Client Handover Pack: Plans, Models, Report, and Metadata

Why the handover pack matters

The handover pack is the most important part of the deliverable. The 2D plans, 3D model, and report are all good, but they're only useful if the receiving team (the architect, the FM team, the BIM coordinator) can actually use them.

A poorly structured handover pack wastes hours of the receiving team's time. A well-structured one integrates seamlessly into the next phase of the project.

The Icelabz 2026 folder structure

[Project Code]-[Project Name]/
├── 01_Drawings/
│   ├── 01_2D_CAD/
│   │   ├── [Project]-MBS-EXIST-GF-PLAN-001.dwg
│   │   ├── [Project]-MBS-EXIST-GF-PLAN-001.dxf
│   │   ├── [Project]-MBS-EXIST-01-PLAN-001.dwg
│   │   ├── [Project]-MBS-EXIST-02-PLAN-001.dwg
│   │   ├── [Project]-MBS-EXIST-RF-PLAN-001.dwg
│   │   ├── [Project]-MBS-EXIST-ELEV-NORTH-001.dwg
│   │   ├── [Project]-MBS-EXIST-ELEV-SOUTH-001.dwg
│   │   ├── [Project]-MBS-EXIST-ELEV-EAST-001.dwg
│   │   └── [Project]-MBS-EXIST-ELEV-WEST-001.dwg
│   ├── 02_3D_Model/
│   │   ├── [Project]-MBS-EXIST-MODEL.rvt (Revit LOD 300)
│   │   ├── [Project]-MBS-EXIST-MODEL.ifc (IFC export)
│   │   └── [Project]-MBS-EXIST-POINTCLOUD.e57
│   ├── 03_PDF/
│   │   ├── [Project]-MBS-EXIST-GF-PLAN-001.pdf
│   │   └── ... (one PDF per DWG)
│   └── 04_Photographs/
│       └── [Project]-MBS-PHOTOS-001/ ... -047/  (47 photos, HDR)
├── 02_Reports/
│   ├── [Project]-MBS-REPORT-001.pdf (signed + dated)
│   ├── [Project]-MBS-METHODOLOGY.pdf
│   └── [Project]-MBS-QA-CHECKLIST.pdf
├── 03_COORDINATES/
│   ├── [Project]-MBS-COORDINATES.csv
│   ├── [Project]-MBS-CONTROL-NETWORK.dwg
│   └── [Project]-MBS-TRAVERSE-CLOSURE.pdf
├── 04_COBie/
│   ├── [Project]-MBS-COBie.xlsx (COBie 2.6 spreadsheet)
│   └── [Project]-MBS-ASSET-REGISTER.csv
├── 05_Metadata/
│   ├── [Project]-MBS-METADATA.xml (ISO 19115/19139)
│   └── [Project]-MBS-POINTCLOUD-README.txt
└── 00_README.md (top-level project summary)

File naming convention (BS 1192 / ISO 19650)

The Icelabz standard for file naming:

[Project]-[Originator]-[Discipline]-[Zone]-[Level]-[Type]-[Number]-[Revision]

Where:

• Project = Icelabz project code
• Originator = firm code (always ICELABZ for Icelabz work)
• Discipline = MBS (measured building survey), ARC, STR, MEP
• Zone = EXIST (existing) or NEW
• Level = GF, 01, 02, RF, B1
• Type = PLAN, ELEV, SECT, MODEL, REPORT
• Number = 001, 002, 003
• Revision = P01 (preliminary), C01 (construction)

This naming convention supports ISO 19650 information management and Common Data Environment (CDE) workflows.

COBie data drop

For FM handover projects, the survey includes a COBie 2.6 spreadsheet with:

• Building information — name, address, gross area
• Floor information — every floor, name, level, GIA, NIA
• Space information — every room, name, type, area, function
• Component information — walls, floors, roofs, doors, windows with dimensions and materials
• System information — any MEP systems captured
• Asset information — any assets captured (typically only for FM-grade surveys)

The COBie is exported from the Revit model using the BIM Interoperability Tool (BIT) or similar add-on.

Metadata (ISO 19115/19139)

For projects that require formal metadata, the survey includes an ISO 19115/19139-compliant XML file with:

• Project metadata (name, address, RICS member, date)
• Survey metadata (instrumentation, accuracy band, RICS standard)
• Coordinate reference system (OSGB36, ETRS89, ODN)
• File metadata (creation date, modification date, version)
• Distribution metadata (license, restrictions)
• Quality metadata (completeness, logical consistency, positional accuracy)

The metadata supports downstream use in GIS systems and BIM environments.¹

Delivery method

The handover pack is delivered via secure file transfer (not email — files are too large). Options:

• WeTransfer (up to 2GB free, 100GB Pro)
• Dropbox Business (with versioning)
• Microsoft OneDrive (with access controls)
• AWS S3 (with signed URLs)
• Common Data Environment (CDE) — for projects already using one

The delivery email includes:

• Download link
• Password (sent separately if needed)
• File inventory
• 7-day check-in offer (any errors corrected at no charge)

What to do if the handover pack has errors

If the receiving team finds an error in the handover pack:

1. Email the surveyor with a specific description of the error and the file reference
2. The surveyor responds within 24 hours acknowledging the error and proposing a fix
3. Errors are corrected at no charge for clear surveyor mistakes (RICS code of conduct requirement)
4. Errors caused by changed scope (e.g. the architect changed the design after the survey) are billed at additional cost

The 7-day check-in offer is a standard Icelabz practice. It catches most errors before the project moves to the next phase.

Next steps

• See our Measured Building Survey service page
• See Asset 1: The Complete Guide
• Book a 15-minute clarity call

References

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 2D CAD and 3D Revit deliverables? 2D CAD (.DWG/.DXF) is flat line drawings showing geometry only. 3D Revit (.RVT) is an intelligent model where each element (wall, door, window, beam) carries physical and functional data. 2D is cheaper; 3D is required for BIM projects and FM handover.

What is the difference between RICS Band A and Band B? Band A: ±15-25mm (1:50/1:100 scale). Band B: ±50mm (1:200 scale). Most UK measured building surveys are Band B; heritage and tight-clearance work is Band A.

What is LOD 200 vs LOD 500? LOD 200: approximate geometry for early design. LOD 300: precise geometry for design and construction. LOD 400: fabrication-level detail. LOD 500: verified as-built for FM handover and digital twin.

Do I need a measured building survey for a building regulations submission? Yes — building control bodies require accurate existing-drawings to verify the proposal. The measured survey provides the baseline against which the proposed extension or alteration is checked.

Can a measured building survey be done with the occupants present? Yes, with some caveats. Occupants are usually asked to leave for a few hours while the surveyor sets up the scanner. Laser scanning is non-contact and quiet; the main disruption is the surveyor walking through the space.

What is the difference between a laser scan and a measured survey? A laser scan is the data-capture method. A measured survey is the deliverable. Most 2026 measured building surveys use laser scanning as the data-capture method and produce 2D plans, 3D models, and point clouds as deliverables.

How long does a measured building survey take? A typical 3-bed house takes 2-4 hours on site for a 2-person scanner team, plus 1-2 days for processing and drafting. Larger or more complex projects take proportionally longer.

Can the measured survey be done from the outside? Partially. External elevations can be captured from outside, but internal floor plans, sections, and ceiling heights require internal access.

What is the Icelabz standard deliverable? 2D DWG + PDF + E57 point cloud, with a Revit LOD 300 model as optional add-on. For heritage projects, additional HDR photographs and detailed ornamental record drawings.

How do I commission a measured building survey? The standard process: send a brief, receive a fixed-fee quote, verify surveyor credentials, arrange site access, site visit, CAD/BIM drafting, QA check, delivery. Most 2026 quotes are returned within 48 hours.

How to commission

Book a 15-minute clarity call with an Icelabz measured building surveyor. We'll review your situation and give you a fixed fee in 24 hours. Or read the complete measured building survey guide and see the measured building survey service page and 3D laser scanning service page for the full service descriptions.