Revit Tip: Set Up Revit Phasing for Consistent Renovation Documentation

Phasing is the backbone of renovation, fit-out, and multi-stage delivery. Here’s how to set it up once and get consistent, low-friction documentation across your project.

Plan phases early

• Go to Manage > Phases. Define a minimal, chronological list: Existing, Phase 1, Phase 2, New Construction (or your milestones). Fewer, clearer phases mean simpler graphics and schedules.
• Name and order phases deliberately; reordering later can ripple through views and schedules.
• Save your phasing and filters into your project template to standardize across teams. Need Revit or template guidance? See NOVEDGE.

Lock graphics with Phase Filters

• In Phases > Phase Filters, keep a concise set: Show All, Existing Only, New Only, Demo Plans, and Presentation (where Demolished is Not Displayed).
• Use Graphic Overrides to make “Demolished” unmistakable (e.g., dashed red). Align these standards across disciplines.

Control views via templates

• Create View Templates that fix both Phase and Phase Filter. Example: “A-Plan-Existing,” “A-Plan-Demo,” “A-Plan-New.”
• Apply templates to all related views to eliminate accidental phase mismatches. This is the fastest path to consistent output and fewer RFIs.
• When creating new views, assign a template immediately so the Phase/Phase Filter is correct from the start.

Place, demo, and replace correctly

• New elements inherit the Phase Created of the active view. Always draw in a view set to the intended phase.
• Use the Demolish tool in a view set to the demolition phase; Revit sets Phase Demolished accordingly. Do not delete elements you intend to track as demolished.
• Temporary construction: create and demolish in the same phase, and create a dedicated filter to display temporary items distinctly.

Rooms and separators are phased

• Rooms exist per phase. If layouts change across phases, place rooms in each relevant phase rather than trying to “carry” one room forward.
• Room Separation lines are also phased—missing areas often trace back to separators living in the wrong phase.

Schedule by phase

• Set the Phase in Schedule Properties to align counts with the corresponding plan set (Existing, Demo, New).
• Create duplicate schedules per phase with consistent filters, grouping, and formatting. Keep naming explicit, e.g., “Doors – Existing,” “Doors – New.”

Linking and coordination

• When linking models, map phases (Manage Links > Phasing) so their “Existing” matches yours. This prevents new work from showing as existing (or vice versa).
• Document the agreed phase map in your BIM Execution Plan. For tooling and coordination solutions, check NOVEDGE.

Troubleshooting quick hits

• Element looks “missing”? Verify the view’s Phase and Phase Filter first, then check the element’s Phase Created/Demolished.
• Demo graphics not showing? Your Phase Filter may be set to Not Displayed for Demolished.
• Counts feel off? Confirm the schedule’s Phase and any category filters.

Establish clear phases, enforce them with templates, and let Revit’s filters do the heavy lifting. For licenses, training, and expert guidance, partner with NOVEDGE.

You can find all the Revit products on the NOVEDGE web site at this page.