Structuring Cost Information in BIM: A Property-Based Mapping Between Regional Price Lists and IFC

Construction cost estimation often relies on subjective expert judgment, which introduces variability and inconsistency. Standardizing data and procedures can improve reliability and enable repeatable workflows. This research investigates how price lists used for public construction can be semantically linked to Building Information Modeling (BIM) via the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) standard to support objective, repeatable, semi-automated model-to-cost estimation. By an inductive case-based design, the work uses Veneto Region price list and maps selected cost items to IFC properties. Six representative price list items (slabs, partition walls, plasterboards, plasters, doors, and windows) are examined to identify discriminating parameters (e.g., material, thickness, dimensions, fire rating) that are mappable to IFC entities and property sets. The methodology distinguishes primary charges from surcharges, then assesses the model-ability of parameters and their semantic coherence within BIM’s object-based paradigm. Findings show that through formalization and standardization of cost item characteristics via IFC properties, the approach reduces subjectivity, enabling structured and objective matching and laying the groundwork for future automated workflows. Limitations are discussed, including incomplete representation of some cost-driving attributes, reliance on naming conventions, and opportunities associated with Digital Product Passport implementation (DPP).