Nohara Group's Exclusive Survey: BIM Permit Applications — Support Depends on Awareness; Over 80% of Informed Back It, Unaware Show Almost No Support

BuildApp Research Institute of Nohara Group (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Representative: Shoji Yamakaji) conducted an awareness survey targeting 823 construction professionals nationwide regarding BIM-based building permit applications (BIM drawing review), from May 22 to 26, 2026, via online survey. While 64% of respondents remained neutral on the system, over 80% of those with a clear understanding expressed support, clearly demonstrating a strong correlation between 'understanding' and 'evaluation.' Super general contractors showed high levels of both understanding and support, while subcontractors and specialized construction firms exhibited significant 'inability to judge due to lack of awareness.'

Although BIM-based permit applications have officially begun operation in the construction industry, discussions on standardizing practical implementation and review processes are still ongoing. Currently, there is a lack of sufficient quantitative data on the system's practical impact and field-level acceptance. This survey analyzed, from multiple angles, awareness, adoption intentions, challenges, and expected conditions among 823 construction professionals.

Survey Overview

Survey Period: May 22–26, 2026

Number of Responses: 823

Target Respondents: Construction professionals nationwide

Survey Method: Online survey (conducted by JustSystems Co., Ltd. / Fast-Ask)

＜Overall Results＞

Significant difference in support based on awareness (up to 75 percentage points) Among those who understand the system, 81.5% support its introduction, while only 6.2% of those who had 'never heard of it' expressed support.

Super general contractors show ~60% support, design firms only ~30% Super general contractors: 58.3% support Design firms: 31.1% support Subcontractors / specialized contractors: 17.5% support

Differing perceptions of barriers by business domain Main barriers: Insufficient BIM operation, unestablished workflows, unclear standards

Evaluation hinges on system clarity and burden reduction Clear demonstration of practical benefits, reduced application burden, and clarified review criteria ranked highest

Over 40% express concern about field burden 42.9% feel the burden is significant

Overall positive impression remains below 30%

【Commentary from Issuer (Analysis)】BuildApp Research Institute (quotation welcome, partial use acceptable)

The biggest bottleneck is the gap in understanding, and practical implementation (workflow, tools, burden) determines evaluation. It was also confirmed that awareness is progressing primarily among main contractors. Looking ahead, transitioning to an implementation phase—based on promoting understanding through guideline development, sharing success stories, and tool preparation—is crucial.

This survey revealed that evaluations are not based on the 'merits of the system itself,' but rather on 'whether or not it is understood.' In other words, with proper information sharing and practical integration, industry-wide acceptance could rapidly accelerate.

※ To promote industry-wide understanding, BuildApp News (https://news.build-app.jp/) will publish a special feature page on BIM-based permit applications. We will also release detailed results by sector—including designers, general contractors, and subcontractors.

【Detailed Survey Results】

1. Significant difference in support based on awareness (up to 75 percentage points)

Among those who understand the system, 81.5% support its introduction, while only 6.2% of those who had 'never heard of it' expressed support.

It is now clear that BIM-based permit applications are not judged by 'whether the system is good or bad,' but rather by 'level of understanding.'

2. Super general contractors show ~60% support, design firms only ~30%

Super general contractors: 58.3% support

Design firms: 31.1% support

Subcontractors / specialized contractors: 17.5% support

A threefold difference was observed across segments.

While support progresses mainly among main contractors,

design and specialized construction sectors remain cautious.

3. Barriers to adoption concentrated on 'ambiguity in operations and systems'

While perceptions of barriers vary by business domain, top challenges were concentrated on 'insufficient BIM operation,' 'unestablished workflows,' and 'unclear review standards.'

It can be said that the bottleneck lies not in technology, but in 'operational design' and 'system design.'

4 and 5. Evaluation depends on system specificity and burden reduction

Concerns about field burden remain strong, with approximately 40% (42.9%) responding that the burden is 'significant.'

The underlying premise for adoption evaluation is 'concern over increased workload.' Clarifying practical benefits, reducing application burden, and defining review standards appear to be key for future progress.

6. Overall positive impression remains below 30%

Awareness of the system was dominated by 'undecided' at 45.4%, far exceeding 'positive' (34.6%) and 'negative' (18.0%).

This suggests the industry as a whole is still in a 'pre-evaluation' phase.

End

About BuildApp Research Institute

BuildApp Research Institute is an independent organization established in December 2024 to promote and advocate for digital technology adoption and supply chain transformation in the construction industry (Representative: Shoji Yamakaji, Group CMO, Nohara Group Co., Ltd.).

Its main activities include disseminating information on construction DX and digital tool utilization.

We aim to contribute to society and the future by advancing information innovation and industrialization in construction processes, collaborating with all construction stakeholders—including general contractors (GCs), specialized contractors, building material manufacturers, and academic experts.

About the BIM Design-Manufacturing-Construction Support Platform "BuildApp" (Registered Trademark)

"BuildApp" is a cloud service that enhances BIM design data created by architectural firms and general contractors into more detailed data, enabling practical use across all construction phases to improve overall productivity. Through multiple services connecting design estimation, production, distribution, construction management, and maintenance via BIM, we provide tailored solutions for each stakeholder. By eliminating rework and inefficiencies in design and construction, and optimizing production and distribution, we contribute to cost reduction, waste reduction, and CO2 emission reduction.

"BuildApp" supports fundamental efficiency improvements in the construction supply chain and sustainable growth for the future, helping to update the construction industry together with all stakeholders.

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About Nohara Group Co., Ltd.

Centered around Nohara Group, we operate under the mission of "CHANGE THE GAME. Creatively and enjoyably updating the construction industry." We will further refine our accumulated expertise and connect it to the future, contributing even more to society.

https://nohara-inc.co.jp

【Media Inquiries】

Nohara Group Co., Ltd.

Marketing Department, Brand Communication Section

Contact: Morita, Takahashi

E-Mail: nhrpreso@nohara-inc.co.jp