At Denver Drafting & Design, we offer a wide array of laser-scanning and BIM services for residential, commercial, and institutional projects. Seeing as we can provide these for anything from apartment buildings and single-family homes to warehouses and schools, the requirements and specifications of each project are inevitably going to be as unique as the clients we work with and the builds they’re focused on. Some projects will be larger in physical size, others will be more intricate, and others still will require more specific services.

With that in mind, we don’t provide a universally applicable square-footage rate for projects. Instead, we avoid surprises by utilizing a fixed pricing model for each particular Scope of Work. After an initial intake with the client, we’ll provide an itemized quote that reasonably reflects the amount of time and detail that the project demands. Below, we explain the main factors that will inform each quote.

Square Footage

It goes without saying that a building’s size will inevitably impact the pricing of a project. When comparing two buildings of the same typology (ie commercial, residential, etc.), a job of comparable scope will almost almost always cost more for the larger building. The scanning of a 40,000 sq. ft. warehouse, for instance, will naturally require more extensive planning and execution than the scanning of a 10,000 sq. ft. warehouse.

Building Type / Number of Rooms

Square footage is an essential metric, to be sure, but larger spaces aren’t always more expensive. That same 40,000 sq. ft. warehouse, which is expansive and open, will almost certainly require less time to scan and model than a 6,000 sq. ft. single-family home that’s divided into numerous purpose-specific rooms. Each room, closet, and feature requires more attention to detail – the more enclosed spaces and details a building has, the higher the cost. Similarly, a large commercial office building that contains multiple units, each with their own office spaces, meeting rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms, will naturally require a great deal of time and energy due to its architectural complexity.

Level of Detail Required

The nature of our client’s work will often determine the level of detail required in the final deliverable. Different clients naturally have different needs: an architect working on historical renovations will need meticulous models of facades, custom baseboards, ceiling trim, cove, and other interior flourishes, and an interior designer will require granular details for ceiling plans, lighting locations, outlets, and switches. On the other hand, a client planning a gut renovation or a bulk-out remodel might only need basic floor plans, along with measurements of walls, doors, and windows. These specific requirements will often determine whether the project will involve a full Revit model or more rudimentary floor plans.

Nature of the Job

All three of the above criteria will help determine what combination of service categories the project will fall under:

• Revit/BIM Support: We’re able to create detailed, editable models that clients can use for future modifications and additions. The complexity and scope of the Revit model will influence the price, with more detailed models costing more.
• Laser-Scanning & As-Builts: We can capture precise measurements of existing structures and convert them into digital models. The more complex and segmented the building, the higher the cost.
• Drafting & Design: We create detailed architectural plans based on client specifications. The level of customization and detail, as well as the size and type of the project, will determine the final price.

Adjustments and Hourly Rates

Though we work with a fixed pricing model, we also appreciate that jobs are dynamic and likely to evolve. – a minor revision to a project, like moving a wall by a foot, will not impact the price quote originally provided. A major adjustment, though, such as an entirely new architectural vision for a house, will demand some degree of financial recalibration. In this situation, we take pride in our practice of open and honest communication.

Once we’ve established a relationship with a client, we are open to the possibility of adopting an hourly rate for less predictable projects that might demand regular updates and modifications. This flexible approach allows for continuous collaboration and adjustments, ensuring that established clients receive the support they need even after larger projects are complete.

If you’re interested in receiving a price quote on your first job with us, feel free to reach out to us here.