Our pick of the best free and paid BIM software!

Having become essential in the construction sector, BIM software is a powerful tool in serving various construction stakeholders. Whether you are designing buildings or working on construction sites, they offer many advantages. We’ve listed them for you in this article, along with a selection of the best BIM software on the market.

BIM Software: A Few Reminders

What is BIM Software?

BIM is the acronym for Building Information Modeling, that is, information modeling of a construction. It is a technology and process that makes it possible to obtain a 3D digital model of a construction project. But the definition of BIM software does not stop here. From design to visualization, through 3D modeling and simulation, these are collaborative tools shared among various building stakeholders.

BIM technology makes it possible to better understand a building even before it is built. BIM software integrates a realistic view of the project, the possibility of simulation, coordination and centralization of data, schedules, optimal management of costs, etc. And this, from the design project to its demolition throughout the life of the building.

We also sometimes talk about BIM Viewer when we only refer to the virtual 3D visualization of the project.

BIM software makes it possible to coordinate tasks, share reliable and real-time information, centralize documents.

What is BIM software for?

BIM software can be used by all stakeholders involved in a construction project: project owner, project manager, architect, engineer, site manager, subcontractor, customer, etc.

What are the benefits of BIM software?

Simplification of planning and design

Thanks to these modern and innovative tools, construction professionals benefit from powerful functionalities for planning construction projects. Many tasks are automated. The information is synchronized with each revision so that stakeholders can be notified in real time of the changes.

best view of projects

BIM software is innovative in offering visualization tools not only to design but also to simulate, modify and test various projects. Not only has the aesthetic aspect of the construction been improved, but the building’s capabilities have also been optimized, taking into account several elements and factors (brightness, location, etc.). In addition, clients get a real preview of the final rendering, which is often much appreciated.

productivity improvement

Thanks to optimized site schedules, better managed costs, automated processes, better anticipated contingencies, you save time from the design phase to construction. Thanks to real-time knowledge of the project, each stakeholder improves their productivity.

Cost Reduction

BIM software integrates budgeting tools. Adjusted according to different simulations, you have perfect cost control upstream of the project, but also during its design. So you can keep an eye on the budget and know the effects of each change or force majeure.

Optimizing communication and collaboration

BIM software is a collaborative tool. Thanks to the participation of each stakeholder, everyone is informed in real time of the current status, developments or modifications. Different teams can coordinate. Site monitoring made easy for all.

Communication is also more fluid as everyone is notified in real time and has access to all the information when they want.

workplace safety management

BIM technologies make it possible to assess risks and warn of construction-related hazards. So teams are informed and can adjust certain parameters to ensure safety on site.

Our pick of the best free and paid BIM software

Archicad

ArchiCAD is an online 2D and 3D modeling tool aimed primarily at architects but also construction professionals. It is a collaborative tool that streamlines communication between different actors of a construction project. BIMx mobile application provides management facility to its users, who will be able to access their projects from workplaces. ArchiCAD allows you to test its solution for free for 30 days.

BricksCAD BIM

BricsCAD BIM allows you to design your models in 2D and then convert them to 3D. 3D Workflow allows real time, very realistic simulation. This powerful software is more targeted towards architects and engineers who work on designs and who need accurate documentation. After a 30-day free trial, BricksCAD BIM is available for purchase or as a 1- or 3-year subscription.

archipelago

With its offer starting from €39.90/month/user, Archipad is primarily aimed at project managers, contract executives and construction companies. Functions include managing BIM digital models, an intuitive dashboard to use, multiple reports, effective plan management, and communication tools between various high-performance players. Archipad is available online and through a mobile application.

BIM 360 Design

Proposed by the Autodesk Group, BIM 360 is an online tool that fosters team collaboration from the design phase to the construction of a building. It is suitable for both small and large projects. Equipped with analysis functionalities, it allows you to get multiple reports and helps you consider various forecast situations. Prices are quoted and a 30-day trial is offered.

dynamo

Dynamo is not BIM software, but a visual programming tool that allows you to independently model and build, or deepen and refine the functionality of your BIM software. It is specifically designed to work as a Revit add-in, but can be adapted to other tools.

building

Edifice is a BIM software primarily meant for architects. This allows you to design very representative and realistic scenes of buildings and outdoor spaces, and constructions in both 2D and 3D. You save time by automating many drawing-related tasks. Your customers benefit from immersive virtual reality (VRI) experiences. Rates start at €54/month.

fieldwire

Along with their site planning software, Fieldwire offers a BIM viewer, i.e. a project design and vision tool, based on the business formula of their proposal (from €42/month). Technical and architectural plans are linked to facilitate exchange between teams from anywhere and anytime.

finalcad

In its many site monitoring facilities, FinalCAD ​​integrates BIM technology to connect design offices and construction sites. This online software (also available offline) facilitates the sharing of data and information among various stakeholders thanks to its advanced document management. We also appreciate its intuitive application.

Revit LT

Published by Autodesk, Revit is one of the most widely used BIM software. From design to modeling, including automatic updates, Revit saves undeniable time by automating many tasks. Multidisciplinary, it fosters collaboration between teams, whether architects, builders or engineers. The tool is available as a subscription or for occasional use.

How to choose the best BIM software?

methodologies

To choose the BIM software that suits you best, you should first look at the features and above all define your need. This will depend on your activity and other stakeholders involved in your projects, the processes you use, the way things work… For example, some people will need to use software that works offline, so that they can access it from workplaces, so that others prefer software that allows you to create advanced financial forecasting tables.

It is also important to take into account the development of your activity. Choosing feature-rich software will allow you to stick with it for a long time rather than change as your business grows.

ease of handling

BIM software should save you time and improve your productivity. So it should be easy to handle for you, but also for the other actors in the construction projects.

To find out if a BIM software is right for you, it’s best to test it out for yourself. Some offer free trials, others offer demos. You can decide for yourself how easy it is to get started and use the software.

Integration with other software

BIM software is often used with other tools, specific to the construction sector or more general, that complement its functionality. Therefore you can also base your choice on the possibilities of integration with other software: software for designing plans, 3D modelling, visualization, site planning, site monitoring, etc.

cost

The cost of BIM software is one criterion that you must integrate into your decision making, but it must be considered in relation to other elements. In fact, free or cheap BIM software may bring you relatively little profit. If you choose to use BIM software, you can also choose one that really suits you and that will ultimately save you more time and money than the cost.

questions to ask