BIM maturity and its influence on BIM implementation challenges: the perspectives of UK contractors

Building information modelling (BIM) offers a powerful means to enhance collaboration and efficiency in construction project delivery. However, many organisations still face persistent technical, organisational, and environmental challenges during implementation. BIM maturity has emerged as a key factor in addressing these issues, yet few studies have empirically examined how maturity influences the ability to manage such challenges. This study investigates how BIM maturity affects implementation challenges from the perspective of UK construction contractors. The research adopted a quantitative approach using a structured questionnaire administered to 65 professionals from UK contracting organisations. The survey measured BIM maturity across technology, process, and policy domains and examined how organisations manage common implementation challenges. The analysis employed descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rank correlation, and independent-sample t-tests. Findings reveal that most organisations operate at Capability Stage 2, with moderate maturity across key BIM areas. Technological maturity, especially in software use, ranked highest. Organisations with higher BIM maturity managed challenges more effectively, although the correlation was moderate. These results underscore the value of assessing and developing BIM maturity as a strategic tool for overcoming barriers. Practically, construction firms can use maturity assessments to identify gaps, prioritise improvements, and enhance BIM implementation success across their projects.