Virtual design and construction (VDC) experts play a crucial role in the construction industry. They harness the power of 3D modeling tools and CAD software to virtually design, draft, and optimize a building’s design at its Pre-construction stage. This includes BIM Modeling, CAD Drafting, Construction Document sets, Clash Coordination & Resolution and a lot more. The digital prototypes created by VDC technology help construction engineers and stakeholders visualize and analyze the project before it’s built. VDC helps in enhanced visualization, improved collaboration, timely clash detection, and maximum cost- and time-saving.
However, VDC technology is a costly investment; it is important to understand the initial upfront costs associated with hiring VDC experts.
In this blog, we’ll explore the world of VDC as well as give you a general overview of the hourly rates for hiring VDC experts in different regions.
Cost of Hiring VDC Experts
| Country | Type | Rates (per hour) |
| United States | VDC experts | $40 to $70 |
| United Kingdom | VDC experts | £25 to £50 |
| Canada | VDC experts | CAD $40 to CAD $70 |
| Australia | VDC experts | AUD $30 to AUD $80 |
| India | VDC experts | USD $10 to $30 |
Key Factors That Influence the Cost of VDC Experts
As evident from the above table, the average hourly rate for hiring Virtual Design and Construction experts varies significantly from one region to another. However, countries like India are mostly preferred for outsourcing VDC services due to their competitive service rates, access to the latest VDC software, time zone advantage, and work proficiency.
Whether you are planning to outsource VDC services to India or engage with a local specialist, here are some of the factors that may influence the cost while hiring VDC experts:
- Experience and Expertise
Experienced and specialized VDC experts are proficient in Building Information Modeling (BIM), clash detection, sustainability analysis, and more. Due to their knowledge and expertise, they demand higher hourly or project-based rates. So, the more the experience, the more would be the hiring cost. However, experts may take less time to complete the project. So, while the hourly rates may be high, experts may take less time to complete the projects and could eventually cost less than entry-level or mid-level VDC professionals. Make sure to take all these points into consideration before making a final decision.
- Project Complexity
The complexity of your construction project plays a significant role in determining costs. Intricate projects require more experienced VDC resources as well as more time. This may result in higher service costs.
- Engagement Model
The cost of hiring a VDC expert varies basis the engagement model you choose. You can hire VDC experts on a full-time, part-time, or project-based basis and each engagement model comes with its own pricing structure.
- Project Duration
Longer projects require more man hours and thus cost more as compared to short-term projects.
- Additional Services
If your project demands additional experts (project managers, clash detection experts, sustainability analyzers, etc.) that go beyond standard VDC services, then you may have to bear additional costs.
- Tools and Software
Your costs may also vary basis the software or technology you need for your project. Advanced software and tools have high licensing costs and may hike up your project expenses as well as find it difficult to find skilled resources mainly for part-time or ad-hoc work
- Location of Service Provider
The geographic location of the VDC experts or the firm you hire can influence rates. Experts in regions with a higher cost of living will charge more. At the same time hiring from a low-cost region or country gives an advantage to businesses due to better currency exchange rates.
Tips to Keep Your VDC Service Cost Under Control
To stay profitable, it is important to keep your overall project cost under control, and this includes the cost of outsourcing VDC services too. Following a systematic approach and hiring the right experts can help you save BIG on your project costs. Here are some tips that can help:
1. Define Your Project Objective
Start by defining the objective of your construction project. Evaluate your goals and your existing resources and what kind of VDC services you need additionally to achieve them.
2. Assess Project Scope
A comprehensive understanding of the project scope is crucial for accurate budgeting. So, evaluate the scope of your project. Consider the size, duration, complexity, and specific requirements of your project for an accurate estimate. This will save you from costly surprises later.
3. Choose the Right VDC Expert
VDC encompasses a lot of services, including Building Information Modeling, clash detection, building energy modeling, 3D Architectural rendering, millwork shop drawings, architectural detailing, and more. Evaluate your project’s requirements and outsource to a reliable service provider who can provide you with all the services you need to avoid multiple partnerships and cost overruns.
4. Request Quotes and Proposals
While choosing to outsource, assess multiple service providers to find the most potential expert for your job. Request detailed quotes and proposals. Ensure it outlines the scope of work, deliverables, and timelines too. Also, check their past projects and customer reviews to evaluate their past performance and whether or not they’ll be able to meet your expectations. It’s a good idea to ask for a trial job to evaluate specific capabilities, before signing the contract; it will help you analyze their skills in real-time required for your projects.
5. Compare and Finalize
Low hourly costs are of no value if the service provider takes more time to deliver. So while comparing proposals of VDC service providers who have passed the trial, take into account the time frame to deliver and also compare it to the reference time taken by your own in-house expert.
Don’t hesitate to negotiate terms and prices to save some extra costs.
6. Monitor Your Project Closely to Control Costs
Ideally, experienced outsourcing or offshore service providers have a Project Manager assigned to your account, who will be a single point of contact and provide daily and weekly updates on the progress of your project by email, Skype, WhatsApp, Signal, Phone calls, Zoom, etc. Being in continuous communication gives a comfort level to companies who operate from thousands of miles away and put their trust in outsourcing partners. Course corrections, scaling up or down of the team and deadline honoring are all possible with regular communication.
How Enginerio Can Help?
Enginerio is a leading provider of Virtual Design and Construction services to AEC professionals across the world. We have a strong database of hand-picked and thoroughly vetted VDC experts who assure top-notch services at an extremely affordable price point.
Our flexible engagement model, efficient project management skills, and transparent pricing structure keep your projects on track and within budget. That’s not all. Our VDC experts work across different time zones and ensure uninterrupted business continuity, even when your local teams are offline.
Whatever your project requirement or budget, we can help you find the right experts for your engineering project. Know how we work and request a free quote to bring sustainability and success to your construction projects.
