Scan to CAD vs. Scan to BIM: Which Deliverable Do You Need? (2026)

TL;DR: The 2026 Decision Matrix

• The Quick Answer: If you need a building permit, lease calculations (BOMA), or a simple renovation layout, Scan to CAD (2D) is faster and ~40% cheaper.
• The Long Game: If you have complex MEP systems, need clash detection, or plan to manage the facility long-term, Scan to BIM (3D) is the mandatory investment.
• The Cost Gap: Scan to CAD typically costs $0.08 – $0.25/sq. ft., while Scan to BIM ranges from $0.35 – $0.80+/sq. ft. depending on density.
• The Hybrid: You don’t have to choose. We can deliver a lightweight CAD plan now and upgrade to a BIM model later using the same scan data.

In the world of reality capture, there is a massive misconception: “BIM is always better.”

The “Ferrari” Trap: Why BIM Isn’t Always the Answer

While Building Information Modeling (BIM) is powerful, it is not always the right tool for the job. If you are an architect filing for a simple tenant fit-out permit, or a facility manager calculating BOMA rentable area, ordering a full LOD 300 Revit model is like buying a Ferrari to pick up groceries. It’s impressive, but it’s overkill, and it drains your budget unnecessarily.

At iScano, we scan millions of square feet across North America. The most common question we get isn’t about lasers; it’s about the file format: “Do I need a 3D model, or are 2D plans enough?”

This guide breaks down the critical differences between Scan to CAD and Scan to BIM, helping you choose the right deliverable for your timeline, budget, and project goals in 2026.

The Core Difference: “Slicing” vs. “Modeling”

To make the right choice, you need to understand how we process the data. In both cases, we start with the same 3D Laser Scan (Point Cloud). What happens next defines your cost.

1. Scan to CAD (The “Slice”)

When we create 2D CAD drawings, we take the 3D point cloud and cut a horizontal “slice” through it, typically at 4 feet (1.2m) above the finished floor.

• The Process: We trace the outline of walls, columns, and door jambs exactly where the laser hit them.
• The Result: You get a clean .DWG file that looks exactly like the blueprints you are used to, but with millimeter accuracy.
• The Limitation: It is “flat.” You cannot see if a beam is sagging or if a pipe is running diagonally through the ceiling plenum unless you ask for specific “Reflected Ceiling Plans” (RCP).

2. Scan to BIM (The “Reconstruction”)

Scan to BIM is not tracing; it is virtual construction. We import the point cloud into Autodesk Revit and rebuild the building element by element.

• The Process: We don’t just draw two lines for a wall; we place a “Wall Family” with height, thickness, and material properties. We place 3D pipes, ducts, and beams at their exact elevations.
• The Result: A parametric “Digital Twin” that contains data (Z-axis heights, volumes, quantities).
• The Limitation: It takes 3x longer to produce because the modeler must resolve 3D geometry conflicts that a 2D drafter can ignore.

The Financial Showdown: Cost of As-Built Drawings vs. Models

Money matters. The cost difference between these two deliverables is significant because modeling in 3D takes roughly 3x to 4x more labor hours than drafting in 2D.

Here is the 2026 Pricing Benchmark for North American projects (USD/CAD blended averages):

Deliverable Type	Complexity	Cost Range ($/sq. ft.)	Turnaround Time
2D CAD Floor Plan	Open Office / Warehouse	$0.08 – $0.15	Fast (3-5 Days)
2D CAD Full Set	Retail / Heritage	$0.15 – $0.35	Medium (5-10 Days)
3D BIM (LOD 200)	Architecture Only	$0.35 – $0.60	Medium (7-14 Days)
3D BIM (LOD 300)	Architecture + MEP	$0.60 – $1.50+	Slow (3-4 Weeks)

Note: These prices include the office processing labor. Field scanning costs are separate and depend on the site conditions.

The “Hidden” Efficiency of Point Cloud to CAD

Many clients are surprised that Point Cloud to CAD is so affordable. Because our software can automatically extract lines from the scan data, we can draft a 50,000 sq. ft. floor plan in days, with millimeter accuracy that manual measuring teams can never match.

Operator Insight: Be wary of competitors offering “Auto-Vectorized” CAD plans for pennies. These are often generated by AI without human review, resulting in “jagged” walls and nonsensical layers. At iScano, every CAD line is verified by a human drafter to ensuring it snaps to clean 90-degree angles where appropriate.

Scan to BIM vs Scan to CAD: The Decision Matrix

Still unsure? Use this checklist to decide.

If your project requires…	You Need…	Why?
Permit Application	2D CAD	Cities rarely review 3D models for simple permits.
Clash Detection	3D BIM	You cannot detect a pipe hitting a beam in 2D.
Leasing (BOMA)	2D CAD	Rent is calculated on floor area, not volume.
Pre-Fabrication	3D BIM	Spools and steel must be modeled to fit.
Lowest Fee	2D CAD	Save 40-60% on modeling costs.

Deep Dive: When 2D CAD is the Superior Choice

In the rush to adopt “Digital Twins,” we sometimes forget that 2D drawings are the universal language of construction. A drywaller cannot hang a sheet of gypsum based on a Revit file; they need a dimensioned floor plan.

1. Building Permits & Zoning

Most municipal planning departments in Toronto, New York, and Chicago still require 2D PDF/DWG submissions for zoning variances and building permits. Submitting a heavy Revit file can actually delay your approval process if the city plan reviewer doesn’t have the software to open it.

2. BOMA & Leasing

If your goal is revenue. specifically calculating Rentable Square Footage according to BOMA standards, you do not need BIM. BOMA calculations are based on boundary polylines (Tenant vs. Common Area). A precise 2D CAD plan generated from a laser scan is the fastest route to certifying your leasable area.

3. “Lightweight” Renovation

If you are simply repainting, replacing flooring, or moving non-load-bearing partitions, you do not need to pay for a 3D model of the HVAC system above the ceiling. A 2D Reflected Ceiling Plan (RCP) showing the location of lights and diffusers is sufficient and cost-effective.

Deep Dive: When 3D BIM is Mandatory

While CAD is great for documentation, BIM is essential for coordination. If your project involves “fitting 10 pounds of stuff into a 5-pound bag,” you need 3D.

1. The “Spaghetti” Ceiling (MEP Retrofits)

If you are renovating a mechanical room or a hospital corridor, 2D plans are dangerous. They show you where the pipes are, but not how high they are.

• The Risk: In 2D, a new duct looks like it fits. In 3D, you realize it hits a gravity drain pipe that cannot be moved.
• The Fix: Scan to BIM captures the Z-axis (elevation), allowing for Clash Detection before you order materials.

2. Structural Integrity & Deflection

Old buildings sag. A 2D plan assumes the floor is flat and the beams are straight. A 3D model reveals the truth: the floor slopes 2 inches, and the beam has a 1-inch camber. If you are ordering pre-fabricated steel or glass, this data is critical.

3. Institutional Asset Management

Universities and Hospitals manage assets for 50+ years. They need a database, not just a drawing. A BIM model allows them to click on a VAV box and see its installation date, model number, and maintenance history.

The Hybrid Approach: “Phase Your Spend”

Here is the secret strategy most service providers won’t tell you: You don’t have to choose right now.

The raw data, the Point Cloud, is the same for both deliverables.

You can hire iScano to scan your building today and deliver 2D As-Built Drawings for your immediate permit needs.

The Strategy:

1. Phase 1 (Permit): Receive 2D CAD plans. Low cost, fast turnaround. Get your permit.
2. Phase 2 (Design): Six months later, when the mechanical engineer comes on board, we reopen the same point cloud data.
3. Phase 3 (Upgrade): We model the 3D Revit elements only where needed (e.g., the mechanical room), saving you the cost of modeling the entire building.

This “Phase Your Spend” strategy helps you manage cash flow while securing the accurate data you need from Day 1.

FAQ: Deliverable Strategy

Conclusion: Data is the Asset, Format is the Choice

Whether you choose Scan to CAD or Scan to BIM, the underlying value is the same: Certainty.

Stop relying on 1980s blueprints that don’t show the three renovations that happened since. Stop sending interns with tape measures to guess column locations. Start your design with a digital foundation that matches reality.

The Bottom Line:

• Choose CAD if you need speed, permits, or lease calculations.
• Choose BIM if you need to coordinate trades, pre-fabricate materials, or manage complex facilities.

Need As-Built Drawings or a Digital Twin? [Contact iScano’s Estimation Team] today. Send us your scope, and we will help you choose the deliverable that fits your budget.

References

1. GPRS. (2025). 3D Laser Scanning Pricing Guide: CAD vs. BIM Cost Analysis.
2. Existing Conditions. (2025). The True Cost of As-Builts: 2D vs 3D Deliverables.
3. Autodesk. (2026). The State of Design & Make: CAD vs. BIM Adoption Rates.
4. BOMA International. (2024). Floor Measurement Standards for Leasing.
5. iScano Internal Data. (2026). North American Market Bid Analysis: CAD vs. Revit Labor Hours.