Scan-to-BIM Company: UK and London Guide
Scan-to-BIM (Building Information Modelling) converts 3D laser scan point clouds into intelligent 3D models in Revit or ArchiCAD. The right Scan-to-BIM company delivers accurate, structured, and coordinated models that integrate with your design workflow — reducing rework, clashes, and costly site corrections. Here is how to find the right company, what to look for, and typical 2025 costs.
Top Scan-to-BIM Companies in London and UK
| Company | Location | Key Features | Contact | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Scope Surveys Ltd | London and South East | In-house BIM team (10+ years experience), LOD 3 and 4, Revit and Archicad | info@scopesurveys.co.uk | | PointBIM | London | Trading since 2011, LOD 200–400, 26,000m² Canary Wharf project, fixed-price quotes | +44 7725 236671 | | City Measured Survey | London | Colour point cloud, Revit RVT deliverables, quick turnaround, competitive pricing | Online booking | | Datum Site Engineering | London and Home Counties | As-built and refurbishment focus | London-based | | Redbox Surveys | UK-wide | Free quote with breakdown, start within 1–2 weeks, Revit, Archicad, and IFC | Contact form |
What to Look For
Essential Criteria
| Criterion | What to Check | | --- | --- | | ISO 19650 Certification | UK BIM Level 2 compliance — not just "aligned" | | In-house modelling team | Avoids outsourcing quality issues | | LOD and LOI definition per zone | Clear specification of geometry vs. data requirements | | Revit template compliance | Model follows your project template | | Parametric smart objects | Elements remain editable in Revit — not dumb geometry | | Multi-software capability | Can deliver Revit (RVT), Archicad, and IFC if needed | | Accuracy specification | E.g., ±20mm at 10m for laser scanning | | Portfolio and case studies | Evidence of similar UK projects |
LOD Levels Explained
| LOD Level | Description | Use Case | | --- | --- | --- | | LOD 100 | Conceptual — generic element shapes | Feasibility and early design | | LOD 200 | Approximate geometry — generalised shapes and sizes | Schematic design | | LOD 300 | Precise geometry — accurate dimensions and positions | Design development and construction | | LOD 350 | As LOD 300 plus defined connections and interfaces | Design coordination and clash detection | | LOD 400 | As LOD 350 plus fabrication-level detail | Construction and fabrication | | LOD 500 | As-built — verified field data | FM, operations, and asset management |
Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring
| Question | Why It Matters | | --- | --- | | "Will the model follow your Archicad or Revit template?" | Ensures consistency with your workflow | | "Are LOD and LOI defined per zone?" | Prevents over-specification or under-specification | | "Will smart objects remain fully parametric?" | Enables future editing in Revit | | "Can both Revit and Archicad be delivered?" | Flexibility for multi-software teams | | "What is your accuracy tolerance (e.g., ±mm at distance)?" | Critical for coordination | | "Do you handle architectural, structural, and MEP?" | Avoids multiple vendors | | "What Revit version will the model use?" | Compatibility with your team | | "What is included in QC — model vs. point cloud overlay?" | Verifies accuracy | | "Can you provide a sample or screenshot?" | Quality check before committing | | "What point cloud formats do you accept?" | E57, RCP, RCS, LAS compatibility |
2025 UK and London Costs
| Service | Cost (ex VAT, 2025) | | --- | --- | | Point cloud only (E57, RCP, LAS) | £750–£1,250 per day | | Scan-to-CAD (2D drawings) | £0.80–£2.40 per sq ft | | Scan-to-BIM modelling | £0.15–£0.75+ per sq ft | | LOD 300 BIM (architectural) | £7 per m² | | LOD 400 BIM (full MEP) | £10 per m² | | Typical small residential | £1,500–£3,000 | | Typical commercial (per floor) | £3,000–£10,000 |
Cost Factors
| Factor | Impact | | --- | --- | | Property size (GIA) | Larger properties have lower per-m² rates | | Level of Detail (LOD) | Higher LOD costs more — LOD 400 is significantly more than LOD 200 | | MEP complexity | Plant rooms, risers, and service voids add cost | | Point cloud quality | Pre-existing scans may need re-processing | | Deliverable formats | IFC, COBie, and Revit all affect pricing |
Deliverables
| Deliverable | Format | Description | | --- | --- | --- | | Revit model | RVT | Native Autodesk Revit file | | Industry Foundation Classes | IFC | OpenBIM format for interoperability | | Archicad model | PLN | Graphisoft ArchiCAD native file | | 2D CAD drawings | DWG, PDF | Floor plans, sections from BIM model | | Point cloud data | E57, RCP, RCS | Native scan data for verification | | COBie data | XLSX | Asset data schedule for FM | | Clash detection report | PDF | Navisworks or Revit interference report |
When to Commission Scan-to-BIM
| Project Type | Scan-to-BIM Recommended? | | --- | --- | | New build with existing structure | Yes — accurate as-built for design coordination | | Major refurbishment | Yes — existing conditions for design and coordination | | Heritage or listed building | Yes — non-contact measurement for fragile structures | | MEP coordination | Yes — clash detection before installation | | BIM Level 2 requirement | Yes — ISO 19650 and UK BIM Mandate compliance | | FM and asset management | Yes — LOD 500 as-built model for operations | | Quantity surveying | Yes — accurate areas and volumes from model |
How to Verify a Scan-to-BIM Company
| Step | Action | | --- | --- | | 1 | Check ISO 19650 certification — not just "BIM capable" | | 2 | Ask for portfolio of similar Scan-to-BIM projects | | 3 | Request sample model screenshot or viewer link | | 4 | Verify Revit version compatibility with your team | | 5 | Confirm LOD definition per project zone | | 6 | Check point cloud format acceptance | | 7 | Verify professional indemnity insurance | | 8 | Confirm QC process — point cloud overlay verification |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between Scan-to-CAD and Scan-to-BIM?
Scan-to-CAD produces 2D floor plans, elevations, and sections. Scan-to-BIM produces a 3D intelligent model with structured data (wall types, materials, systems, areas) that can be queried, edited, and coordinated. BIM models cost more but provide significantly more value for design coordination and FM.
Q: What LOD do I need for my project?
LOD 200–300 is typical for design and planning applications. LOD 350–400 is needed for construction coordination and clash detection. LOD 500 is for FM and asset management. Always specify LOD per zone — not a single LOD for the whole model.
Q: How long does Scan-to-BIM take?
Site scanning: 1–3 hours for standard residential properties. BIM modelling: 1–3 weeks depending on size, LOD, and complexity. Large commercial projects may take 4–8 weeks.
Q: Can I use an existing point cloud?
Yes — if you have point cloud data in E57, RCP, RCS, or other format, the Scan-to-BIM company can model from that. Conversion fees may apply if re-processing is needed.
Q: What Revit version will I receive?
Confirm before commissioning. Revit 2023 and 2024 are current standards. Always check your team's Revit version for compatibility.
Q: What is IFC and why do I need it?
IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) is the openBIM format for interoperability. It allows models to be shared between different software without proprietary lock-in. ISO 19650 projects typically require IFC deliverables.
Q: Can Scan-to-BIM include MEP systems?
Yes — but MEP modelling costs more than architectural-only. Specify which MEP systems are needed (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire) and at what LOD.