The Challenge

A leading household items retail chain was preparing to renovate one of its flagship stores located in Malleshwaram, Bengaluru. The project, however, encountered an immediate roadblock: the absence of accurate as-built data and area statements for the building. Without this foundational information, the client’s interior fit-out planning could not proceed.

Client’s Initial Hurdles

• No reliable area statements for individual rooms and floor levels
• Outdated or missing architectural and structural drawings
• No visibility into existing MEP services and ceiling beam positions
• No elevation or facade data for planning and tendering
• Uncertainty in site conditions is delaying planning decisions.

Why This Was Critical

Why was the absence of as-built data a showstopper?

Because the fit-out design couldn’t proceed without confirming existing site dimensions and service locations.

Why couldn’t the client use existing design drawings?

They were outdated and didn’t reflect real conditions, risking misalignment and costly rework.

What impact would further delays have caused?

A delay in interior works would have pushed back store re-opening, affecting revenue timelines and vendor schedules.

Why was ceiling data particularly important?

To coordinate new MEP installations with existing beams, services, and ceiling voids, avoiding site clashes.

Why was the facade and elevation detail necessary?

These were crucial for planning external modifications and preparing tender documentation accurately.

Gaps in Existing Information

• Missing verified room-wise area statements
• No record of actual ceiling beam locations or MEP layouts
• Incomplete facade, elevation, and outer wall data
• Out-of-date architectural and structural documentation

‍Why Specific Requirements Mattered

• Room-wise area statements were needed to initiate layout planning
• Accurate ceiling and service data was essential to avoid on-site rework
• Building elevations and outer wall dimensions were needed for vendor coordination and tendering
• All information had to be delivered within a tight 4-week timeline to stay on schedule.

The Desapex Solution

Desapex deployed a digital engineering approach involving:

• Laser scanning of the entire core and shell to capture true site conditions
• As-built BIM modelling of Architectural, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (ASMEPF) systems
• Early delivery of area statements and images to support parallel planning
• Comprehensive drawing and model set handed over within 4 weeks.

Project Timeline & Milestones

• Week 1: Laser scanning completed using 2 scanners and 2 survey teams
• Weeks 2-4: Point cloud registration, BIM modelling, and sheet generation
• Final deliverables handed over in 4 weeks, as committed.

Software & Technology Used

• Autodesk Revit
• AutoCAD
• Leica Cyclone Register 360
• Trimble RealWorks
• PDF Viewer.

The Real Business Value Delivered

• Enabled timely start of interior fit-out works
• Delivered accurate as-built data, eliminating guesswork during design
• Ceiling scans revealed beam and service layouts for clash-free planning
• Provided reliable input for tendering, vendor selection, and project budgeting
• Helped maintain renovation timelines without delays due to missing site information.

What This Means for Future Projects

This project demonstrates the transformative impact of integrating laser scanning and as-built BIM into renovation workflows. By bridging the gap between design intent and real-world conditions, Desapex empowered the client to take informed decisions, avoid costly delays, and coordinate downstream activities with confidence.

For future renovation or expansion projects—especially in retail and commercial settings—this approach can become a playbook for success. Early access to precise site data shortens the planning cycle, ensures stakeholder alignment, and provides a reliable digital foundation for design, execution, and facility management.

“When you begin with the truth on site, you build with confidence — that’s the power of digital accuracy.”