Singapore BIM Guide for Contractors & Consultants

Contractors play a vital role in the project supply chain, transforming consultants’ designs into physical structures. While many are accustomed to working with 2D drawings and CAD files, there is growing recognition of the value of 3D BIM models as a core part of modern project delivery.

With CORENET X set to roll out from Q4 2025, more consultants are specifying BIM requirements in their projects. Consequently, contractors are increasingly facing BIM mandates as part of their contractual obligations.

BIM is a broad and complex topic. This guide focuses on the most important elements of BIM-based project delivery, enabling contractors and consultants to concentrate on developing high-quality infrastructure.

Regulatory Approval with CORENET X

In Singapore, BIM is becoming the standard for regulatory submissions, especially for projects over 5,000 sqm. From 2025, BCA will require BIM-based submissions for all new buildings.

Three key gateways are relevant to contractors:

• Design Gateway
• Construction Gateway
• Completion Gateway

In the Design Gateway, consultants and architects produce the initial federated BIM model for submission to CORENET X. Once approved, contractors take over to develop the construction BIM model—typically at a higher Level of Detail, with fabrication details and information needed for actual construction.

Different agencies may have specific requirements that extend beyond IFC+SG compliant BIM models, including the need for 2D plans and drawings. The CORENET X Code of Practice provides comprehensive guidance on the documents required for each agency gateway submission.

See our full comparison of workflows in CORENET X vs CORENET 2.

BIM for Design & Planning Approvals

During the Design phase of a project, consultants and architects work together to develop the Design BIM model. The initial objectives of the BIM model at this phase may be to secure the necessary planning approvals from the relevant authorities. Agencies like the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and Land Transport Authority (LTA) require BIM models to ensure compliance with zoning, land use, and transport planning regulations.

The Level of Detail that is expected from the BIM models during the Design phase is typically lower than that required for construction. This may include basic massing models, site context, and key design elements, but not the detailed information needed for construction.

Requirements for the Construction

The Construction Gateway ensures the BIM model is ready for on-site execution. This involves confirming clash-free coordination between trades and compliance with regulations covering structure, fire safety, and accessibility.

At this stage, contractors usually work at LOD 400, incorporating fabrication details and installation-ready components. This level of detail minimizes rework and ensures accurate execution.

Consultants will also check that the contractor’s scope aligns with the original design intent. Architectural, structural, and MEP models must be fully coordinated and clash-free before work starts.

Project Handover

During the project handover, contractors must submit an as-built BIM model accurately reflecting the constructed asset. Deviations from the original design—due to site conditions, design changes, or construction methods—must be captured.

Some projects require validation through LiDAR scanning by licensed surveyors or registered inspectors to confirm the BIM model matches the physical build before handover.

Benefits of BIM Beyond Compliance

While many contractors adopt BIM to meet contractual requirements, others leverage it to improve project delivery workflows. Here are some of the most valuable applications.

1. Site Coordination and Clash Detection

BIM helps identify and resolve spatial conflicts before construction begins. Tools like Navisworks and ProjectWise are often used during ICE sessions to detect clashes and coordinate design changes.

Weekly model updates keep all stakeholders aligned, enabling contractors to plan materials, labor, and logistics with confidence.

2. Generating Accurate 2D CAD Plans

From a 3D BIM model, contractors can quickly generate 2D CAD plans. Updates to the model automatically refresh the drawings, significantly reducing drafting time—often by up to 70%.

Using a Common Data Environment (CDE) like BIMcollab or ProjectWise ensures teams always work from the latest version.

3. Document Transmittals and Audit Trails

3. Document Transmittals and Audit Trails

Managing RFIs, submittals, and variation orders becomes more efficient with BIM-linked documentation. By linking these items directly to model elements, teams can maintain full traceability and reduce the risk of disputes.

In an enterprise BIM Data Environment like ProjectWise, all issues can be monitored through a central dashboard. This includes tracking their resolution status (assigned, in progress, resolved) and the responsible party. Resolving these issues promptly helps project teams avoid the costs of delays and rework during construction.

A proper CDE includes features that allow fine-grained access control to relevant project folders. This prevents conflicts of interest and protects stakeholder information throughout the project.

Each issue can be linked to specific model elements and related documents, ensuring a clear audit trail for any contractual disagreements.

4. 4D Construction Sequencing

4D BIM links the 3D model with the project schedule, enabling stakeholders to visualize the construction sequence and spot potential delays early. The video above shows 4D BIM applied to a civil project, illustrating how stakeholders can track the development of site substructures across a large floor area.

For complex projects, enterprise tools like Synchro 4D or Navisworks integrate the schedule (Excel or MS Project) with the BIM model to create animated construction simulations. This can be a deciding factor in winning stakeholder trust.

5. Digital Handover and As-built BIM

Owners increasingly expect as-built BIM models to support facilities management. These models should capture:

• Final installation details and adjustments
• Manufacturer data, warranties, and maintenance instructions
• COBie-compliant asset information
• Integration with IoT and sensor systems

Contractors should gather all relevant product specifications and work with BIM consultants to prepare this data for inclusion in the as-built model. Typically, the COBie format is used for handover, with BIM data structured in IFC so that BIM Coordinators can export it into COBie-compliant spreadsheets.

Common BIM Software

There are two main categories of BIM software that contractors should be familiar with—BIM authoring tools used to create 3D models, and collaboration tools used for coordination, review, and issue tracking.
In some cases, the project’s BIM Requirements Specification may explicitly state the required software and version for compliance, so it’s important to check this before starting work.

The growing adoption of IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) for 3D BIM collaboration means that teams are no longer locked into a single software ecosystem. With proper IFC workflows, contractors can mix and match tools for authoring and coordination—choosing the best fit for the project without sacrificing interoperability.

Getting Started with BIM

1. Review the BEP – Clarify LOD, file formats, and workflows.
2. Appoint a BIM Lead – Assign someone to oversee BIM delivery.
3. Implement a CDE – Maintain version control and transparent communication.
4. Partner with a BIM Specialist – Firms like Bimeco can provide modeling, clash checks, and documentation.

Need Help?

Whether you’re tendering for a BIM-mandated project or improving your internal workflows, we can help. From BEP interpretation to model updates and ICE facilitation, our team ensures BIM requirements are met without disrupting site operations.

Use our BIM Cost Calculator to estimate costs or contact us to discuss your needs.