BuildRevu blog
IFC Model Submission for Construction: A Practical Guide
How to prepare, check, submit and review an IFC model alongside its PDF cover, metadata, coordination purpose and revision history.
IFC is an open model exchange format used to move structured building information between different authoring and review tools. A successful IFC submission needs agreed information requirements and document control; exporting a file is only the first step.
Agree the purpose
State whether the model is for coordination, review, construction reference, asset information or as-built handover. The purpose determines the expected geometry, properties, classification, level of information and approval route.
Define the exchange requirements
Agree the IFC schema and model view, coordinates, units, storeys, naming convention, required property sets and file-size approach. Record the originating organisation, discipline, building or zone and issue stage in the register.
Check before submission
Open the exported file in an independent viewer. Confirm orientation, shared coordinates, levels, object count and obvious missing elements. Spot-check key properties and classifications. Run agreed clash or rule checks and explain accepted exceptions.
Submit a readable package
Include the native IFC and a PDF cover or model report that identifies the model number, title, revision, issue purpose, authoring tool, export settings, included areas and known limitations. Link coordination reports, RFIs and supporting drawings where relevant.
Review against the stated purpose
A visual review alone cannot confirm information quality. Check model location, completeness, interfaces, required properties and the agreed use. Record comments against the submitted revision and issue the formal decision through the project workflow.
Preserve revisions
Keep each submitted IFC with its decision and comments. Do not replace the file behind an existing reference. A new export becomes the next revision after the previous review concludes.
Submission checklist
- Correct schema, view and units.
- Agreed origin, coordinates and levels.
- File naming and register metadata.
- Required geometry, systems and properties.
- Independent viewer check completed.
- PDF cover and known limitations attached.
- Coordination reports and references linked.
- Revision and review route confirmed.
BuildRevu registers IFC models beside drawings, requires controlled revisions and lets reviewers open model files in the browser while retaining formal decisions.
Explore document control or review IFC drawing submission software.