Frequently Asked Questions

CAD stands for Computer-Aided Design - a process which is software agnostic (these can be built in AutoCAD and Revit or other software manufacturers such as Bentley.

A CAD drawing is a computer-generated digital representation of a design, typically used in engineering, architecture, or industrial design, to be viewed, edited, and stored electronically.

Unlike CAD, which is software agnostic, Revit Modelling can only be built in the Autodesk software Revit.

A Revit model is a digital 3D representation of a building or structure created using Autodesk Revit software. Revit modelling refers to creating and manipulating these 3D models used for architectural, engineering, and construction projects

With over 80 years of combined experience, we understand surveyors' challenges in delivering high-quality digital drawings. We dedicate our time to providing efficient, accurate, and innovative solutions at a reasonable price. We are a UK-based business serving clients globally. You can learn more about our team, missions and values in our About Us section.

A Revit model viewer is a software application that simplifies Revit models' sharing and review process. It allows users, including surveyors and clients, who need access to the full Revit software to open, view, and interact with 3D models created in Autodesk Revit. This viewer provides a user-friendly interface for exploring the model's geometry, visual appearance, and associated data without requiring the full Revit software.

Revit is a powerful software application developed by Autodesk that is widely used in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries. It is specifically designed for  Building Information Modeling (BIM), which involves creating and managing digital representations of physical structures and their components.

Here are some key ways we use Revit:

• Building Design and Documentation: Revit allows architects and designers to create detailed 3D models of buildings, including walls, floors, roofs, doors, windows, and more. It provides tools for generating floor plans, sections, elevations, and construction documentation, streamlining the design and documentation process.
• Collaboration and Coordination: It's no mistake that we have named the business CAD Collaboration! Revit enables multiple professionals, such as architects, engineers, and contractors, to collaborate on a single project. It supports coordination between disciplines, seamlessly integrating architectural, structural, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) systems.
• Structural Analysis and Engineering: Revit offers tools for structural analysis and engineering, allowing structural engineers to perform calculations, simulate loads, and evaluate the integrity and stability of building elements. It facilitates the design and coordination of structural systems, including beams, columns, foundations, and more.
• MEP Systems Design: Revit includes specialised tools for designing MEP systems, such as HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), plumbing, and electrical systems. It allows engineers to model and analyse these systems, ensuring their proper integration with the architectural and structural components of the building.
• Visualisation and Rendering: Revit provides visualisation capabilities that enable users to create realistic 3D renderings, walkthroughs, and virtual tours of their designs. This helps clients and project teams visualise the final project before construction begins and make informed decisions.
• Quantity Takeoff and Cost Estimation: Revit can generate accurate quantity takeoffs and material schedules based on the digital model. This information can be used for cost estimation, procurement, and project planning, enhancing the overall project management process.
• Facility Management and Maintenance: Revit models can be used beyond the design and construction phase. The data-rich BIM models created in Revit can be leveraged for facility management, allowing building owners and operators to efficiently manage maintenance, renovations, and ongoing operations.

Revit is a comprehensive BIM software package that supports the entire lifecycle of a building project, from conceptual design to construction and facility management. Its wide range of tools and functionalities make it an essential tool for professionals in the AEC industry, promoting collaboration, efficiency, and accurate project delivery.

With prices starting from £500 + VAT for a typical three-bedroom house, we are confident we can provide a cost-effective service for your needs.

Our goal is to collaborate with our clients while positively impacting your project's economics. Gone are the days of expensive and inefficient outsourcing; with CAD Collaboration, we deliver the right data at the right time and price.

Short answer - it depends! We often turn around CAD drawings within 24 hours of receiving the survey data, but we’re also well-versed in large complex projects involving multiple deliverables over a long period of time.

We are Revit experts, so we don’t take significant time to build your deliverables. This keeps your costs low and is relatively similar to our CAD drafting service. Get in touch today to see how we can help.

You can instruct a survey with us here. 

Autodesk software specialises in developing computer-aided design (CAD) and engineering. Autodesk is used in various industries, including architecture, engineering and construction.

Autodesk offers AutoCAD, widely used in CAD (Computer-Aided Design). AutoCAD allows us to create and modify 2D and 3D designs, which we collaborate with architects, engineers, and designers for drafting and modelling.

In addition to AutoCAD, Autodesk offers Revit (for building information modelling), Inventor (for mechanical design and 3D CAD), Maya (for 3D animation, modelling, and rendering), 3ds Max (for 3D modelling, animation, and visualisation), and Fusion 360 (for product design and manufacturing).

BIM (Building Information Modelling) modelling is a process that involves the creation and management of digital representations of the physical and functional characteristics of a building or infrastructure project. BIM modelling goes beyond traditional 2D drawings by integrating various dimensions of information into a shared 3D model.

In BIM modelling, the digital model is a central database containing information about the project's design, construction, and operation. It includes building elements' geometry and spatial relationships and data such as material specifications, cost estimates, construction schedules, energy analysis, and maintenance information.

BIM modelling allows architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders to collaborate more effectively throughout the project lifecycle. The shared model enables real-time collaboration, coordination, and clash detection, helping to identify and resolve conflicts or design issues before construction begins.

The benefits of BIM modelling include:

• Improved visualisation: The 3D model visually represents the building, helping stakeholders better understand the design intent and make informed decisions.
• Enhanced coordination: BIM enables better coordination between different disciplines and trades, reducing clashes and conflicts during construction.
• Increased efficiency: BIM facilitates accurate quantity takeoffs, cost estimation, and scheduling, leading to more efficient project management and reduced rework.
• Better analysis: BIM models can be used for energy analysis, structural analysis, and other simulations to optimise performance, identify potential problems, and improve overall project quality.
• Lifecycle management: BIM models can be utilised for facility management, allowing owners and operators to maintain and manage the building throughout its lifecycle efficiently.

BIM modelling has become the industry standard in many countries, and its adoption continues to grow due to its ability to improve collaboration, reduce errors, and increase efficiency in the design, construction, and operation of buildings and infrastructure projects.

Quantity takeoffs, also known as material takeoffs or material quantification, are essential to construction estimating and cost planning. Quantity takeoff refers to the process of determining and quantifying the materials, components, and quantities required for a construction project based on the project's design drawings and specifications.

During a quantity takeoff, a construction estimator or quantity surveyor analyses the project's plans, drawings, and specifications to identify all the relevant items and their quantities needed for the project. This typically includes materials such as concrete, steel, bricks, piping, electrical components, finishes, and more.

The quantity takeoff process involves:

• Reviewing the project documents: The estimator carefully examines the architectural and engineering drawings, specifications, and any other relevant documents to understand the scope of work and identify the items and materials involved.
• Measurement and quantification: Using specialised software or manual methods, the estimator measures and quantifies the various elements and components of the project. This can involve measuring lengths, areas, volumes, and counts of items.
• Applying unit rates: Once the quantities are determined, the estimator applies unit rates, which are the cost per unit of measurement for each material or component, to calculate the total cost of each item.
• Summarising the quantities: The estimator compiles all the quantities, along with their respective unit rates and costs, into a comprehensive bill of quantities (BOQ) or a cost estimate.

Quantity takeoffs are crucial for accurate cost estimation, bidding, and project budgeting. They provide a detailed breakdown of the required materials, allowing contractors to procure the necessary quantities, determine labour requirements, and estimate project costs more accurately. Additionally, quantity takeoffs help track project progress, manage material deliveries, and compare actual quantities used with the estimated quantities during construction.