Technology Archives - PlusSpec

Sketchup Estimating Plugin for Builders

Drawing & Estimating using plugins inside Sketchup, A builders perspective. I’m a building contractor, I used to use Sketchup for the basics, now I use the PlusDesignBuild plugin inside Sketchup to estimate all of my jobs and it’s changed the way I quote and build homes. As a builder, plan interpretation and client communication are […]


Wearable Technology in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Industry: Microsoft Hololens

Wearable technology is the way of the future, in and out of the workplace. We didn’t realize we needed a smart watch until Apple and Samsung told us we did – and now half of us can’t live without one. Innovative and accurate technology is now at our fingertips (quite literally) more than ever, and […]


The Top 3 Technologies that will Transform the Construction Industry

1. BIM/VDC Software We believe that BIM/VDC (Building Information Modelling/Virtual Design & Construction) is the most important technology that the Construction Industry MUST embrace. In Australia, design and construction professionals operate in a very high-cost environment. Productivity and waste reduction are essential for our continued prosperity – and yet we continue to be hamstrung by […]


Understanding BIM Content

Many manufacturers make the classic error of trying to replicate their products exactly. This is a big mistake. It is also erroneous to think that one version of your content will suffice. The first thing that you need to understand is: different professionals will want to use your content in different ways. Many professionals speak […]


Manufacturers & BIM: Create the right content with RubySketch

BIM content can be detrimental to a manufacturer’s business, if it is not done correctly. Many manufacturers make the classic error of trying to replicate their products exactly. This is a big mistake. The people who will use your content are comprised of various professionals (architects, interior designers, builders), and each profession requires different kinds of […]


Efficiency creates throughput and job creation. My 2 cents worth.

I find it amazing that many shy away from innovation for fear of it rendering personnel redundant. It is a counterproductive argument. Just imagine if Henry Ford decided not to create motorized vehicles for the fear it would put blacksmiths out of work. History shows blacksmiths became mechanics and the world moved on. Sure there […]


Why so many acronyms with BIM?

Are acronyms getting in the way of progression and adoption of time saving technology? Here is an insert I took from a document I read in relation to Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Standards. “Most CEN and CENELEC Committees have parallel activities in ISO and IEC, and in some cases the same organisation provides the […]


BIM integration with national codes of construction.

Integrating BIM technology with local and National Construction Codes. Will this be the turning point in our industry? Imagine sitting down in front of your computer creating a design or structure and having the ability to quickly look up  current building codes …. Not only will these advances in technology save time , it will […]


3D models for construction how hard is it?

Hi guys, many builders & tradespeople would love to be able to draw up their own homes yet to date it has been difficult as the software available was never easy to use. This video gives a quick overview of PlusSpec. Introduction to PlusSpec PlusSpec is the easiest tool to design and build with. Here are […]


The Industry Pitfalls of Architecture and Design

Does design start from the inside out or outside in?  Facade or layout? Solar access or privacy? Is the cost the defining factor?  Architects & Designers encounter and remedy this topic every day of their lives. Every design starts with an envelope, width, breadth, height are the obvious.  Guiding the client through the process of […]