Importance of Early Specification in Construction Projects

The power of early specification

Before we dive into the importance of getting specified and how Building Information Modeling (BIM) can be your vehicle to success, let's start with the basics. In the world of construction and architecture, 'getting specified' is the process of being chosen and recommended for a project. It's a serious nod of approval, indicating that your product is the top choice for professionals in the industry. 

Let's acknowledge the reality: securing product specifications for construction projects can be a great challenge. But achieving specification is not only possible but it is well within reach. 

To secure product specifications as a building product manufacturer, your primary focus should be on nurturing relationships with architects and specifiers rather than simply pushing product sales. It is important to position your company as a leading expert on the types of products you deliver and ensure specifiers have easy access to all the information they need during their research and product selection process. 

Early specification allows manufacturers to engage with the AEC community during the initial design phase, influencing project outcomes. During this stage, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is what gets you a foot in. Its a critical time when designers look for inspiration and products for their projects. BIM and BIM objects make it easier for designers to envision the concept. It creates ease in product selection, accuracy and shared information.

Now that being said, the design phase is critical for manufacturers. But why? - Because 80% of manufacturers are more likely to get specified if included in the initial design phase (Digital Built Environment Institute). Your products stand out when they come with easy-to-reach, accurate data that showcases what they can do.

Designers aren’t mere customers exploring products for personal consumption. They are professionals who design buildings and suggest the purchasing of products to private and public clients. Specification begins with the client’s concept brief. Then it’s up to the architect/engineer to create a design and consider suitable products. 

Designers assess the object's geometry, performance data and aesthetics. If it's up to par, it's downloaded and into the model. The data is then collated into a common data environment. Manufacturers who create and supply BIM objects immediately have a competitive advantage. You are essentially providing a time-saving shortcut to your products and most importantly - you’re speeding up the decision making process and as a result, the journey to specification. 

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When building product manufacturers collaborate and offer accurate product data, they play a crucial role in minimizing future errors and simplifying the calculation of a project's environmental impact. That is BIM’s biggest perk: solving problems already in the planning stage before the shovel hits the ground. 

Understanding the AECO community and their processes

You see, every player involved in a building project relies on manufacturers like you to bring their visions to life. Specifiers depend on your product data to consolidate their work. 

But the catch is… only a minority of manufacturing companies have established effective methods for engaging with architects, leading to limited success in product specification.

Did you know that 68% of AEC professionals prefer to find products online? - A clear preference between physical and digital modes of product exploration. According to our 2022 survey, 42% of professionals in architecture, engineering and construction claim to spend most of their time finding compatible products but almost 40% struggle to find manufacturers like you. 

Want to make it easier for specifiers to find you? Here’s how >

Engagement, specifications and outreach has evolved significantly over the past few years. With the widespread of digital solutions in our industry, traditional ways are changing. BIM has become an essential tool for contractors, architects and engineers. Governmental bodies are also adopting BIM. 

The AEC community is often pressed for time and heavily rely on digital tools. If we consider their significance in getting products specified, its worth looking at who they are, what they value and where they get their information from. Its not enough to have a great design - it has to be measurable. 

Learn why specifiers use BIM >

Maximizing the Benefits of Early Specification through BIM

Early specification with BIM empowers manufacturers to actively participate in project execution and ongoing operations, gaining insights into their product's journey. By tracking products across projects, manufacturers can collect data on potential challenges during commissioning, installation, and product operation. 

Top 4 practical benefits we get through early specification

1. Simplified design process: By visualizing the entire project digitally, architects can identify issues early on, choose the right products, and save time during the design process.

2. Building long-term relationships: Providing product information in platforms like BIMobject.com builds trust and credibility, increasing the likelihood of future collaborations.

3. Accurate Cost Estimations: Linking product specifications with cost data, enables real-time cost analysis during design, ensuring budget compliance.

4. Sustainability: By integrating sustainability data, architects can make informed decisions about materials and building systems, leading to more environmentally friendly designs.

Its vital to employ BIM if you want to ensure project specifications. At BIMobject.com, you can reach over 4 million registered users, architects, engineers, interior designers, and construction professionals - all browsing for the perfect components for their projects. 

Interested in developing BIM content and reaching a pool of specifiers? Get in touch with us today! 

Denisse Luna

BIM Marketing Specialist