Scan-to-BIM Cost Guide: What Drives the Price of Point Cloud to BIM Services
A transparent breakdown of pricing variables for Scan-to-BIM projects - from Level of Detail (LOD) to facility size and site complexity.
Kamil GreckiIf you have ever asked a provider for a quote on scan to BIM services and received wildly different numbers, you are not alone. Point cloud to BIM services are priced against a handful of measurable variables - not a fixed rate per square meter. Understanding those variables is the fastest way to budget realistically and compare offers on equal terms.
This guide walks through the four cost drivers that shape almost every Scan-to-BIM quote we deliver: Level of Detail (LOD), facility size, site complexity, and deliverables. At the end, use our BIM calculator to get an illustrative range for your project.
The Four Cost Drivers of Scan-to-BIM
1. Level of Detail (LOD)
LOD defines how much geometric and non-geometric information the BIM model carries. It is the single largest lever on price.
- LOD 200 - generic massing, approximate geometry. Fastest and cheapest. Fit for early feasibility and coordination.
- LOD 300 - precise geometry, accurate dimensions, orientation. The industrial standard for design and coordination.
- LOD 350 - includes connections and interfaces between elements. Required for clash detection between trades.
- LOD 400 - fabrication-ready detail, including assembly information. Used for prefabrication and shop drawings.
2. Facility Size
Modeling effort scales with square meters, but not linearly. Large open-plan facilities are cheaper per m² than small buildings with many partitions. Multi-storey buildings add coordination overhead - floor-to-floor alignment, vertical shafts, façade continuity.
3. Site Complexity
Complexity beats size every time. A 2,000 m² historic building with ornamental façade can cost more than a 10,000 m² warehouse. Key complexity factors:
- Number of unique element families (columns, MEP runs, structural connections)
- Curved or non-orthogonal geometry
- MEP density (visible pipework, ductwork, cable trays)
- Access restrictions during scanning (occupied buildings, height, confined spaces)
- Requirement to model above ceilings or behind cladding
4. Deliverables and Formats
A native Revit model, an IFC export, 2D drawings, and a federated coordination model are separate deliverables. Add-ons like COBie data, asset tagging, or point cloud registration reports each add scope. Confirm the deliverables list before comparing quotes - that is where most price gaps come from.
Illustrative Cost Ranges
The numbers below are typical market ranges for point cloud to BIM services in Europe (EUR per m² of gross floor area). Your actual quote depends on the specifics above.
These are indicative ranges, not a Slefty price list. For a project-specific estimate, use the calculator below or book a free consultation.
Estimate Your Project with Our BIM Calculator
Enter your facility size, target LOD, and complexity to get an illustrative range in under a minute. The calculator uses the same variables described above.
How We Build a Quote
- 1You share drawings, photos, or a walkthrough of the site.
- 2We agree on LOD, deliverables, and coordinate system.
- 3We propose a fixed-price scope with milestones and QA checkpoints.
- 4You receive a Revit model + IFC + coordination reports on schedule.
Ready to Scope Your Scan-to-BIM Project?
Send us your site details and we will come back with a fixed-price scope, timeline, and LOD recommendation within two business days.