Smart Models in SketchUp with PlusSpec – The BIM Extension – Sketchup Plugin of the Week #43

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PLUSSPEC MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION (Affiliate Link)
PLUSSPEC YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION (Affiliate Link)

PlusSpec is a smart building modeling extension designed to bring BIM functionality to SketchUp.

Basically what PlusSpec does is gives you a complete set of tools designed to help you build a smart model in SketchUp. This means that every object or assembly that you create in PlusSpec is smart, which means that all the items contain information, but they’re also editable.

This extension contains a LARGE suite of tools for creating buildings.

Some of the tools included in PlusSpec include:

  • Slab and structure creation
  • Walls (interior and exterior)
  • Doors and windows
  • Roofs
  • BIM tools – Mechanical, Electrical, Notes, etc

For each item, you can change or adjust almost every part, from the height, to the actual makeup of things like walls, to the changing of materials.

All of these items are fully editable, meaning that it’s easy to go back and make changes to your objects. You can easily adjust everything from types of walls, to types of windows to roof slopes.

In addition to having smart modeling tools built in, PlusSpec also has components included that you can add to your model. Beyond their built in components, they also have included access to their 3D Library of items that are constantly being added to by actual material suppliers.

One of the powerful things about PlusSpec is that it’s also designed for contractors as well. You can associate costs with all the items in your model, then generate a complete estimate directly from your model.

It also contains a series of markup tools for communicating notes, changes, and other items.

Overall, this is clearly an extension targeted at designers and builders. It comes closer than any other extension I’ve ever seen to bringing true BIM functionality to your models. It does come at a higher price point, but if you’re a professional in the design or construction industry, the time savings you could realize by using this extension could be substantial.

I’m considering doing some more in-depth videos on PlusSpec if there’s any interest, so let me know if the comments below if you’d like to find out more!

About Justin Geis

Hi, I'm Justin Geis, and I'm the founder of The SketchUp Essentials. I started using SketchUp as part of my work as a general contractor in 2008. I quickly realized the power of the software and started using it for personal projects. I started The SketchUp Essentials as a place to share easy to follow SketchUp tutorials and tips to help everyone harness the power of 3D Modeling in their lives. When not working with SketchUp, I enjoy playing soccer and spending time with my wife and our two dogs.