3D virtual building models are used to help clients reach decisions during concept and detailed design phases. However, previously published research provides evidence for discrepancies between human perception of virtual and physical spaces; thus perceiving each virtual dimension (height, width, depth) differently from its physical counterpart, with varying percentages. This can affect clients' effective decision-making during coordination if 3D virtual representations are not perceived identical to their physical equivalent. This paper discusses the impact of these discrepancies beyond the design phases and into the whole lifecycle, construction and operations. Moreover, descriptive and inferential statistical analysis provides evidence of relationships between the physical and virtual perception differences in dimension, discussing possible factors contributing to perception discrepancies affecting the individual viewer, in 2 main areas 1) 3D authoring software 2) psychophysical factors. Possible solutions are also proposed to accommodate for the discrepancy between physical and virtual spaces.