UK Scan-to-BIM Pricing Overview
Scan-to-BIM costs in the UK typically start from £1,499 for a simple single-discipline LOD 200 model and scale significantly with area, complexity, LOD, and number of disciplines. Total project costs (including scanning) can range from a few thousand pounds for small buildings up to well over £100,000 for large, complex, multi-discipline jobs.
Pricing by LOD Level
LOD is the single biggest modelling cost driver:
| LOD / Service | Starting From (ex VAT) | | --- | --- | | LOD 200 — single discipline (geometric/coordination) | £1,499+ | | LOD 300 — architectural + structural (design-ready) | £1,799+ | | MEP add-on (any LOD) | +£500 | | LOD 400 — fabrication-level | Quote required | | Model update / revision from new scan data | £499+ | | Point cloud capture only (no modelling) | £799+ |
LOD 350 is commonly specified for high-risk zones (plant rooms, risers, service corridors) alongside LOD 300 for typical areas — a zone-based approach that controls cost while targeting detail where it matters most.
Key Pricing Factors
Area & Building Type
More GIA directly increases man-hours. However, building type matters as much as raw area — a large warehouse is far cheaper per m² than a hospital or factory with dense MEP. Ceiling height and access constraints also add cost.
Complexity & MEP Density
MEP coordination is one of the highest cost multipliers — services-heavy zones like plant rooms and riser shafts require significantly more time per m² than open-plan office floors. Clash detection and resolution cycles extend programme and cost.
Scan Quality
Poor-quality or incomplete point cloud coverage directly increases modelling time. If you're supplying your own point cloud, providers review registration quality, density, and coverage before quoting.
Outputs Beyond the Model
The base price covers the Revit model and deviation reports. Additional deliverables — DWG extracts, COBie/asset data, clash reports, sheet sets, IFC exports — each add cost and should be scoped explicitly.
Review Cycles & Programme
Rushed turnarounds and high revision volumes increase cost. Standard turnaround: 10–15 working days after scanning; rush delivery available at a premium.
Modelling Accuracy
Typical scan-to-BIM modelling accuracy: ±5–15mm from the registered point cloud. Every project should include a deviation report with colour-coded tolerance bands — standard from reputable UK providers and important for as-built verification on NEC contracts.
Scope Checklist for Getting Quotes
When commissioning scan-to-BIM, include in your brief:
- Building GIA and number of levels
- LOD required per zone (LOD 200, 300, 350,400)
- Disciplines required (architectural, structural, MEP, or all three)
- Point cloud format to be supplied (.e57, .rcp, .las)
- DWG extract requirements
- IFC/COBie requirements
- Number of revision cycles included
- Required delivery date