BIM Implementation in the UK Residential Sector: Current Barriers and Potential Solutions

Abstract

The UK government has a mandate to adopt BIM level 2 fully on all centrally procured projects in 2021. Despite the interest gained throughout the construction industry to BIM and more modern methods of construction, the uptake in the UK residential sector has been slow and hampered by several barriers and misconceptions towards the concept. The unwillingness to change by house builders and residential stakeholders alike is exacerbated by the barriers encountered with costs, training and procurement, which have generated a negative perception of the BIM implementation. This study aims to identify the barriers currently faced within the UK residential sector influencing the uptake of BIM. The study examines further both the drivers and current rate of BIM implementation along with the main barriers to the progress of BIM adoption specifically to the UK residential sector. A survey across a diverse range of industry professionals was conducted to recognize the differences in opinions and views to the BIM adoption in the residential sector including BIM’s barriers and benefits, the UK government strategies, and respondents’ belief about whether BIM can be successful in the UK residential sector in the future. The results reverberated what was found in some secondary data confirming that the main barrier to the BIM adoption in the residential sector is lack of the clients’ demand. The responses illustrated a scepticism towards the UK government’s mandate and its effectiveness whilst highlighting potential solutions offering grounds for the further improvement in the residential sector.