- 01There is no reliable universal per-square-foot rate; geography, capture quality, LOD, tolerance, discipline scope, geometry, standards, QA, and deliverables all change the fee.
- 02The biggest price driver is LOD: an architectural LOD 200 shell costs a fraction of a full multi-discipline LOD 350 MEP model of the same building.
- 03Field scanning is usually priced separately (per day or per sq ft); the modeling is what varies most by scope.
- 04Buying by "cost per sqft" alone is a trap — always tie price to a defined LOD, discipline list, and deliverable format.
- 05Spetia Engineering scopes Scan-to-BIM to your actual downstream use, so you don’t overpay for detail you’ll never use — or under-scope and re-model later.
A per-square-foot number is useful only after the capture inputs, usable area, element scope, LOD or information need, modelling tolerance, disciplines, standards, outputs, QA, programme, revisions, and exclusions are defined. This guide shows how to create a comparable request for quotation rather than reusing an uncited internet rate.
Why there is no universal price range
Separate field capture and registration from modelling and validation. Ask each bidder to price the same element list, usable-area rule, LOD, tolerance, disciplines, software version, outputs, review cycles, programme, and point-cloud condition.
| Scope | Define before pricing | Commercial check |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural shell | Element list, exclusions, LOD, tolerance | Same usable-area rule |
| Architecture + structure | Structural elements, obscured conditions, interfaces | Same inputs and outputs |
| Architecture + structure + MEP | Systems, services, insulation, supports, data fields | Same coordination and QA scope |
| Detailed or fabrication-facing MEP | Information need, tolerance, fabrication responsibility | Same review and acceptance criteria |
| Industrial or plant | Equipment, piping, spec data, density, access, hazardous areas | Separate complexity assumptions |
What actually moves the price
- LOD (level of development): the dominant factor. Each step up (200 → 300 → 350) roughly adds modeling effort because more geometry and data are captured and verified.
- Discipline scope: architectural only is cheapest; adding structural and especially MEP multiplies the modeling. Dense MEP and industrial piping are the most expensive per sq ft.
- Building complexity: curved geometry, ornate heritage detail, and congested plant rooms cost more than simple rectilinear space.
- Deliverable & format: native Revit at a specified standard, IFC, and 2D sheet extraction each add scope. A model built to your BIM standard costs more than a loose model — and is worth it.
- Accuracy & tolerance: tighter modeling tolerance to the point cloud (e.g. for fabrication) increases QA effort.
How to buy Scan-to-BIM right
- 01Start from downstream use
Decide what the model is FOR — renovation design, MEP coordination, facilities management, area validation. That defines the LOD and disciplines you actually need.
- 02Specify LOD per element
You rarely need uniform LOD. Walls at 200, MEP at 300, one plant room at 350 is common. Specify per system to avoid overpaying.
- 03Define tolerance and format
State modeling tolerance to the cloud, the software/version, your BIM standard, and required outputs (RVT, IFC, 2D sheets).
- 04Separate scan and model
Quote field capture and modeling separately for transparency.
- 05Ask for a sample zone
A paid pilot on one area proves quality and calibrates the per-sq-ft number before you commit the whole building.
Right-sized Scan-to-BIM
Spetia can scope capture and modelling against the downstream use, element-level information need, tolerance, disciplines, formats, review stages, and acceptance criteria. Request a project-specific quote and a representative pilot before extrapolating a per-area price.
