Why BIM Coordination Works Best at 80%: Clearing the Big Rocks in Preconstruction
Most people think BIM coordination happens during construction—or right before. But the truth is, if you're not coordinating during preconstruction, you’re already behind.
The best time to bring in a BIM coordination team?
When your drawings are around 80% complete.
At this stage, the big-ticket design elements—floor plans, ceiling layouts, MEP systems, and structural features—are largely in place. The design team is fine-tuning details and preparing the permit set. That’s exactly when coordination can provide the biggest return.
Let’s break down why.
What 80% Really Means
By the time drawings reach 80% completion:
Floor plans and ceiling layouts are set
MEP and structural systems are mostly placed
The design team is focused on clean-up and documentation
It’s far enough along that coordination has meaningful substance, but not so late that changes become painful (or expensive).
This is where BIM coordination shines—not as a cleanup tool, but as a problem-prevention strategy.
Let’s Talk Rocks (Stephen Covey Style)
Stephen Covey once said: "If you put the big rocks in first, the smaller ones fit better."
That principle applies perfectly to BIM.
At 80%, the big rocks are already drawn—but they’re not necessarily coordinated.
Which means there’s still time to adjust them before the project is locked in.
By bringing in a dedicated BIM coordination team at this point:
You resolve major conflicts between systems early
You protect your design intent before the final set goes out
You allow your subcontractors to focus on their real expertise, not flagging obvious problems
Why Construction-Only Coordination Falls Short
We’ve done both: coordination that starts during preconstruction and coordination that starts during construction.
And we’ll tell you straight—preconstruction wins.
If you wait until construction, you’re paying in rework, RFIs, jobsite delays, and trade frustration. If you coordinate during preconstruction, you’re removing roadblocks before they show up.
Want your subs to bring their A-game? Clear the runway first. Don’t ask them to burn energy on issues that should’ve been solved in design.
Final Word
Your drawings at 80% are complete enough to catch the big issues—and early enough to still do something about them.
That’s the sweet spot.
That’s when you call us.
