Maximizing Cost Savings with VDC: A Case Study on Multifamily Apartment Construction
Introduction: Why VDC Matters for Your Project
Unexpected design conflicts in multifamily construction lead to costly delays and change orders. By using Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) with Building Information Modeling (BIM), UtahBIM identified and resolved critical design issues before they became on-site problems.
This case study highlights how VDC prevented costly rework and improved constructibility for a seven-story multifamily apartment building with a two-story garage and podium.
Multifamily Apartment Complex BIM model coordinated with VDC processes.
Method: How We Used VDC to Prevent Issues
We created a digital twin of the architectural and structural components to simulate real-world constructibility. To ensure a fully coordinated design, we modeled:
✔ Architectural and structural elements
✔ Deferred design elements (ATS hold-downs, steel embed plates, stud rails)
✔ Sidewalks and site elements from civil drawings
✔ MEP systems for clash detection
✔ A web-based 3D model for real-time collaboration (Speckle)
This proactive coordination helped detect critical design conflicts before construction began.
Challenges & Solutions
1. Structural & Architectural Discrepancies
🔍 Problem: Misalignments between architectural and structural plans, including:
Incorrect foundation wall thickness and dimensions
Oversized embed plates requiring field modifications
Misplaced stud rails affecting load distribution
A mispositioned concrete column inside the pool structure
Missing wall dimensions, leading to uncertainty in construction
Incorrect floor drain elevations, creating drainage issues in the parking garage
✅ Solution: Identified and resolved these issues through early RFIs, reducing costly field changes.
2. MEP Coordination Issues
🔍 Problem: The MEP design did not account for real-world installation constraints, leading to:
Vent pipes oversized for wall cavities
Pipes clashing with stud rails and embed plates
Incorrect riser placements, requiring redesigns during construction
✅ Solution: Integrated MEP coordination with architectural and structural models to catch these conflicts early.
3. RFI Process & Resistance
🔍 Problem: Some RFIs were not submitted due to pushback from the design team. These unresolved issues later caused delays when construction crews had to halt work for missing details.
✅ Solution: Proactive RFIs reduced most issues before construction, but better alignment between all stakeholders could have eliminated even more last-minute delays.
Impact and Potential Savings
Key Takeaways:
✔ Prevented major design conflicts before construction
✔ Reduced the number of on-site change orders
✔ Ensured constructibility for MEP, structural, and architectural systems
💰 Estimated Cost Savings:
General conditions cost: $70,000–$100,000 per month
Avoiding just three weeks of delays →
$49,000–$70,000 in savings for General Contractor
$435,200 in savings of Lost Rent Revenue for Owner
$214,785 in savings in additional Loan Interest Costs from schedule overruns
Conclusion: Why VDC is Essential for Your Project
VDC isn’t just about 3D models—it’s about saving time, reducing costs, and preventing risk.
By addressing coordination issues before construction, UtahBIM helped eliminate costly field changes, ensuring greater efficiency, fewer delays, and maximized profitability.
👉 Want to avoid costly delays on your next project? Contact UtahBIM to see how VDC can protect your budget and schedule.
