2025 Survey Costs (ex VAT)
| Property | Standard | Fast Track (+25%) | Rush (+50%) | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2–3 bed | £400–£600 | £500–£750 | £600–£900 | | 4+ bed | £500–£800 | £625–£1,000 | £750–£1,200 | | Commercial | £800–£1,500 | £1,000–£1,875 | £1,200–£2,250 |
Survey Deliverables Reference
| Deliverable | Format | Use | | --- | --- | --- | | Floor plans | DWG + PDF | Design reference | | Elevations | DWG + PDF | Planning submission | | Sections | DWG + PDF | Building regulations | | Site plan | DWG + PDF | Planning boundary |
Do I Need a Point Cloud or a BIM Model?
Two deliverables come out of a 3D laser scan: the raw point cloud and a BIM model. Both are valuable. But which do you need? The answer depends on how you intend to use the data.
This article explains the difference between point clouds and BIM models, and helps you decide which is right for your project.
What Is a Point Cloud?
A point cloud is the raw output of a laser scan. Millions of measurement points — each with X, Y, Z coordinates — are captured in a 3D space. The points represent every surface the laser touched.
Point clouds are large files. A comprehensive scan of a building may produce a point cloud of several gigabytes. They require specialised software to view and process.
Point clouds are not drawings. They are a collection of data points. You cannot directly extract dimensions from a point cloud the way you would from a CAD drawing. You need to visualise and interpret the point cloud to extract useful information.
What Is a BIM Model?
A BIM model is a three-dimensional representation of the building built from the point cloud data. Walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, and structural elements are modelled as individual objects with properties.
BIM models are created by a technician who interprets the point cloud and builds the model. The level of detail depends on the LOD specified.
BIM models are much more usable than point clouds. They are the format architects, engineers, and contractors are familiar with. BIM models can be queried, annotated, and used directly in design workflows.
Point Cloud vs BIM Model: Key Differences
Format: Point cloud is raw data. BIM model is interpreted geometry.
Use: Point cloud requires specialist software. BIM model works in standard design software.
Detail: Point cloud captures everything. BIM model includes only what is specified.
Size: Point clouds are large. BIM models are smaller and more manageable.
Cost: Point clouds are cheaper. BIM models require additional processing time.
Flexibility: Point clouds preserve all data. BIM models are specific to the intended use.
When to Choose a Point Cloud
Choose a point cloud when:
You have in-house expertise: Your team knows how to work with point cloud data in software like CloudCompare, Leica Cyclone, or ReCap. You can extract the geometry you need.
You need verification: You want the raw data for verification purposes. The point cloud allows you to check BIM model accuracy against the original scan.
Budget is constrained: Point cloud delivery is less expensive than full BIM modelling. If budget is tight, start with point cloud and model later if needed.
Future flexibility: You may need to remodel in the future or use different software. Point cloud preserves all data for future use.
Coordination required: Other project team members prefer to work with the point cloud or have point cloud capability.
Point cloud delivery is the right choice when you have the expertise to use it and need the flexibility or budget efficiency it offers.
When to Choose a BIM Model
Choose a BIM model when:
You need to use the data in design software: Architects and engineers work in Revit or AutoCAD. BIM models are the format they can use directly.
LOD is specified: The project requires a BIM model at a specific LOD for coordination, clash detection, or construction documentation.
FM requirements: The client requires an as-built BIM model for facilities management.
Design development: The project is progressing to detailed design or construction and needs modelled geometry for that work.
Speed is important: You need geometry you can use immediately without processing the point cloud yourself.
BIM model delivery is the right choice when the project needs modelling output that works directly in design workflows.
When to Choose Both
Choose both point cloud and BIM model when:
Verification is important: You want the BIM model for design and the point cloud for verification and future use.
Multiple teams are involved: Different teams prefer different formats. Architects want the BIM model. Structural engineers want the point cloud.
High value project: For high-value or complex projects, both deliverables provide the most flexibility and protection.
Long-term data retention: Point cloud data is preserved for future projects or assessments. BIM model is used for current work.
Both deliverables are standard for major projects. The additional cost of point cloud delivery is justified by the flexibility it provides.
Cost Comparison
Point cloud delivery: from around 500 to 1,000 pounds for a typical property. Lower cost because no modelling time is included.
BIM model delivery: from around 1,000 to 3,000 pounds for a typical property. Higher cost because modelling time is included.
Both deliverables: from around 1,500 to 4,000 pounds for a typical property. Full coverage but higher cost.
All icelabz quotes are fixed-fee with no hidden charges.
What icelabz Provides
icelabz provides point cloud surveys, BIM model delivery, and combined packages. We advise on the right deliverable for your project based on how you intend to use the data.
Point cloud data is delivered in LAS or PTS format. BIM models are delivered in Revit format at specified LOD.
Contact icelabz with your project requirements for a fixed-fee quote.
Working With Point Cloud Data
Point cloud data requires software to view and process. Common software includes:
Leica Cyclone: Industry-standard point cloud processing software for professional users.
Autodesk ReCap: Point cloud viewer and processing for AutoCAD and Revit users.
CloudCompare: Open-source point cloud processing software.
BIM 360/ReCap: Cloud-based point cloud viewing integrated with Autodesk BIM tools.
Point clouds can be used as a reference in Revit and AutoCAD. The point cloud is inserted as a reference, and the model is built over it. This approach gives the flexibility of point cloud data with the usability of BIM.
BIM Model LOD for Scan-to-BIM Projects
Level of Development (LOD) defines how much detail is in the BIM model:
LOD 200: Conceptual. Approximate shapes and locations. Walls shown as generic planes. Suitable for early design.
LOD 300: Precise. Accurate shapes, sizes, locations. Windows and doors as openings. Suitable for design development.
LOD 350: Detailed. Additional detail — reveals, returns, openings. Suitable for construction documentation.
LOD 400: Fabrication. Component-level detail. Suitable for prefabrication and FM.
Specify LOD based on intended use. LOD 300 is typical for refurbishment design. Higher LOD costs more but provides more detail.
Software Compatibility
BIM models must be compatible with your design software. Standard formats include:
Revit: Native Autodesk Revit format. Specify version — 2020, 2021, 2022, etc.
DWG: AutoCAD format. Specify version — 2018, 2019, 2020, etc.
IFC: Industry Foundation Classes for interoperability. Less detailed than native formats.
Point cloud formats include LAS (American) and PTS (Faro). Both are widely compatible.
Confirm compatibility requirements before commissioning. Software version mismatches cause problems.
Choosing the Right Deliverable
To choose between point cloud and BIM model, consider:
Team capability: Can your team work with point cloud data? Or do they need BIM models?
Project stage: Early-stage projects may use point cloud data. Detailed design needs BIM models.
Budget: BIM models cost more. Start with point cloud if budget is constrained.
LOD requirements: Construction and FM projects require BIM at specified LOD.
Verification needs: If you need to verify against the scan data, include point cloud delivery.
Discuss your requirements with your scan-to-BIM surveyor. We advise on the best deliverable for your project.
Fixed-Fee Scan-to-BIM Packages
icelabz provides fixed-fee scan-to-BIM packages. Point cloud delivery, BIM model delivery, and combined packages are all available.
All packages fixed-fee with no hidden charges. Contact icelabz with your project requirements for a fixed-fee quote.