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 |
The BIM Manager's Case for Scan to BIM
Scan to BIM pays off most when existing conditions are uncertain, tolerances are tight, or change would be expensive once work starts. The main value is earlier clash detection, fewer RFIs and variations, and less rework on site because the model is based on measured reality rather than assumptions.
When It Saves Time
- Existing buildings — especially refurbishments and retrofits where legacy drawings are incomplete or unreliable
- MEP-heavy coordination zones — where small dimensional errors can trigger clashes with ducts, pipework, cable trays, or structure
- Prefabrication-heavy projects — where accurate geometry reduces re-fabrication and site corrections
- Progress verification and handover — where scan-vs-BIM checks catch deviations before they compound
When It Saves Rework
- Before design is frozen — a point cloud reveals hidden constraints and dimensional conflicts early, when they are cheap to fix
- During construction — re-scanning exposes deviations while they are still cheap to correct
- At completion — as-built scans create a defensible record that reduces disputes and late clarifications
The Practical Rule
Use scan to BIM when the cost of getting the geometry wrong is higher than the cost of scanning. That is usually true for:
- Complex refurbishments
- Congested services zones
- Heritage work
- Any job where tolerance, coordination, or claims exposure matter more than the survey cost itself
The Decision Test
If at least one of these is true, scan first:
- You do not trust the existing drawings
- There are multiple trades sharing tight space
- You expect prefabrication or off-site manufacture
- The project is a refurbishment, extension, or integration into an existing structure
- Rework would affect programme-critical or high-value areas
What to Include in Your BIM Execution Plan
When commissioning scan-to-BIM as a BIM manager, specify in your BEP:
- Point cloud format and registration standard (.e57 or .rcp, coordinate system)
- LOD required per discipline and per zone
- Number of modelling cycles and revision rounds included
- Deviation report format and tolerance thresholds
- IFC and COBie requirements
- Clash detection schedule and responsible party