How IFC openBIM can help construction companies and Real Estate Agencies

IFC and openBIM digitalization offer construction companies and real estate agencies new business opportunities for selling properties. Find out more in this insight and what tools to use

In today’s increasingly digitized world, real estate agencies and construction companies need to adapt to new technologies to remain competitive. In this context, one of the emerging technologies in the construction industry are IFC openBIM, or “Industry Foundation Classes” and “Building Information Modeling”. An approach  that enhance management and sharing of information among the various professionals involved in a real estate project, from design to construction and sale.

Any project, to be successful, needs to be presented at its best. On this regard, the use of new technologies and new techniques of project presentation increase sales has demonstrated thai it greatly reduce the time to conclude contracts and negotiations.

If you are still used to presenting a project through simple photos, you absolutely need to have a look at new presentation techniques for real estate projects and adopt them in order to:

• increase sales;
• be more competitive in the real estate market;
• offer new services to your clients;
• expand the target audience of buyers;
• expand your market regionally.

This article will highlight the top-notch technology, the benefits for your work and the tools for digitization to use.

IFC openBIM for real estate agencies | Virtual tour of the 3D model

What is IFC OpenBIM?

IFC openBIM is a collaborative approach to the design, construction and management of buildings and infrastructure. It is an open standard for the exchange of information and data between different software applications which ensures interoperability and collaboration between architects, engineers, builders and other stakeholders. For a complete openBIM flow it is necessary to use online collaborative platforms that guarantee full collaboration, secure data exchange and management of 3D models in IFC format.

Importance of IFC openBIM in the construction industry

The construction industry has long struggled with communication difficulties and a lack of standardized processes. IFC openBIM presents itself as the solution to these problems, providing a platform that improves collaboration and makes project delivery more efficient. By adopting IFC openBIM, professionals can work together effectively, avoiding burdensome mistakes, and ultimately deliver superior quality projects.

Advantages of IFC openBIM for contractors

Better collaboration and communication

IFC openBIM enables better communication between project team members, since they can easily share and access project information in real time. This simplified communication approach reduces misunderstandings and delays, leading to a more efficient construction process. To support collaborative work, facilitatating communication and information exchange, it is possible to use a single online platform that integrates all construction sector’s necessary digitalization services.

Greater design efficiency

Using IFC openBIM, contractors can make informed decisions during the design phase, reducing the need for expensive redesigns later in the project. With access to accurate and up-to-date information, builders can optimize projects for cost, sustainability and functionality, ensuring better results for customers and end users.

Simplified project management

IFC openBIM simplifies project management by providing a single source from which to access project data. This eliminates the need for manual data transfer between different software applications, reducing errors and saving time. Builders can also monitor project progress more effectively, making it easier to stay on schedule and on budget.

Advantages of IFC openBIM for real estate agencies

Acurate representation of the property

IFC openBIM enables real estate agencies to provide prospective buyers with accurate and detailed property representations. Agents can showcase properties more effectively with access to 3D models and comprehensive data. Therefore helping buyers visualize space and make informed decisions.

You can generate different types of graphical representations, directly from the 3D model on IFC format. The photorealistic representation of the spaces, accompanied by plants, sections and elevations, helps to build the complete image of the consistency of the real estate.

You do not need to be an expert in the field: with online tools, directly from the IFC file, you automatically get professional renderings and graphic elaborations. This means that it is no longer necessary to invest substantial resources to obtain these documents, because you do not need to have specific software that is difficult to use.

Efficient marketing strategies

Real estate agencies can leverage openBIM IFC data to create compelling marketing materials, such as virtual steps and interactive presentations. These materials can help potential buyers better understand the property and its features, increasing the likelihood of a sale.

Easier decisionmaking for buyers

By providing buyers with access to comprehensive property information, IFC openBIM helps them make well-informed decisions. Buyers can explore different design options, understand the sustainability features of the property, and assess its long-term value, which contribute to a safer purchase decision.

Interoperability of data

One of the main advantages of IFC openBIM is the interoperability of data, which allows the various software and platforms used in the construction industry to communicate with each other. This facilitates sharing and access information between designers, engineers, builders and real estate agencies, eliminating the need to convert data into various formats.

Improving communication between teams

Thanks to the adoption of IFC openBIM, real estate agencies can improve communication with the other teams involved in the project, such as architects, engineers and builders. This allows for smoother collaboration and a better understanding of each party’s needs and expectations.

Use of IFC openBIM in the sale of real estate

Presentation of real estate projects

IFC openBIM enables real estate agencies to create more engaging and detailed presentations of their real estate projects. Thanks to BIM models, it is possible to create realistic 3D visualizations of the buildings and their characteristics, facilitating the understanding of the project for potential buyers.

You can organize virtual tours within the 3D model getting photorealistic rendering in record time with the most advanced architectural visualization techniques, starting from the IFC openBIM file.

Currently, you can take advantage of all the advantages offered by new technologies, using only online tools. This means that you do not need to install anything on  your PC and that you can work from any device connected to the internet (PC, tablet, smartphone).

The most innovative online technology allows you to use the openBIM IFC model file to:

• organize virtual tours with multiple users connected to the model at the same time and take advantage of the BIM metaverse;
• get professional online rendering in just a few minutes
• generate graphic drawings (plants, sections and prospectuses) directly from 3D models;
• evaluate different interior design solutions, detailing the model with BIM materials, furniture and objects.

3D visualizations and virtual models

The use of 3D virtual models in IFC openBIM allows real estate agencies to offer their clients an immersive and interactiveexperience. Through these visualizations, potential buyers can explore spaces, evaluate materials and finishes, even testing different furnishing solutions. This facilitates the purchase decision and makes the experience more pleasant for the customer.

Another important aspect is the possibility of organizing virtual tours with multiple users at the same time who are not physically in the same place. Let’s imagine that the client does not live near us or that he is temporarily out: with the BIM metaverse and virtual architecture, organizing virtual visits of the property in negotiation becomes simple because it breaks down any spatial distance.

The virtual tour facilitates the presentation of the properties to be sold:

• when customers reside far away or are unable to reach the property;
• whether the property is undergoing renovation/maintenance or is not viable;
• to propose different design solutions;
• to illustrate the potential of the asset following any improvement interventions;
• to organize more visits in a short time.

Energy analysis and sustainability

Another advantage of using IFC openBIM is the possibility of carrying out energy and sustainability analyses of buildings. Real estate agencies may use this information to promote the environmental benefits of real estate and attract customers interested in sustainable housing solutions.

Integration of IFC openBIM into your business

Adoption of openBIM IFC-compatible software

Currently you can take full advantage of IFC openBIM using only online tools and avoiding the purchase of BIM authoring software. The implementation of these tools will ensure data exchange and collaboration between all project stakeholders.

You can manage all the most innovative techniques of property presentation and data exchange, using a single online BIM management system for:

• management of the coordination of activities;
• collaboration between all the actors involved in the process;
• viewing the openBIM IFC file;
• data management;
• collaboration and communication through a centralized information system.

Training and implementation of IFC openBIM in real estate agencies

To make the most of the benefits offered by IFC openBIM, real estate agencies must invest in staff training and the implementation of appropriate tools. There are courses and workshops specific to the real estate sector that can help professionals become familiar with this technology and integrate it into their work processes.

The future of IFC openBIM in real estate

The adoption of IFC openBIM in the real estate sector is set to grow in the coming years, thanks to the growing awareness of the advantages offered by this technology. IFC openBIM is expected to become an industry standard, making it imperative for real estate agencies to adapt to remain competitive in the marketplace.

Conclusions …

In conclusion, IFC openBIM can offer numerous advantages to real estate agencies, thus improving efficiency in project management, communication between the various professionals involved and the experience of buying real estate for customers. Agencies that adopt this technology can differentiate themselves from competitors and attract more buyers interested in innovative and sustainable housing solutions. Investing in the training and implementation of IFC openBIM is critical making the most of the benefits offered by this technology and preparing for the future of real estate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Whatis IFC openBIM?
   IFC openBIM stands for “Industry Foundation Classes” and “Building Information Modeling”. It is a technology that enables better management and sharing of information in the construction industry.
2. What are the advantages of IFC openBIM for real estate agencies?
   IFC openBIM offers numerous advantages to real estate agencies. Including greater efficiency in project management, improved communication between the various professionals involved, reduction of errors and delays in projects and ease of access and sharing of information.
3. How can IFC openBIM be used in the sale of real estate?
   Thanks to BIM models and 3D visualizations, IFC openBIM can be used to create engaging and detailed presentations of real estate projects. Furthermore, it allows you to carry out energy and sustainability analysis of buildings, promoting environmental benefits for buildings.
4. Which real estate agencies use IFC openBIM?
   More and more real estate agencies are adopting IFC openBIM to improve project management, property presentation and communication with the various professionals involved.
5. How can you implement IFC openBIM in a real estate agency?
   To implement IFC openBIM in a real estate agency, it is important to invest in staff training and the adoption of appropriate software and tools. There are courses and workshops specific to the real estate sector that can help professionals become familiar with this technology and integrate it into their work processes.