Next generation BIM estimation

BIM cost estimation is the calculation of construction project costs based on a 3D building model. Unlike manual quantity takeoff in Excel, BIM estimation uses data directly from the BIM model (Revit, ArchiCAD, Tekla, IFC): each element of the model — a wall, slab, or pipe — is classified, linked to a calculation formula, and assigned a current price from a supplier. The result is an accurate estimate ready in hours instead of weeks.

BEEMESTA is a Ukrainian B2B SaaS platform for BIM-based cost estimation of construction projects. The platform unites all participants of the construction process in one digital environment: designers, estimators, material suppliers, contractors, and investors. It is suitable for residential complexes, business centers, and other facilities both large and small. The catalog includes 2,500+ product positions from 50+ suppliers and 200+ calculation formulas.

Integration with Revit is implemented through the official BEEMESTA plugin, which installs as an Add-In in Autodesk Revit. After installation, the designer exports a BIM model from Revit to the BEEMESTA platform in IFC format with one click. The plugin supports versioning with automatic update notifications. Alternatively, you can use the BEEMESTA web interface to upload IFC files without Revit.

Yes, BEEMESTA supports BIM models from ArchiCAD via the IFC format. Currently, integration is performed by exporting an IFC file from ArchiCAD and uploading it to the platform through the web interface. The platform also works with models from any other CAD package that exports to IFC format. Further development is on the platform roadmap.

In Excel, an estimator manually calculates quantities from drawings, looks up current prices through phone calls, copies data from price lists, and risks human error throughout the process. In BEEMESTA, quantities are automatically extracted from the BIM model, prices are pulled from supplier price lists in real time, and the estimate is generated in minutes. Additional benefits include project versioning, historical state snapshots, plan/actual comparison in 3D, and collaborative work across multiple companies on a single project.

After uploading an IFC model to the platform, an architect or estimator classifies the model elements according to a hierarchical construction classifier — each element (wall, slab, window, pipe) is assigned a corresponding class. Each class is linked to a calculation formula across the different design stages: concept, schematic design, detailed design, and working documentation. The formula defines which resources (products, materials, works, equipment) are needed per unit of this element. Automatic classification via AI is planned for future releases.

A formula in BEEMESTA is a structured description of resources needed to complete one unit of construction work. Each formula includes four types of resources: products (structural elements), materials (brick, concrete, rebar), works (masonry, concreting), and equipment (crane, concrete pump). Products can have their own installation formulas. BIM classes and calculation rows are supported. The platform contains over 200 calculation formulas covering typical construction works.

Yes. BEEMESTA supports three price levels: general (public), partner (for partner companies), and project (only for a specific project). Private prices are visible only to companies that have been explicitly granted access through the partnership system or project sharing. The granular PBAC (Permission Bundle Access Control) permission system provides precise control over who sees which prices. The platform is hosted on Microsoft Azure with appropriate data protection standards.

The time depends on project complexity and data preparation. If the BIM model is uploaded, elements are classified, and suppliers have up-to-date prices in the system — generating the estimate takes minutes, as the platform automatically applies formulas and substitutes prices. Most of the time is spent on one-time preparation: classifying model elements and configuring formulas for company specifics. Subsequent similar projects are processed significantly faster.

BEEMESTA supports the IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) format — an open standard for exchanging BIM models. IFC files can be exported from Revit (via the BEEMESTA plugin), ArchiCAD, Tekla Structures, and any other CAD package that supports this format. Uploading an IFC file is possible through the Revit plugin or directly through the platform web interface.

A supplier registers in BEEMESTA as a separate company with the "Supply" module and uploads their price list — in bulk via Excel import, a parser, or item by item through the interface. The catalog supports four resource types: products, materials, works, and equipment. Partnership relationships with specific customers are established through the partnership system — this allows the supplier to offer special prices for specific companies or projects.

BEEMESTA uses a sharing system between companies. The project owner can share a project, report, or catalog with another company, granting granular permissions (view, edit, delete). This allows the designer, estimator, and customer to work with one project in a shared space, seeing current data in real time. Access is managed through company partnerships.

Yes. BEEMESTA includes a full plan/actual function: for each resource in the estimate, you can enter actual expenses — quantity, unit price, currency, with attached supporting documents. Actual data is displayed in the 3D viewer, plan/actual comparison is available in reports, and actuals can be exported to Excel. Comparison of actual expenses across different projects and versions is available for efficiency analysis.

Yes. BEEMESTA supports two comparison mechanisms. First, project versions — you can run several variants of one project in parallel and compare them. Second, snapshots — a captured state of the estimate on a specific date that preserves all prices, quantities, and parameters. Through the Export Constructor, you can compare the current state with a snapshot and see what has changed — in particular, how supplier prices have shifted over time.

The cost of BEEMESTA depends on the set of modules, the number of active users, and the project volume. The platform uses a modular system: a module for the Revit plugin and model uploading, a module for project management and cost estimation, and a module for viewing tendered projects, price lists, and the supplier dashboard. For a commercial proposal tailored to your company, contact the BEEMESTA team via the website form or email.