Q.
What is ForensicBIM?
ForensicBIM is an automated analytical platform that evaluates Industry Foundation Classes (IFC)
models for schema compliance, geometry density, element completeness, and estimated book value. It
provides actionable reports for architects, engineers, contractors, and real estate investors.
Q.
Which file formats and IFC schema versions are supported?
We support all standard IFC formats (.ifc). Our validation engine automatically detects
and validates models across IFC2X3, IFC4, and IFC
4.3 schemas in accordance with open buildingSMART specifications.
Q.
How is the monetary value calculated?
Valuations are calculated using algorithmic weighting based on verified model metrics.
This is a proprietary algorithm that we developed. Our team has of 25+ years of IFC experience,
combined with almost 20 years of investing and balance sheet evaluations. Think Columbia Business
School combined with buildingSMART and AEC engineering. The algorithm is periodicaly reviewed and
improved. We use advanced statistics like Bayesian belief networks to find paterns and relations
in the data that might not be immediately apparent. Our team of 30+ IFC experts advises us on the
values and patterns we find.
Configurable baseline coefficients can be audited and fine-tuned in the system parameters.
Q.
Are my uploaded models private and secure?
Yes. All uploaded models and analysis reports are protected by ISO-compliant data handling practices
and encrypted in transit and at rest using Google Cloud Storage and Firestore. Your files are
accessible solely to your authenticated account.
Q.
Where are my files and analysis reports stored, and where does processing happen?
Regional Storage: The data from ForensicBIM are all stored on the location you
select. ForensicBIM supports 8 regional Google Cloud Storage locations across the globe:
- 🇪🇺 Europe (Netherlands /
europe-west4) (Default)
- 🇺🇸 United States (Iowa /
us-central1)
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom (London /
europe-west2)
- 🇸🇬 Singapore (
asia-southeast1)
- 🇭🇰 Hong Kong (
asia-east2)
- 🇦🇺 Australia (Sydney /
australia-southeast1)
- 🇯🇵 Japan (Tokyo /
asia-northeast1)
- 🇧🇷 South America (São Paulo /
southamerica-east1)
The upload interface automatically selects the nearest regional storage bucket based on your
browser location, or you can manually pick your preferred region before uploading. Both your
uploaded IFC model and your analytical reports remain stored at rest in your chosen regional
bucket.
Storage Immutability: After storing you can delete, but you cannot change the
location of the storage after or during processing.
Regional Processing: When you select a region, both storage and processing are
conducted in that region. Processing is performed within the infrastructure corresponding to
your chosen location, and absolutely no data is stored anywhere outside ForensicBIM. External
services utilized during analysis include:
- MyBimApi Processing Engine: Metric extraction, geometry calculations, data
density forensics, and 3D thumbnail visualization are executed in the region you selected.
Absolutely no data is stored outside ForensicBIM.
- IFC Schema Validation: Schema compliance is verified via the official
buildingSMART validation service (
validate.buildingsmart.org). Data sent to
buildingSMART is automatically deleted after 120 days.
Q.
Can I change the storage location of my model after uploading or during processing?
No. The data from ForensicBIM are all stored on the location you select prior to upload. After
storing you can delete, but you cannot change the location of the storage after or during
processing. If you wish to store a model in a different region, delete the current record and upload
the IFC file again with your new preferred region selected.
Q.
How do I delete my uploaded files and analysis records?
You maintain complete ownership and control over your data. You can delete individual analyses
or entire project batches directly from your Dashboard at any time by clicking the "Delete"
button.
Permanent Removal: When you delete, all data from your analysis and your IFC
are permanently removed. There is no way for an admin or anyone to recover your data.
Q.
Can deleted analyses or IFC files be recovered by ForensicBIM administrators?
No. When you delete, all data from your analysis and your IFC are permanently removed. There is no
way for an admin or anyone to recover your data. Deletion is instantaneous, final, and irreversible.
Q.
Do I need an account to analyze a model?
No. You can perform quick analyses anonymously directly from the homepage. However, creating a free
account or signing in with Google allows you to maintain a persistent history of past analyses,
access batch exports, and review your dashboard across devices.
Q.
Does ForensicBIM replace a formal certified appraisal?
No. ForensicBIM calculations provide automated digital metrics and book value benchmarks derived
from model data. They are designed for data auditing, preliminary due diligence, and quality
assurance, and do not replace licensed real estate appraisals or certified architectural stamps.
Q.
What is your refund policy and do you offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes. We provide a
14-day money-back guarantee on all initial Pro subscription
purchases (both monthly and annual). If you are not completely satisfied with ForensicBIM Pro,
simply contact us at
support@forensicbim.business
within 14 days of your initial purchase date. We will issue a 100% full refund to your original
payment method via Stripe, no questions asked.