How Architectural BIM and MEP BIM Modeling Helped Save ~$350,000 on a Residential Care Facility Project
A BIM case study showing how United-BIM’s architectural and MEP BIM modeling helped a 60,000 SQFT residential care facility improve coordination, reduce rework, and save approximately $350,000.
Project Requirement
The construction team needed a coordinated BIM model that could bring the facility’s architectural layout and MEP systems into one reliable project environment.
The project included residential care spaces, respite areas, activity zones, support rooms, landscaped outdoor areas, circulation paths, entry canopy elements, façade features, and building systems. These areas had to be reviewed together because small coordination gaps between architecture and MEP systems could quickly lead to field changes, rework, and installation delays.
- Architectural BIM modeling for building layout, envelope, rooms, façade, and exterior elements
- MEP BIM modeling for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and fire protection systems
- Coordinated model views for design and construction review
- Clear ceiling-space visibility for MEP routing
- Better alignment between room planning, service zones, and system layouts
- Reduced field conflicts during construction
The Problem We Solved
The biggest risk was not the size of the project. It was coordination across multiple space types.
Residential care rooms, activity spaces, support areas, corridors, landscaped zones, and service areas all had different functional requirements. MEP systems had to be routed without disrupting room layouts, ceiling heights, access zones, or architectural intent.
In 2D drawings, many of these relationships were difficult to review together. The construction team needed a model that made conflicts visible before they became site issues.
Developed the Architectural BIM Model
United-BIM created a Revit-based architectural model covering the building layout, walls, doors, windows, roof elements, entry canopy, façade features, and exterior massing.
The model helped the team review:
- Residential care spaces
- Community and activity areas
- Circulation paths
- Support rooms
- Entry and drop-off zones
- Building envelope conditions
- Exterior architectural elements
Developed the MEP BIM Model
United-BIM modeled the major MEP systems based on project inputs and coordination requirements.
The MEP model included:
- HVAC duct routing
- Plumbing routes
- Electrical pathways
- Fire protection inputs
- Equipment zones
- Ceiling service areas
- Service access points
Coordinated Architecture with Building Systems
The architectural and MEP models were reviewed together to identify areas where system routing could affect ceilings, room layouts, corridors, support spaces, and service areas.
This helped the team address coordination issues before they reached the field.
Prepared Review-Ready Model Views
United-BIM prepared focused model views for architectural review, MEP routing review, ceiling-space checks, and documentation support.
These views helped the construction team make faster decisions without relying only on disconnected drawings.
Key Coordination Areas
Reviewed room layouts, ceiling zones, and MEP routing to reduce conflicts in occupied-use spaces.
Coordinated open areas, circulation paths, and system routing to maintain clean functional layouts.
Modeled canopy, façade elements, entrance geometry, and exterior architectural features for better design review.
Reviewed HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and fire protection routing against architectural layouts and ceiling conditions.
Coordinated service-heavy areas where equipment, access, and routing needed better model visibility.
Project Challenges and Our Approach
- Multiple space types had different planning and service needs
- Organized the architectural model by residential, community, support, and circulation zones
- MEP routing had to work around room layouts and ceiling constraints
- Modeled HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and fire protection routes against architectural layouts
- Coordination gaps were difficult to detect in 2D drawings
- Reviewed architectural and MEP systems together in a coordinated model environment
- Field teams needed clearer construction reference views
- Prepared focused Revit views for layout, ceiling zones, routing, and documentation support
Results at a Glance
How the $350,000 Savings Was Achieved
The estimated savings came from avoiding field rework, reducing drawing interpretation gaps, and identifying coordination issues before construction activity advanced.
The largest cost-risk areas were:
- Ceiling rework caused by MEP routing conflicts
- Architectural changes caused by late system coordination
- Installation delays from unclear service-zone planning
- Repeated drawing reviews due to disconnected information
- Field modifications around support rooms, corridors, and occupied-use areas
By resolving these issues in the model, the construction team reduced avoidable corrections and improved installation readiness.
Key Deliverables
- Architectural BIM model
- MEP BIM model
- Building envelope model
- Entry canopy and façade model elements
- Residential area model views
- Community space model views
- Documentation support views
- HVAC routing model
- Plumbing routing model
- Electrical pathway model
- Fire protection model inputs
- Ceiling-space coordination views
- Updated Revit model files
Project Outcome
United-BIM delivered coordinated architectural and MEP BIM models that helped the construction team review the facility as one connected building environment.
The model improved visibility across residential spaces, community areas, corridors, support rooms, exterior features, ceiling zones, and MEP systems. Instead of reviewing architecture and building services separately, the team could study how the facility worked as a complete project.
The result was better coordination, fewer field assumptions, stronger documentation control, and approximately $350,000 in avoided construction costs.