Quick 3D Scan of House in London
A quick 3D scan of a house in London captures millimetre-accurate measurements in hours, producing floor plans, elevations, sections, and point cloud data for planning applications, renovation design, or BIM workflows. Modern laser scanning technology means the on-site visit is fast and non-disruptive — with deliverables ready in 3–5 working days or next-day for urgent projects.
How Long It Takes
| Stage | Timeframe | | --- | --- | | On-site scanning | 1–4 hours for average home (up to 2,000 sq ft) | | Complex or large properties | 1–4 days depending on size | | Quote turnaround | Within 20 minutes | | Final deliverables | 3–5 working days (standard); next-day available for urgent jobs | | Same-day service | Possible for next-day bookings — some firms offer 3-day turnaround |
The scanning itself is very fast — up to 1 million points per second with ±2mm accuracy. The surveyor sets up the scanner at multiple positions throughout the property, with each position capturing millions of measured points. Moving between rooms and setting up each position takes the most time.
2025 Costs in London
| Property Size | Price (ex VAT, 2025) | | --- | --- | | Small residential (up to 2,000 sq ft) | £450–£850 | | Starting price (London) | £495 + VAT | | Medium commercial (2,000–10,000 sq ft) | £850–£1,800 | | Large or complex (10,000+ sq ft) | £1,800–£3,500+ | | Average UK (London higher) | ~£1,400 |
Prices vary by property size, floors, complexity, and required detail level.
What Is Included
Standard Deliverables
| Deliverable | Description | | --- | --- | | 2D floor plans (DWG and PDF) | All levels — basements, ground, upper floors, lofts | | Internal elevations | All wall elevations with millimetre-accurate dimensions | | External elevations | All four facades — front, rear, and flanks | | Cross-sections | 2–3 key sections showing floor-to-ceiling heights | | Roof and ceiling plans | Roof geometry, ceiling levels, and structural layout | | Point cloud data | RCP, RCS, E57, FLS formats for your CAD or BIM software | | 360° panoramic photography | Site context overlaid on floor plans (some firms) | | BIM model (optional add-on) | Revit RVT — LOD 200–400 |
Accuracy
Millimetre-level accuracy (±2mm) — significantly more accurate than tape measures and traditional measured surveys. Captures the slight irregularities and settled geometry common in Victorian and Edwardian London properties.
What Is Actually Scanned
| Element | Details | | --- | --- | | Structural walls | All wall types — structural, partition, internal, external | | Door swings and openings | Door positions with swing direction | | Window positions | Including reveals, cills, and lintels | | Floor levels | All floor levels — accounting for sagging and settlement | | Ceiling heights | Floor-to-ceiling heights at multiple points | | Staircases | Tread and riser dimensions, going, handrail positions | | Bulkheads and beams | Exposed beams, RSJs, bulkheads, and dropped ceilings | | Roof geometry | Ridge, valleys, hips, rainwater goods, chimneys | | Sanitary equipment | Kitchens and bathrooms — sanitaryware positions | | Fixed features | Columns, fireplace breasts, alcoves, cupboards |
Fast-Track Options
| Option | Details | | --- | --- | | Next-day booking | Available for urgent enquiries | | 3-day turnaround | Standard for most projects | | 5-day turnaround | Comfortable schedule for complex deliverables | | Quote in 20 minutes | Instant proposal via email | | Non-intrusive | No disruption to occupants — works in occupied properties |
When You Need a Quick House Scan
| Project Type | Why You Need It | | --- | --- | | Planning application | Accurate floor plans, elevations, and sections for planning submissions | | Pre-purchase survey | Verified dimensions before committing to buy | | Renovation design | As-built drawings for architect to work from | | Listed Building Consent | Non-contact measurement preserves fragile historic fabric | | Loft conversion | Accurate floor plans and roof geometry for feasibility | | Extension design | Site context for extension design and planning | | Party Wall award | Schedule of Condition and measured drawings for neighbours | | BIM or Revit workflow | Point cloud or BIM model as design foundation | | Lease plan or licence to alter | Precise floor areas and dimensions for legal documentation |
Point Cloud vs. CAD Drawings
| Deliverable | Best For | Cost | | --- | --- | --- | | Point cloud only | Teams with in-house CAD capability | £350–£500 | | CAD floor plans | Planning applications, design work | £600–£1,200 | | Full survey (plans, elevations, sections) | Comprehensive as-built documentation | £900–£2,500 | | Point cloud plus BIM model | BIM workflows, LOD 300+ | £1,500–£5,000+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does the surveyor need on site?
1–4 hours for a typical residential property (up to 2,000 sq ft). Large or complex properties may require multiple visits over 1–4 days.
Q: Can you scan an occupied house?
Yes — laser scanning is non-disruptive and works around furniture and occupants. The scanner is silent and captures quickly at each position.
Q: What accuracy do I get?
±2mm accuracy for point cloud data. CAD drawings typically deliver ±5mm — reflecting real-world field conditions including wall irregularities and settled floors common in London properties.
Q: What file formats will I receive?
CAD: DWG and PDF. Point cloud: E57, RCP, RCS, FLS. BIM: RVT and IFC. Confirm your required format before the survey.
Q: Can I get next-day deliverables?
Some firms offer next-day delivery for urgent projects. A premium applies for express turnaround.
Q: Do I need point cloud data or just CAD drawings?
CAD drawings are sufficient for most renovation and planning projects. Point cloud data is useful if your team has in-house CAD capability or needs the data for complex geometry or MEP coordination.
Q: What is the difference between a quick scan and a full measured building survey?
A quick scan captures point cloud or basic CAD drawings efficiently. A full measured building survey includes comprehensive annotation, area schedules, wall thickness, floor void positions, and full detail for complex projects. Always confirm deliverables with your surveyor before booking.