It looked perfect in Revit… then the demo started. Brian and Alex dig into what happens when BIM models are built on old drawings, wishful thinking, and unchecked assumptions. From LOD confusion to fabrication finger-pointing and field fixes with a sledgehammer, this episode is your reminder that 3D coordination is not the same as reality. 

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Show Notes 

Chapter 1 – Trust issue in design 

• Models based on old drawings without field verification. 

• Levels of Development (LOD 300 and beyond) and what they actually include. 

• Why small tolerances and hidden conditions still cause clashes. 

Chapter 2 – Fabrication meets Fiction 

• How connected fabrication models reveal design oversights. 

• The risk of unclear responsibility for verifying existing dimensions. 

• A steel fabrication example where incorrect assumptions caused installation failure. 

Chapter 3 – Field Clashes and Finger Pointing 

• Conflicting drawing versions with different dimensions and quantities. 

• Coordination breakdowns when documents are reissued without clear revision tracking. 

• The importance of ownership and accountability during installation. 

Chapter 4 – The Model vs. the Record 

• Reconciling installed conditions with inspection requirements. 

• The value of maintaining model updates throughout construction. 

• COBie data extraction and how small errors can impact facility operations. 

Key Takeaways 

• Verify existing conditions before relying on any model. 

• Define who I s responsible for model accuracy and field verification. 

• Maintain revision clarity and update models during construction. 

• Treat BIM as a coordination tool, not a guarantee of reality.