Typical market rates
Pricing guides published by Scan to BIM providers give a broad picture (vendor sources, so treat them as indicative):
| Item | Published range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Modeling, by LOD | About $0.15 to $0.75 per square foot | The Future 3D |
| Minimum project fee | Around $2,500 | The Future 3D |
| Example: 50,000 sq ft commercial building | $7,500 to $37,500 modeling, plus $5,000 to $15,000 scanning | The Future 3D |
| Complex projects | Up to $10 or more per square foot | Strand |
Scanning and modeling are often quoted separately. If you already have a point cloud, you only pay for the modeling.
What drives Scan to BIM cost
- LOD. Each step from LOD 200 to LOD 500 adds modeling time per element.
- Disciplines. Architecture alone is cheapest; MEP and process piping add the most time.
- Density. A plant room or process skid has far more elements per square foot than an office floor.
- Deliverables. Drawings, schedules and custom families add to a model-only price.
- Turnaround. Rush delivery from manual firms usually costs extra.
- Scan quality. Gaps, noise or poor registration slow modeling down.
How to compare quotes
- Give every vendor the same brief: area, disciplines, LOD (and LOA), formats and deadline.
- Ask whether equipment is modeled as separate objects or simplified.
- Ask what is included: registration, revisions, drawings, families.
- Ask for a sample model from a similar site. Ours are open in the LiDAR samples, several with Revit downloads.
How automated Scan to BIM changes the math
Manual pricing scales with modeler hours. Moving Atoms automates reconstruction and object separation, so a dense site does not take proportionally longer: you get every object separated, in Revit, IFC, STEP, USD and GLB, within 48 hours. We quote per site from area, complexity and LOD. upload your scan or book a call for a quote.
Upload your point cloud for a quote and a model within 48 hours.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Scan to BIM cost per square foot?
Published market guides put modeling at roughly $0.15 to $0.75 per square foot depending mainly on LOD, with complex projects higher and minimum fees around $2,500.
Is scanning included in Scan to BIM pricing?
Often not. Scanning and modeling are commonly quoted separately. If you already have a point cloud, you only need modeling.
Why is Scan to BIM expensive?
Traditional Scan to BIM is manual: a modeler traces every element in Revit. Cost scales with area, LOD and how many elements the site contains.