Trust Saves Money: Hourly vs. Lump-Sum BIM Contracts Explained

In the construction world, everyone’s trying to keep budgets tight and timelines sharp. And when it comes to hiring BIM services, one of the first questions clients ask is:

“Do you charge hourly or lump-sum?”

The answer? We do both. And we’ve had great clients and great results with both. But if you're wondering how to get the leanest, most efficient estimate possible, it usually comes down to something even more important than pricing structure:

Trust.

The Hourly Approach: Lean, Fast, and Flexible

Hourly pricing works best when there’s mutual trust and open communication. It’s not about running the clock—it's about solving problems quickly, clearly, and collaboratively.

Here’s what clients love about hourly contracts:

• You only pay for what you need.
  There’s no padded estimate or buffer to account for “what ifs.”

• You get a fast turnaround.
  We can usually build a flexible, working estimate in under an hour. It's not a formal proposal—it’s a practical roadmap to get started.

• You can adapt as the project evolves.
  Need to change scope? No problem. Hourly contracts allow us to stay responsive without triggering a change-order circus.

The Lump-Sum Approach: Clear and Predictable

Some projects require lump-sum pricing. We’re completely comfortable working that way too. It offers stability and clarity—especially when scope is fully defined and the decision-makers want a fixed cost.

With lump-sum contracts:

• You get a clear number upfront.
  We’ll need a couple of days to build a solid estimate, but once it’s locked in, it stays that way.

• It works best when the scope is stable.
  If the design is 95% complete and decisions are finalized, lump-sum is often the cleanest choice.

• We include contingency.
  That’s part of the deal. Because we’re taking on more risk, we build in margin to cover unknowns. That’s not waste—it’s protection. But it does come at a cost.

Why Trust Matters More Than Pricing

Here’s the thing: your pricing model isn’t what saves you money. The relationship does.

When you trust your BIM team and bring them in early, coordination becomes smoother, faster, and more productive. You get clarity before problems become costly. You avoid the rework, the back-and-forth, and the finger-pointing.

At UtahBIM, we’ll always give you a number that works for both of us—hourly or lump-sum. But if you're looking to get the most out of your budget and build something together, hourly contracts often unlock the best value.

Final Word

Bottom line? We’ll meet you where you are.
But just know—trust and transparency almost always lead to better outcomes, no matter how we price it.

Curious what hourly would look like for your next project?
We’ll gladly put together a working estimate—fast.