Using BIM and BIM-aware tools such as those described in this chapter can give you an early understanding of what the scale, site, and building conditions are and what the cost of a project is. Using BIM, and the technologies that support its varied uses, helps inform the project team and streamline processes. You can use site analysis tools to understand multiple sites and communicate potential advantages and drawbacks of each without leaving your desk. As a design model changes throughout the course of a project, you can use the BIM as a tool to coordinate takeoff and costs. Using this means of estimating creates a proactive design-to-budget approach with the architect and engineering team, as opposed to dealing with a reactive response to value engineering conditions later. Using BIM involves the use of both analysis tools and modeling tools, and both are critical to a systemic BIM process. Understanding that there is a difference between the two tools will clarify future tasks and programs. This book shows which tools (and identifies similar tools) are applicable to each task, a solution to how it can be accomplished, and the ability to quantify the time and effort it takes to accomplish these tasks for future reference.