When planning a renovation, property purchase, or construction project, timing is everything. One of the most frequent questions we receive at Measured Survey 365 is: “How long will the survey take?”
The answer depends on two main phases: the time spent on-site with laser scanners and the time spent in the office converting data into accurate 2D or 3D drawings.
1. Time on-site: The Data Collection Phase
Thanks to modern 3D Laser Scanning technology, we can capture data much faster than traditional tape-measure methods. For a standard residential or small commercial property, the on-site phase usually takes:
- Small flat or office: 1.5 – 3 hours
- Standard 3-bedroom house: 3 – 5 hours
- Large commercial warehouse: 1 – 2 days (depending on complexity)
What affects on-site time? Visibility is key. If the building is cluttered or has many small, partitioned rooms, our surveyors will need to set up more scan positions to ensure 100% coverage.
2. Post-Processing: From Point Cloud to Drawings
The “magic” happens in the office. After the survey, we have a massive point cloud file. Converting this into usable 2D CAD drawings or BIM models takes time.
- Typical turnaround: 3 – 5 working days.
- Complex or large projects: 7 – 10 working days.
3. Key Factors Influencing the Timeline
Level of Detail (LOD)
A basic floor plan showing only walls and windows is much faster to produce than a high-detail survey that includes every structural beam, electrical socket, and ornate ceiling moulding.
Building Size and Complexity
An open-plan warehouse is significantly faster to survey than a Victorian-era hotel with hundreds of small rooms and irregular angles.
Deliverables Required
Are you looking for simple 2D PDF plans, or do you need a full 3D Revit model (Scan to BIM)? Modelling in 3D usually adds a few extra days to the processing time.
Summary Table: Estimated Timelines
| Property Type | On-site Time | Drawing Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Residential House | 3 – 6 Hours | 3 – 5 Days |
| Commercial Unit | 1 Day | 5 – 7 Days |
Need a Fast & Accurate Survey?
We provide rapid measured building surveys across London and the UK. Our team can often get to your site within 48 hours.
