Services

As-Built Documentation in Chicago

Measured floor plans, elevations, sections, and RCPs: derived from field-verified laser scan data, not guesswork.

As-built drawings are only as good as the field data behind them. We capture your building with millimeter-accurate laser scanning, then produce clean, layered CAD drawings your team can actually build from: no tape measure estimates, no assumptions.

3D laser scan point cloud of an industrial process facility: Laser Scan Chicago
Colorized point cloud of an industrial process facility. Large circular tanks and surrounding structures captured from laser scan data.

Drawing Types

We produce the full range of 2D construction documents directly from scan data:

  • Floor plans: dimensioned, to scale, with room labels and area calculations
  • Reflected ceiling plans (RCPs): ceiling heights, light fixture locations, HVAC diffusers
  • Elevations: interior and exterior, with opening dimensions and finish heights
  • Sections: building sections and wall sections showing construction layers
  • Details: millwork profiles, stair geometry, custom conditions
As-built BIM model of an industrial facility's structure and piping: Laser Scan Chicago
As-built BIM model of the same industrial facility. Tank structures, process piping, and mechanical systems modeled from laser scan data.

Deliverable Formats

Drawings are delivered in the format your workflow requires:

  • DWG: AutoCAD, standard AIA layer naming by default; custom layer schemes available
  • PDF: print-ready at specified sheet size and scale
  • Revit: if you need a model alongside the drawings, we can produce both from the same point cloud
  • Georeferenced: available by request; we coordinate with your civil engineer to tie point clouds to survey controls

Common Use Cases

As-built documentation from laser scan is especially valuable when:

  • Existing drawings are missing, outdated, or unreliable
  • You're planning a renovation and need accurate existing conditions
  • A tenant buildout requires precise space dimensions for design and permitting
  • Historic preservation documentation is required by the city or a landmark commission
  • A real estate transaction requires verified floor area measurements
Historic building laser scan documentation in Chicago: Laser Scan Chicago
Laser scan documentation of a Chicago landmark building for historic preservation. Delivered to HABS/HAER standards.

Common Questions

As-Built Documentation FAQ

How accurate are scan-based as-built drawings?

Field data accuracy reflects the scanner's equipment rating, typically ±2mm. Drafted drawings are produced by tracing from the point cloud, introducing minimal additional interpretation error. Overall delivered drawing accuracy is typically better than ±5mm: far superior to tape-measure surveys.

What does a typical as-built project cost?

Pricing depends on square footage, number of floors, drawing types, and delivery format. A single-floor commercial space (5,000-10,000 sq ft) with floor plan and RCP typically starts around $1,500-$2,500. Larger or more complex projects are quoted individually. Contact us for a specific estimate.

Can you work from an occupied building?

Yes: most of our Chicago as-built projects are in occupied commercial buildings. We schedule scanning around tenant activity and minimize disruption. Typical floor scanning takes 2-3 hours.

Do I need the full Revit model or just drawings?

Not every project needs a full BIM model. If you need 2D drawings in CAD or PDF, we can deliver just those: no Revit file required. If you later need a model, we can produce it from the same point cloud without re-scanning.

How are drawings organized and layered?

CAD files are delivered with standard AIA layer naming conventions by default. Custom layer schemes are available on request. All drawings are georeferenced to a consistent coordinate system across floors.