • Installation sequence and component accessibility should be verified.
   • Check equipment installation, replacement and maintenance clearance.
   • Sufficient space around equipment and service points needs to be ensured.
   • Lifting, delivery, transportation, and handling restrictions need to be checked.
   • Check openings, penetrations, supports, and attachment requirements.
   • Check construction scheduling and temporary work as well as site logistics.
7. Level of Development (LOD) Validation – Ensures that BIM components get to a certain level of completion and reliability.
   
   • Confirming BIM LOD 100 to 500 explained based on discipline and deadlines.
   • Validate the geometric and information needs.
   • Confirm fabricator-level LOD where applicable.
   • Validate coordination interfaces and clearances.
   • Verify LOD 500 components against field documentation or surveying.
   • Determine LOD and model limitations.
8. Dimensions and Clearances Audit – Making sure that dimensions, clearances and accessibility fit the design and project needs.
   
   • Dimensional check to comply with drawings or instructions.
   • Check floor height and ceiling height, size of space and openings.
   • Verify minimum distances between MEP services and structural elements.
   • Verify equipment clearance.
   • Check door swings and circulation issues.
9. BIM Documentation Validation – Confirm that the documentation, detailing and drawings are consistent with the approved design and model information.
   
   • Verify dimensions, annotations, identifiers and cross-references.
   • Compare schedules to model information.
   • Validate the sheet number, title, revision and issue status.
   • Confirm any design modifications on applicable document and schedules.
   • Compare quantities and specifications to approved information sources.
   • Confirm that all required deliverables and documentation are included.
10. Model Performance and File Health – Ensures that BIM models are stable, efficient and can be reviewed, updated and shared.
    
    • Models should load without errors or missing references.
    • Validate warnings, duplicates, unused objects and linked files.
    • Check the size, response and navigation of the model.
    • Ensure links and worksets are managed per project workflow.
    • Validate version of the software used and validate exported files.
    • Ensure that backups and file sharing follow the approved project procedures.