You know that sinking feeling—when a duct run clashes with a beam, or an outlet shows up right where a column lives? Yeah, we’ve been there too. Welcome to the land of change orders, jobsite arguments, and “how did this make it past design?” moments.
The good news? That chaos is avoidable. And the answer is BIM coordination.
BIM Isn’t Just for Architects Anymore
We’ll say it flat out: if you’re not using coordinated BIM (Building Information Modeling) on your commercial jobs, you’re probably bleeding time and money.
Why? Because BIM lets every stakeholder—from the GC to the MEP guys to the drywall sub—work off the same 3D model. It’s not just about fancy renderings. It’s about spotting issues before your crew steps foot on site.
At FirstLook Services, we take your 2D plans, point cloud scans (thanks, LiDAR!), and trade-specific models and weave them together into one clash-detecting, coordination-simplifying, sanity-saving model.
What Happens When You Don’t Coordinate?
Here’s a true story: A contractor starts framing. The mechanical contractor shows up a week later. Surprise—half the framing has to come down because the ductwork doesn’t fit. Lost time. Frustrated crews. Extra cost.
Now imagine that same project with BIM coordination. All trades review the combined model before breaking ground. The duct and beam conflict? Flagged in Navisworks. The team re-routes and adjusts before anyone lifts a hammer.
You just avoided a $10,000 mistake in one meeting.
RFIs Are Eating Your Schedule Alive
RFIs are like construction’s version of email chains from hell. One question spawns three more. Everything slows down.
But when you use BIM the right way—like we do at FirstLook—you reduce the number of unknowns before they even make it to the RFI stage. When the model is clean, clear, and clash-free, your team isn’t stuck waiting around for clarification. They’re moving.
And GCs? Your subs love you for it. Fewer questions, smoother workflows, more trust.
Why FirstLook’s Approach Works
We’re not just throwing files into software and crossing our fingers. We actually sit down with your teams—virtually or in person—and walk through coordination reviews, highlight red flags, and give actionable suggestions.
Our clients—builders, developers, and contractors across NJ and NYC—aren’t just getting models. They’re getting peace of mind that their project won’t unravel two weeks into framing.
The Takeaway
Look, BIM isn’t a buzzword. It’s the difference between finishing a job with high-fives… or with headaches.
If your job has multiple trades, tight timelines, or complex retrofits, you need a model that everyone can trust—and a partner who knows how to build it.
Let’s Make Your Next Build the Easiest One Yet
FirstLook’s BIM coordination services are built for real contractors doing real work. We’re here to help you build faster, communicate better, and look like a hero to your client.
📞 Ready to stop firefighting and start pre-coordinating? Reach out now and let’s talk.
