Scan-to-BIM Deliverables
| Deliverable | Format | Use | | --- | --- | --- | | Point cloud | E57, PTS | Primary data | | Floor plans | DWG + PDF | Design reference | | Revit model | RVT | BIM coordination |
2025 Scan-to-BIM Costs (ex VAT)
| Property | LOD 200 | LOD 300 | LOD 350 | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2–3 bed | £800–£1,200 | £1,200–£1,800 | £1,800–£2,500 | | 4+ bed | £1,200–£1,800 | £1,800–£2,500 | £2,500–£3,500 |
7 Questions to Ask Your Scan-to-BIM Surveyor Before Commissioning
Scan-to-BIM is a specialist service. Not all surveyors deliver the same quality. Before commissioning, ask these seven questions to ensure you get the right data for your project.
Question 1: What Level of Development Will the BIM Model Be Delivered At?
Level of Development (LOD) defines how much detail is included in the BIM model. Different project stages require different LOD:
LOD 200: Conceptual geometry. Approximate shapes, sizes, locations. Suitable for early design feasibility.
LOD 300: Precise geometry. Accurate shapes, sizes, locations. Suitable for design development and planning applications.
LOD 350: Detailed geometry with approximate annotations. Suitable for construction documentation and coordination.
LOD 400: As-built geometry with fabrication-level detail. Suitable for construction and facilities management.
Specify the LOD you require before commissioning. Surveyors should confirm which LOD they will deliver and what it includes.
Question 2: What Point Cloud Density Will Be Captured?
Point cloud density — measured in points per square metre — determines the level of detail captured. Higher density captures more detail but requires more processing time and storage.
For refurbishment projects, minimum density of around 25 points per square metre is typically required for useful BIM modelling. Higher density — 50 to 100 points per square metre — captures more detail for complex geometry.
Ask about the scanner specifications and the density that will be achieved. Confirm the density is appropriate for your LOD requirements.
Question 3: What File Formats Will Be Delivered?
BIM models should be delivered in formats compatible with your design software. Standard formats include:
Revit files: Native Revit format for Autodesk Revit. Specify the Revit version.
DWG files: AutoCAD format for CAD workflows. Specify the AutoCAD version.
IFC files: Industry Foundation Classes format for interoperability between software packages.
Point cloud files: LAS or PTS format for raw point cloud data.
Confirm the formats you need before commissioning. Ensure the surveyor can deliver in those formats.
Question 4: How Will Hidden Areas Be Handled?
Laser scanners cannot see through walls. Hidden areas — inside cupboards, behind furniture, within services — may not be captured.
Ask how the surveyor handles hidden areas. Options include:
Additional scanning: Returning to scan from different positions to capture hidden areas.
Conventional measurement: Using tape measures or laser distance meters to capture dimensions of hidden areas.
Notation: Clearly noting on the drawings where dimensions are estimated or not surveyed.
Hidden areas should be addressed in the specification. Do not assume all areas will be captured without discussion.
Question 5: What Accuracy Standard Will Be Applied?
Scan-to-BIM accuracy depends on the scanning equipment, the scanning method, and the processing quality. Ask about the accuracy standard the surveyor applies.
Typical accuracy for scan-to-BIM surveys:
High accuracy: 5mm to 10mm accuracy. For heritage buildings, complex geometry, and detailed BIM modelling.
Standard accuracy: 10mm to 20mm accuracy. For typical refurbishment projects and standard BIM models.
Lower accuracy: 20mm to 50mm accuracy. For outline surveys or early-stage feasibility work.
Confirm the accuracy standard that will be applied. This should be appropriate for your LOD requirements.
Question 6: Will the Raw Point Cloud Data Be Delivered?
Point cloud surveys generate large volumes of data. Some surveyors deliver only the processed BIM model. Others deliver both the raw point cloud and the BIM model.
Raw point cloud data is valuable for:
- Verification of the BIM model against the scan data
- Use by other consultants who prefer to work directly with the point cloud
- Future projects that may use different software
- Clash detection and coordination
Ask whether raw point cloud data will be delivered as part of the package or as an additional charge.
Question 7: What Is Included in the Fixed Fee?
Scan-to-BIM quotes vary in what they include. Confirm exactly what is included:
- Scanning on site
- Point cloud registration and processing
- BIM model development to specified LOD
- Deliverables in specified formats
- Raw point cloud data
- Number of revision rounds
- Time limit for revisions
Ambiguity about what is included leads to disputes about additional charges. Agree the scope precisely before instruction.
Additional Questions to Consider
How Will Structural Elements Be Modelled?
Scan-to-BIM produces as-built models. Structural elements — walls, floors, columns — are modelled from the point cloud. However, different surveyors model structural elements differently.
For structural assessments, confirm that structural elements are modelled as separate components with appropriate classification in the BIM model. This enables structural engineers to identify and extract structural data.
How Will MEP Systems Be Modelled?
If the scan-to-BIM includes MEP systems — mechanical, electrical, plumbing — confirm the scope and LOD for these elements. MEP modelling from point cloud data is complex and may require additional survey work or access.
Will BIM Model Navigation Be Provided?
Large BIM models can be difficult to navigate. Ask whether the surveyor provides a walkthrough or navigation guide for the BIM model. Some surveyors provide video flythroughs or annotated views to help users navigate the model.
What Are the Revision Limitations?
Scan-to-BIM projects frequently require revisions. Confirm how many revision rounds are included in the fixed fee and what additional charges apply for additional revisions.
How Will Data Be Transferred?
Point cloud data and BIM models are large files. Confirm how data will be transferred — secure file sharing, cloud storage, physical media. Large BIM models may require multiple file transfers.
Asking These Questions Before Commissioning
Asking these questions before commissioning ensures that you get the right data for your project. It also helps identify surveyors who are not equipped to deliver what you need.
Surveyors who can answer these questions clearly and confidently are likely to deliver a quality service. Surveyors who are vague or evasive may not be the right choice.
Fixed-Fee Scan-to-BIM from icelabz
icelabz provides fixed-fee scan-to-BIM surveys. We answer all questions before commissioning. We confirm LOD, accuracy, formats, and scope in the specification.
Deliverables include point cloud data and BIM models in Revit format. Contact icelabz with your project requirements for a fixed-fee quote.
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