Accurate As-Built Plans from 3D Laser Scans

3DVDT transforms physical reality into flawless digital data. We leverage advanced 3D imaging technology to create millimeter-accurate as-built drawings and Building Information Modeling (BIM) models, empowering architects, engineers, and contractors to design, build, and renovate with absolute confidence. Our full-service 2D/3D digital building documentation provides tailored solutions that support design, construction, and preservation efforts across the AEC and Historic Preservation industries.  

Are Your Blueprints a True Record or a Financial Gamble?

Every renovation, retrofit, or expansion project begins with a critical assumption: that the existing drawings are an accurate reflection of the building. For countless projects, this assumption proves to be a costly falsehood. Original plans, or blueprints, represent the design intent, but they rarely reflect the small deviations, undocumented changes, and on-the-fly modifications made during the initial construction process. This gap between the original design and the as-built reality is a minefield of risk, leading to expensive change orders, unforeseen project delays, and compromised designs that fail to meet the client’s vision.  

Relying on outdated or incomplete documentation means the design team is effectively working blind. This uncertainty can cause direct clashes between new design elements and hidden structural components, incorrect material orders based on flawed dimensions, and inefficient coordination among trades on site. The result is a cascade of problems that threaten the project’s core objectives. Budgets spiral out of control, the project completion timeline is jeopardized, and what should be a smooth process becomes a constant struggle against on-site surprises. This is not merely an inconvenience; it is a direct threat to a project’s profitability and a firm’s professional reputation.  

From Ambiguity to Absolute Clarity: The Power of True As-Built Documentation

What is As-Built Documentation?

As-built documentation is the final, definitive set of drawings, plans, or models that accurately represents a project as it was actually constructed. Unlike original plans that depict design intent, as-built documents reflect all changes, modifications, and deviations that occurred during the construction process. They serve as the single source of truth for a building’s existing conditions, capturing the precise locations of walls, MEP systems, structural components, and other critical elements. This accurate record is indispensable for future maintenance, renovations, and facility management.  

The 3DVDT Difference: Beyond Manual Measurement

Traditional methods of creating as-builts rely on tape measures, manual sketches, and handwritten notes—a process inherently prone to human error and incapable of capturing complex geometries or hard-to-reach areas. These inaccuracies can derail a project before it even begins. 3DVDT bypasses these limitations entirely. We utilize high-density 3D laser scanning (LiDAR) technology to capture millions of precise data points, creating a comprehensive and dimensionally accurate point cloud of your structure with an accuracy of  2−4mm. This rich, reliable data forms the foundation for the highest quality as-builts in the industry, ensuring that every decision is based on reality, not on an assumption.  

A Collaborative & Transparent Path to Precision

Our process is designed to be as reliable and precise as the data we deliver. We believe in a collaborative approach that ensures our final deliverables are perfectly aligned with your project’s unique requirements.  

Step 1: Collaborative Project Scoping & Planning

We don’t just show up and scan. Our process begins with a detailed consultation to understand your specific project goals, required Level of Detail (LOD), and final deliverable formats. By evaluating the project scope and site conditions from the very beginning, we ensure our reality capture strategy is perfectly tailored to your needs, eliminating guesswork and guaranteeing the data will support your workflow.  

Step 2: High-Definition Reality Capture

Our expert technicians arrive on-site with state-of-the-art terrestrial LiDAR scanners. The process is fast, non-invasive, and captures every detail—from intricate architectural features to complex MEP systems—without disrupting ongoing site operations. This contact-free method is safe and efficient, capturing millions of measurement points to form a dense, comprehensive point cloud that represents a perfect digital snapshot of your site.  

Step 3: Intelligent Data Processing & Registration

Back in our office, the raw scan data undergoes a meticulous registration and processing phase. Our specialists align the multiple scans using shared control points and clean the data, removing noise and redundant points to create a single, unified, and flawless point cloud. This registered dataset serves as a perfect digital twin of your facility, ready for modeling.  

Step 4: Custom Deliverable Generation

This is where data becomes actionable insight. Our skilled mapping and modeling team transforms the verified point cloud into the final product you need. Whether you require clean 2D CAD drawings, detailed as-built documentation, or intelligent 3D Scan-to-BIM models in Revit, we generate deliverables that are ready to integrate seamlessly into your design workflow, empowering your team to move forward with confidence.  

A Single Source of Truth for Every Phase of Your Project

Accurate as-built documentation provides critical value to every stakeholder involved in a building’s life cycle. It is a foundational asset that empowers better decision-making from initial design through long-term operation.

For Architects & Designers

With a precise digital foundation of existing conditions, design risk is significantly mitigated. Architects and designers can unleash their creative freedom, confident that their plans will fit the real-world conditions. This allows for early and accurate clash detection, eliminating the guesswork that leads to costly rework and design compromises. It transforms the design process from one of reaction to one of proactive, informed creation.  

For General Contractors & Builders

For contractors, predictability is profit. Accurate as-builts eliminate on-site surprises, enabling better project planning, more accurate bids, and smoother coordination between subcontractors and trades. By providing a clear and reliable record of the existing structure, our documentation helps reduce change orders, prevent delays, and keep the construction project on schedule and within budget.  

For Building Owners & Facility Managers

As-built documentation is a permanent, invaluable asset for any property. It provides an accurate record essential for all future maintenance, repairs, and space planning. For facility managers, it is a detailed map of the building’s critical systems, enabling efficient repairs and upgrades. For owners, it is essential documentation for regulatory compliance, insurance purposes, and long-term asset management, ultimately protecting and enhancing the value of the investment.  

Preserving the Past with the Precision of the Future

Documenting our shared cultural heritage demands a unique level of care, respect, and technical precision. Historic structures are irreplaceable assets, and their documentation requires a non-invasive, highly detailed approach that honors their integrity. 3DVDT specializes in as-built documentation for Historic Preservation, providing the critical data needed for restoration, compliance, and archival purposes. This focus is a core part of our mission and a key area of our expertise.  

Our services extend to meeting the rigorous standards of HABS/HAER (Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic American Engineering Record) documentation and creating sophisticated Heritage Building Information Models (HBIM). 3D laser scanning is the ideal technology for these sensitive projects, as it is a contact-free documentation method that captures intricate ornamentation, delicate features, and subtle structural deviations without ever touching the historic fabric. This capability is not just a service offering; it is a testament to our commitment to precision. If we are trusted to document and preserve priceless historic landmarks, you can be certain we will bring that same level of meticulous care to your commercial or residential project.  

Your As-Built Deliverables: The Clarity and Detail You Require

We understand that raw data is not enough. You need clear, usable, and accurate documentation that integrates seamlessly into your existing workflow. We transform our rich point cloud data into a variety of standard and custom deliverables, ensuring you receive actionable information in the format you need.

The 3DVDT Advantage: Experience, Technology, and Collaboration

Unmatched Specialization

With over 13 years of focused experience in the Scan-to-BIM industry, we possess a deep, practical understanding of the AEC and Historic Preservation sectors. We are not generalists; we are specialists in high-precision digital documentation, a fact reflected in our tailored, full-service solutions.  

Technology-Driven Accuracy

We invest in the latest 3D laser scanning and modeling technology to deliver results that are simply unattainable through manual methods. Our commitment to leveraging advanced technology ensures your documentation is reliable, comprehensive, and precise to the millimeter.  

A Truly Collaborative Approach

Your goals are our goals. We work as an extension of your team, from the initial scoping call to the final delivery of your files. This ensures the entire process is transparent and that the final deliverables perfectly match your project’s specific needs, reflecting our collaborative brand personality.  

Full-Service, Tailored Solutions

We are your single point of contact for a full spectrum of 2D and 3D documentation needs. From a simple as-built floor plan for a residential remodel to a complex Heritage BIM model for a landmark restoration, we tailor our full-service offerings to your unique requirements.  

Your As-Built Questions, Answered

What is the difference between “as-built drawings,” “record drawings,” and “measured drawings?”

This is an excellent question, as the terms are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion. Based on American Institute of Architects (AIA) guidelines, the distinction is important.  

• Measured Drawings are what we create—highly accurate drawings based on direct, on-site measurements. In our case, this is done with 3D laser scanners.
• As-Built Drawings are typically the contractor’s on-site markups on original plans, often done in red ink, to show changes made during construction.
• Record Drawings are the final, clean set of drawings prepared by the architect, which formally incorporates the contractor’s as-built information. 3DVDT provides the foundational, ultra-precise measured drawings that give architects the confidence to produce authoritative and reliable record drawings.

How much does an as-built survey cost?

The cost of an as-built project is an investment in risk mitigation. Pricing depends on several factors, including the building’s overall square footage and complexity, the required level of detail (LOD), and the specific deliverables you need (e.g., 2D plans vs. a 3D BIM model). While a simple residential floor plan will have a different cost structure than a complex industrial facility, the true value lies in the immense cost of the delays, errors, and rework that an accurate survey prevents. We provide a detailed, transparent quote after our initial collaborative scoping call.  

Who is responsible for creating as-built drawings?

Traditionally, the general contractor is contractually responsible for marking up plans to create “as-builts” that document their work. However, for true accuracy, especially before a major renovation or for facility management, specialized firms like 3DVDT are engaged to create precise measured drawings using technologies like laser scanning. The architect then often uses this highly reliable data to create the final record drawings for the owner.  

What’s included in your as-built documentation?

Our deliverables are tailored to your project’s needs. A typical package can include 2D floor plans, exterior elevations, reflected ceiling plans (RCPs), and building sections. More comprehensive packages can include detailed MEP and structural layouts, and fully intelligent 3D Scan-to-BIM models. Please see our Deliverables table above for a comprehensive list of options.  

How long does the process take?

The on-site scanning portion of our work is remarkably fast, often taking just a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the site’s size and complexity. The subsequent data processing and drafting timeline depends on the project’s scope and the required deliverables. We establish a clear and reliable schedule during our project kick-off to align with your deadlines.  

Why is 3D laser scanning better than traditional methods?

There are three primary reasons: accuracy, completeness, and efficiency. Laser scanning captures millions of data points with millimeter precision, virtually eliminating the human error inherent in manual measurements. The scanner captures everything in its line of sight, including complex geometries and hard-to-reach areas that are often missed or approximated with traditional methods. Finally, the data is captured faster and creates a rich, reusable digital asset that provides value for years to come.  

Begin Your Project with Confidence

Let’s build a foundation of certainty for your next project. Don’t let inaccurate plans dictate your project’s success. Partner with 3DVDT to gain an unshakeable understanding of your existing conditions. Our innovative, reliable, and collaborative approach ensures you have the precise documentation you need to move forward.

Ready to eliminate surprises and streamline your workflow? Contact our team today for a no-obligation consultation and project quote. Let’s discuss your unique challenges and how our tailored solutions can help you achieve your goals.