It’s always a big job to fix up an old building, but with the right technology, it can go more smoothly, be smarter, and cost less. Scan to BIM is one of the best tools for remodeling right now. We use this new method at Mahive Engineering Solution in Maryland to help our clients confidently improve their buildings in a precise and effective way.
We’ll talk about how to use Scan to BIM in facility renovation projects in this blog. We’ll do this in simple terms and use real-life examples and advice from over 11 years of experience.
What Is Scan to BIM and Why Use It for Renovation?
Using a 3D laser scanner to record the current state of a building and then turning that information into a detailed digital Building Information Model (BIM) is called “scan to BIM.”
This digital model becomes the foundation for:
Designing updates
Identifying clashes
Planning layouts
Estimating costs
Managing construction efficiently
We at Mahive Engineering Solution use Scan to BIM for a lot of renovation projects in Maryland. These include old office buildings, factories, and public buildings.
Tip 1: Start with a Complete Site Scan
It’s important to know what’s there before making any changes. This is where scanning is very important. Our 3D laser scanners record everything, including walls, ceilings, pipes, ducts, and where equipment is placed.
Pro Tip:
Plan the scan for a time when no one is working so that the data is clear and unobstructed.
Tip 2: Work With an Experienced Scan to BIM Team
To go from scan to BIM, you need both technology and skillful interpretation. It makes a huge difference to pick the right team.
With Mahive Engineering Solution, you get:
Expert scanning technicians
Skilled BIM modelers
Maryland-specific renovation experience
We’ve made models that work well for colleges, hospitals, government buildings, and other places.
Tip 3: Define the Level of Detail (LOD) You Need
Different renovation projects require different levels of detail. For example:
Maybe only LOD 200 is needed for a general remodel.
For precise piping, a mechanical upgrade might need LOD 400.
Before modeling starts, we help our Maryland clients find the right LOD, which saves them time and money.
Tip 4: Use the Model for Clash Detection Early
Finding a problem after the work has begun is one of the biggest risks of renovation. BIM helps you find clashes and conflicts early on:
Structural vs. HVAC ducts
Plumbing lines vs. electrical conduits
We always do clash detection before approving plans, so we don’t have to make expensive changes in the field.
Tip 5: Incorporate Facility-Specific Systems
Each building is different. There are different needs for hospitals, schools, and factories.
Our BIM models can include:
Fire suppression systems
Access control layouts
Specialized equipment zones
This makes sure that the integration goes more smoothly and that Maryland’s rules and codes are followed.
Tip 6: Plan Phased Renovations Using BIM
Not every renovation happens all at once. You can plan phased upgrades with BIM:
Separate model sections for different zones
Highlight areas under construction
Plan access routes for staff and visitors
We’ve helped schools and hospitals in Maryland keep running while construction is going on in stages.
Tip 7: Keep Stakeholders Informed with Visual Models
Not only engineers can have a smart model. Building owners, investors, and tenants are just some of the people who benefit.
We use easy-to-understand visuals to:
1. Present design options
2. Explain layouts and system changes
3. Get faster decision approvals
4. This reduces delays and builds trust.
Tip 8: Update the BIM Model After Renovation (As-Built)
Once the renovation is done, the BIM model should reflect the as-built conditions. This helps with:
1. Future upgrades
2. Maintenance planning
3. Facility management
Mahive Engineering Solution always gives you up-to-date as-built BIM files that can be used for a long time.
Tip 9: Combine Scan to BIM With Facility Management Tools
With your BIM model, you can now integrate with facility management software. This allows you to:
1. Track equipment life cycles
2. Plan maintenance tasks
3. Monitor space utilization
Our clients in Maryland ask us to connect their BIM and CAFM systems so that the building is smarter and more proactive.
Tip 10: Think Beyond the Build Build for the Future
A renovation isn’t just for today. It’s about making a space that can be used in many ways and is ready for the future.
With Scan to BIM, you get:
1. A digital record for future use
2. Easy updates for the next renovation
3. Enhanced building value
All building owners in Maryland should think of Scan to BIM as an investment, not just a tool.
Final Thoughts: Make Renovation Easier with Scan to BIM
Renovating a building doesn’t have to be hard or cost a lot of money. It is possible to improve your building if you have the right people, the right tools, and the right plan.
As a proud Scan to BIM service provider, Mahive Engineering Solution helps make renovation projects in Maryland more clear and under control. We know how to help you build better, whether it’s a hospital, office, school, or factory.
