Point Cloud to Revit Model in Hounslow, London
Point cloud to Revit modelling — commonly called Scan to BIM — converts 3D laser scan point cloud data into accurate, BIM-ready Revit models for renovations, listed buildings, and commercial projects in Hounslow. The process captures millions of measurement points (accurate to ±5mm), then models walls, floors, structure, and MEP services into a coordinated Revit model for refurbishment, extension, or coordination work. Typical costs in 2025 range from £600–£1,200 per floor depending on LOD level. This guide explains what the process involves, the LOD levels, typical costs in 2025, and how to commission a point cloud to Revit model in Hounslow.
What Is Scan to BIM?
| What It Is | Description | | --- | --- | | Point cloud | A dense collection of 3D data points captured by a laser scanner — millions of X, Y, Z coordinates with colour data | | Revit model | An intelligent 3D building information model built in Autodesk Revit with walls, floors, doors, windows, and MEP systems | | Scan to BIM | The process of converting the raw point cloud into a usable, structured BIM model |
The result is a digital twin of the existing building that architects, structural engineers, and MEP consultants can use for design development, clash detection, and as-built documentation.
What Is Involved: The Process
| Step | Description | | --- | --- | | 1. Site scanning | Surveyors use Leica or FARO 3D laser scanners to capture millions of measurement points | | 2. Point cloud processing | Data registered in FARO Scene or ReCap PRO to create unified RCP/E57 file within ±5mm tolerance | | 3. Import to Revit | Point cloud loaded into Revit, coordinates set up, project standards applied | | 4. Modelling | BIM modellers trace geometry (walls, floors, MEP) from point cloud to create Revit elements | | 5. QA and delivery | Model verified against point cloud, QC-checked, delivered as .RVT plus point cloud |
The entire workflow produces an as-built Revit model that can be used for clash detection, design coordination, and construction planning.
LOD Levels Explained
LOD (Level of Detail) defines how much detail is modelled in the Revit output. Higher LOD means more detail, more time, and higher cost.
| LOD | Detail Level | Best For | Typical Cost per Floor | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | LOD 100 | Conceptual placeholders (approximate footprint) | Early feasibility | — | | LOD 200 | Generic components with approximate sizes and shapes | Planning applications, feasibility | £600–£800 | | LOD 300 | Accurate geometry, size, location, orientation — MEP rough-in | Detailed design, RIBA Stage 3, coordination | £800–£1,000 | | LOD 400 | Fabrication-level detail, connections, tolerances, materials | Construction, shop drawings, fabrication | £1,000–£1,200 |
LOD 300 is the most common level for accurate documentation and project decisions.
What Can Be Modelled in Revit?
| Element | Detail Level | | --- | --- | | Walls | Dimensions, thickness, layers, finish materials | | Floors | Structural slab, floor finishes, ceiling void | | Doors and windows | Frames, ironmongery, glazing, dimensions from point cloud | | Staircases | Full geometry from point cloud including balustrades | | Ceilings | Soffit levels, bulkheads, service penetrations | | Structural elements | Beams, columns, load-bearing walls | | MEP systems | HVAC, electrical, plumbing — if included in scope | | Roof structures | Trusses, flat roof details, parapets |
Deliverables
| Deliverable | Format | Purpose | | --- | --- | --- | | Revit model | .RVT | BIM-ready, georeferenced primary deliverable | | IFC export | .ifc | Platform-agnostic — works with all BIM software | | Point cloud | .RCP/.E57 | Colourised and structured — full digital archive | | 2D drawings | DWG and PDF | Floor plans, elevations, sections for contractors | | Clash detection model | NWC/NWF | BIM-compliant model for Navisworks | | Optional extras | — | IFC export, rendered images, 3D views, online viewer hosting |
Hounslow-Specific Considerations
| Factor | Why It Matters | | --- | --- | | 1930s semis and terraces | Common in Hounslow, Brentford, Chiswick — typical housing stock with shallow foundations | | Period properties | Victorian and Edwardian homes in older areas — complex room layouts and original features | | Conservation areas | Hounslow has conservation areas — accurate existing drawings essential for planning | | Heathrow flight path | Vibration-sensitive areas near Heathrow — monitoring may be needed during construction | | River and waterway proximity | Higher water table near the Thames and River Crane — waterproofing critical for basements | | Commercial properties | Hounslow's shopping centres and office buildings — larger scope, more complex MEP |
2025 Costs in Hounslow and London
| Project Type | Cost Range (ex VAT) | | --- | --- | | Small residential (1 floor, LOD 200) | £495–£950 + VAT | | Single floor LOD 200 | £600–£800 per floor | | Single floor LOD 300 | £800–£1,000 per floor | | Single floor LOD 400 | £1,000–£1,200 per floor | | Full residential house (all floors, LOD 300) | £2,500–£5,000 | | Commercial unit (LOD 300) | £3,000–£15,000+ | | Deviation report | £300–£800 | | Point cloud only | £800–£2,000 |
Cost factors: Building size, complexity, accessibility, LOD required, MEP scope, and turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the accuracy of a point cloud to Revit model?
Point cloud to Revit modelling achieves ±5–15mm accuracy depending on scan quality, point cloud density, and the detail level required. The deviation report — comparing the model to the point cloud — confirms that the model is within the specified tolerance.
Q: How long does point cloud to Revit modelling take?
For a typical Hounslow house: 2–4 hours on site for scanning, 2–3 weeks for modelling. For a commercial building: 1–3 days on site, 4–8 weeks for modelling depending on complexity. Urgent turnaround is available at a premium.
Q: What LOD do I need for planning applications in Hounslow?
For planning applications in Hounslow, LOD 200–300 is typically sufficient. LOD 300 is preferred because it provides accurate dimensions for floor area calculations and design drawings. Check with Hounslow's planning department for specific requirements on larger projects.
Q: Can MEP systems be modelled from the point cloud?
Yes — MEP systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing) can be modelled from the point cloud if they are visible and accessible during the scan. Hidden services (within walls, under floors) cannot be modelled without additional investigation.
Q: What is the difference between IFC and RVT?
.RVT is the native Autodesk Revit file format — it preserves parametric families, parameters, and intelligence. .IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) is an open, platform-agnostic BIM format that can be opened in ArchiCAD, Vectorworks, and other BIM software. For most projects, both formats are delivered.
Q: Can I use the point cloud for future projects?
Yes — the point cloud is a permanent archive of the property at the time of survey. It can be re-measured, re-modelled at a higher LOD, or used for future extensions without returning to site. This is one of the most valuable benefits of commissioning a scan.
Q: Do I need a scan or can my architect measure by hand?
For simple properties, a measured survey may be sufficient. For complex buildings, buildings with development potential, or where MEP coordination is required, Scan to BIM provides significantly more value — complete data coverage, re-usable point cloud, and clash detection before construction begins.