When requesting a Scan to Revit quote, the quality of the information you provide directly impacts the accuracy of the pricing, programme, and final deliverable.

A vague Scan to Revit brief often leads to an unclear scope, assumptions, price variations, and unnecessary revisions later in the project. By providing the right information from the start, you help ensure that your Revit model is fit for purpose and that your supplier can provide an accurate and reliable quotation.

In this guide, we explain the key information to include in a Scan to Revit brief and provide a practical checklist to use before submitting your enquiry.

Why a Clear Scan to Revit Brief Matters

Every Scan-to-BIM project is different.

The modelling requirements for a simple architectural floor plan differ significantly from those needed for a detailed BIM model that includes structural and MEP elements. Without a clear understanding of the project’s objectives, suppliers are often forced to make assumptions when preparing a quote.

A detailed brief helps to:

Improve quote accuracy
Reduce project risks and misunderstandings
Minimise revisions and scope changes
Ensure the Revit model meets project requirements
Provide realistic delivery timescales

The more information provided at the enquiry stage, the more accurate and useful the proposal will be.

1. Define the Project Purpose and Intended Use

The first question any Scan to Revit provider will ask is:

What will the Revit model be used for?

The intended use determines the level of detail, modelling scope, and information that needs to be included.

Common uses include:

Refurbishment and renovation projects
Building extensions
Design coordination
Planning applications
Asset management
Facilities management
Clash detection
Construction documentation

For example, a model intended for concept design may require a much lower level of detail than one used for detailed design coordination.

Including the project’s intended use helps ensure the model is developed to the appropriate standard.

2. Identify Required Areas and Exclusions

Clearly define which parts of the building need to be modelled.

This should include:

Entire building or selected areas
Internal spaces
External façades
Roof areas
Plant rooms
Basements
External structures

Just as importantly, identify any exclusions.

Examples might include:

Roof voids
Service risers
External landscaping
Temporary structures
Areas with restricted access

A clear measured building survey brief prevents assumptions and helps avoid unnecessary modelling costs.

3. Specify Which Elements Need to Be Modelled

Not every project requires the same building components.

Your Scan to BIM brief should clearly state which disciplines and elements need to be included.

Architectural Elements

Typical architectural components include:

Walls
Doors
Windows
Floors
Ceilings
Stairs
Roofs
Columns
Internal finishes

Structural Elements

Structural modelling may include:

Structural steelwork
Beams
Columns
Slabs
Foundations
Bracing

MEP Elements

MEP requirements can vary significantly between projects.

Common examples include:

Ductwork
Pipework
Cable trays
Containment systems
Mechanical plant
Electrical equipment
Lighting fixtures

Providing clarity on required model elements helps ensure your Revit model quote accurately reflects the required scope.

4. Define the Required Level of Detail (LOD)

One of the most important parts of any Revit survey brief is specifying the required Level of Detail (LOD).

LOD requirements vary considerably depending on project objectives.

Typical examples include:

LOD 200

Suitable for general arrangement, planning and concept design.

LOD 300

Suitable for design development and coordination.

LOD 350

Includes additional interfaces and connections between building systems.

LOD 400+

Typically used for fabrication and construction-level detail.

If you are unsure which LOD is appropriate, explain the intended use of the model and your supplier can recommend the most suitable level.

5. Confirm Tolerance and Accuracy Requirements

Different projects require different levels of accuracy.

Questions to consider include:

Is the model intended for high-precision design work?
Are there critical interfaces between existing and proposed construction?
Are heritage or complex structures involved?
Is there a specific survey accuracy requirement?

Clearly defining accuracy expectations helps align survey methods, modelling processes and deliverables.

6. Provide Information About Access and Site Constraints

Site conditions can significantly affect survey planning and project delivery.

Useful information includes:

Occupied or vacant building
Working hour restrictions
Security requirements
Permit requirements
Health and safety procedures
Restricted access zones
Areas requiring escorts or supervision

Early identification of site constraints allows the survey team to plan effectively and avoid delays.

7. Specify File Formats and Software Requirements

Different project teams work in different software environments.

Your brief should confirm:

Required Revit version
Native Revit model requirements
IFC export requirements
DWG deliverables
COBie requirements
BIM Execution Plan requirements

Providing these details early helps ensure compatibility with your project workflow.

8. Confirm Programme and Delivery Deadlines

Timescales are often a key factor in project planning.

When requesting a quote, provide:

Survey date requirements
Project milestones
Required model delivery date
Phased delivery requirements
Client review periods

Knowing the programme upfront allows suppliers to assess resource availability and provide realistic delivery schedules.

Scan to Revit Briefing Checklist

Before requesting a quote, make sure you can answer the following questions:

Project Information

What is the model being used for?
Who will use the model?
What project stage is it supporting?

Scope Information

Which areas require modelling?
Are there any exclusions?
Are external areas included?

Model Requirements

Are architectural elements required?
Are structural elements required?
Are MEP elements required?
What Level of Detail (LOD) is required?

Accuracy Requirements

What survey accuracy is required?
Are there any critical tolerances?

Site Information

Is the building occupied or vacant?
Are there any access restrictions?
Are there any health and safety requirements?

Deliverables

Which Revit version is required?
Are additional file formats needed?
Are there BIM standards or BEP requirements to follow?

Programme

When does the survey need to take place?
What is the required delivery date?
Are phased deliverables needed?

Get an Accurate Scan to Revit Quote

A well-prepared Scan to Revit brief benefits everyone involved in the project.

It allows your supplier to provide a more accurate quote, reduces the risk of scope changes, and ensures the final Revit model delivers the information your team actually needs.

By clearly defining your project objectives, required areas, model elements, level of detail, accuracy requirements, deliverables, and programme, you create a stronger foundation for both the survey and modelling process.

If you are unsure about any of the requirements discussed above, it is worth speaking with an experienced Scan-to-BIM provider before requesting pricing. A short discussion can help identify the most appropriate survey scope, modelling requirements, and deliverables for your project.

At Scene3D, we help architects, engineers, BIM coordinators, project managers, and property professionals define the right survey and modelling scope before work begins.

Use our Scan to Revit briefing checklist or send us your project requirements, and our team will advise exactly what information is needed to provide an accurate and reliable quote.