What is scan to BIM?
Scan to BIM (Building Information Modelling) is the process of capturing a building or site as millions of precise measurements (a point cloud) using 3D laser scanners, then converting that data into an intelligent Revit or IFC model that represents the existing structure. It is the standard UK approach for verified as-built digital models for refurbishment, planning, heritage recording, and facilities management.
The deliverable is more than a 2D drawing: it is a 3D model that downstream design teams can use directly in their BIM environment, with the original point cloud available as a reference layer for clash detection, design coordination, and as-built verification.
How scan to BIM works
A typical scan-to-BIM engagement follows five stages:
- Scope and LOD agreed — consultation covers the disciplines to model, the tolerances required, the deliverable formats, and the LOD (Level of Development) per the BIMForum LOD Specification.
- Site scanning — the survey team uses 3D laser scanners (typically Leica RTC360, P40, or BLK2GO) to capture millions of XYZ points to ±2–10 mm accuracy.
- Point cloud registration — individual scans are unified into one coherent dataset, cleaned, and aligned to the project coordinate system.
- BIM modelling — the registered point cloud is converted into a Revit model (or IFC) to the LOD, with named elements, materials, and properties.
- Delivery — structured outputs are issued with ISO 19650 file naming, a coordinate register, and a signed accuracy statement.
Deliverables
| Deliverable | Format | Use | | --- | --- | --- | | Point cloud | .rcs, .e57, .las, .pts | Reference data for design and verification | | Revit model | .rvt | Design coordination in the BIM environment | | IFC export | .ifc | Open BIM environments and coordination | | 2D CAD drawings | .dwg + PDF | Drawing issue, planning, building control | | Site verification reports | PDF | Quality assurance and accuracy statement | | Asset register | .xlsx, .csv | FM and operations handoff |
BIMForum LOD — which level do you need?
| LOD | Use | Indicative cost add-on | | --- | --- | --- | | LOD 200 | Planning feasibility, concept design | Base | | LOD 300 | Design coordination, planning application, construction docs | +50–100% | | LOD 350 | Interface details between elements and systems | +100–150% | | LOD 400 | Fabrication-ready, MEP coordination | +150–250% | | LOD 500 | As-built / FM handoff | Out of scope for most scan-to-BIM briefs |
Typical 2026 costs (Brent / London, ex VAT)
| Project type | Indicative cost (point cloud + Revit LOD 300) | | --- | --- | | Small residential or retail (under 200 m²) | £450–£2,500 | | Mid-size commercial or multi-storey (200–1,000 m²) | £2,500–£5,000 | | Large commercial or infrastructure (1,000+ m²) | £5,000–£10,000+ | | Heritage recording (Grade I or II listed) | +25–50% on base cost |
Scan-only (point cloud with no Revit modelling) is at the lower end of these bands. Full Revit or IFC modelling, plus LOD 350 / LOD 400 element detail, pushes costs up. Express turnaround (1–3 working days) is available at a +25–50% premium.
Brent coverage
icelabz provides scan-to-BIM services throughout the London Borough of Brent, including Wembley, Harlesden, Kilburn, Kingsbury, Neasden, North Wembley, Preston, Queens Park, Stonebridge, Sudbury, Tokyngton, and the surrounding areas. Brent contains the Wembley tall-buildings zone (around the stadium) where scan-to-BIM is increasingly used for tall-buildings applications, and a number of conservation areas (particularly around Queens Park and Kensal Green) where heritage-grade scan-to-BIM at high accuracy is required.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What LOD do I need for a Brent refurbishment?
LOD 200 for planning feasibility. LOD 300 for design coordination and planning applications. LOD 400 for construction and fabrication-grade MEP coordination. The right LOD depends on the downstream use; icelabz advises on the brief.
Q: What deliverables will I receive?
A registered point cloud, a Revit or IFC BIM model to the LOD, 2D CAD drawings (if required), a site verification report, and a signed accuracy statement. All files are issued with ISO 19650 naming.
Q: How long does a scan-to-BIM project take?
A typical Brent small-to-medium scan-to-BIM project takes 5–10 working days from site visit to delivery. Express turnaround (1–3 days) is available at a premium.
Q: Do you work to ISO 19650?
Yes. icelabz scan-to-BIM deliverables are issued with ISO 19650 file naming, a coordinate register, and a signed accuracy statement per the RICS Measured Surveys standard.
Q: Can the point cloud be used directly by my design team?
Yes. The registered point cloud is delivered in E57, LAS, or RCS format and can be loaded directly into Revit, ArchiCAD, or any open BIM environment as a reference layer.
The icelabz service
icelabz provides fixed-fee scan-to-BIM services throughout the London Borough of Brent and Greater London. Survey scope is confirmed before instruction, so there are no hidden charges. Every project is reviewed by a senior surveyor before issue, and every engagement is issued with a signed accuracy statement that ties the work to the RICS Measured Surveys standard.
Submit your project details through the icelabz quote form to get a fixed-fee quote within 24 hours.