Typical UK Scan-to-BIM Costs (2025)
Scan-to-BIM has two components: laser scanning (point cloud capture) and BIM modelling. Pricing is typically quoted per floor or per m².
Per-Floor Modelling Fees
| LOD | Modelling Cost/Floor (ex VAT) | | --- | --- | | LOD 2 — Basic geometry | £600–£800/floor | | LOD 3 — Full geometry, MEP rough-in | £800–£1,000/floor | | LOD 4 — Full MEP, shop-drawing ready | £1,000–£1,200/floor | | LOD 500 — As-built/FM ready | Price on application |
Per m² Modelling Fees
| Deliverable | Rate (ex VAT) | | --- | --- | | LOD 300 BIM (architectural) | ~£7/m² | | LOD 400 BIM (full MEP) | ~£10/m² | | Scanning technician day rate | £750–£2,500/day | | Data processing | £50–£120/hr additional |
Project Budgets
| Building Type | Total Scan-to-BIM (ex VAT) | | --- | --- | | Small residential (3-bed | £800–£2,500 | | Single commercial floor (~200m²) | £3,000–£10,000 | | Retail or residential conversion | £1,000–£2,500 | | Large commercial/hospital | £10,000–£50,000+ | | Complex industrial or campus | £50,000+ |
LOD Levels Explained
| LOD | What's Modelled | Best Use | | --- | --- | --- | | LOD 2 | Basic geometry, no MEP | Planning, feasibility | | LOD 3 | Full geometry, MEP rough-in | Refurbishment, RIBA Stage 3 | | LOD 4 | Full MEP, structural, shop-drawing ready | Construction coordination | | LOD 500 | As-built conditions, asset data | FM, digital twin |
Key Cost Drivers
- MEP density — biggest driver; plant rooms cost far more per m² than open-plan offices
- Building complexity — listed buildings add 15–30%
- LOD specification — each LOD step adds ~25–30% to modelling time
- Site access — live environments (hospitals, schools) add ~25%; night/weekend adds ~20%
- Urgency — express 3–5 day: +30%; emergency 24–48hr: +50%
- Output format — Revit RVT, IFC, ArchiCAD; 2D CAD drawings: £300–£1,500/drawing extra
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the biggest cost in scan-to-BIM?
Modelling scope — specifically MEP density. A dense plant room costs multiples of an open-plan office at the same LOD. Always get modelling scope agreed before quoting.
Q: What does scan-to-BIM cost per m²?
LOD 300 architectural: ~£7/m². LOD 400 full MEP: ~£10/m². Scanning technician: £750–£2,500/day.
Q: What LOD do I need for a refurbishment?
LOD 200–300 is typical for most UK refurbishments. Specify LOD 350–400 for construction coordination and prefabrication.