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Frequently Asked Questions: Scanning and Floor Plans

Frequently asked questions about CubiCasa app

Written by Aarne Huttunen

Device and App Requirements

Can I use a standard phone camera to record the video?

Important: Unfortunately, it is not possible to generate a floor plan from a video recorded with a standard camera on your phone. You need to scan using the CubiCasa App. The app collects essential spatial, location, and other data alongside the normal video, and without this information, we cannot process your order.

What devices are supported by the CubiCasa app?

The CubiCasa app supports a wide variety of both iOS and Android devices for scanning. You can check the full list of supported hardware devices here.

Does the app require WiFi or cellular data to operate?

The app requires an internet connection (WiFi or cellular) during the login process and a high-speed internet connection to upload your completed scan for processing. However, the actual scanning process does not require access to the internet.

How much battery will scanning consume?

Scanning requires some processing power, but you should not lose more than 5% of your battery life, even when capturing a larger property.

Preparing the Property

Do I need to clean the house before scanning?

You do not need to clean the entire house before scanning. However, if items are blocking visibility to appliances or other fixtures that should be shown in the floor plan, we recommend cleaning up those specific spaces.

Should I keep doors open or closed?

When planning your route, we recommend that doors remain open. While it is possible to open and close doors while scanning, leaving them open is the best practice.

Do I need to turn the lights on or off?

All lights in the spaces you want to enter should be turned on before you begin.

Can there be other people, pets, or sunlight in the house?

Yes, people and pets can be in the house while you scan. Direct sunlight from windows is not a problem, and curtains can remain open.

Are mirrors okay to scan?

Yes, scanning mirrors is perfectly okay and will not disrupt the output.

What other preparation is needed?

To best prepare the house for scanning, follow these steps:

  1. Turn on all lights.

  2. Open the doors to the spaces where you want to enter.

  3. Plan your route by walking through the building before you start scanning.

The Scanning Process

How do I shoot the video?

To shoot the video correctly, follow these steps:

  1. Hold the device at chest height.

  2. Tilt the device slightly downwards.

  3. Walk at a normal walking speed. (Check the full instructions here)

Where do I start the scan and where do I go next?

It is recommended to start the scan from the front entrance and proceed forward. Your scan path should follow a logical order, taking the route you would most likely take if you were walking through the building for the first time.

Do I need to manually mark anything in the app?

No, you do not need to mark anything in the app; just walk and scan.

How long does scanning take?

Scanning time depends on the area and complexity of the indoor space. You should be able to capture one room fairly fast, in about 15-20 seconds. Capturing a 2000 square foot home with two floors takes about 4-6 minutes.

How do I scan different floors or basements?

When moving between floors, it is recommended to start from the lowest floor and scan your way up. Point the camera at the stairs while climbing. Note: Be careful to watch in front of you and not at the device screen while walking up the stairs!

What if there is a really dark place?

If there is a space with extremely low light, we recommend either using a flashlight to illuminate it or skipping that area entirely.

Can I scan a separate garage in the backyard?

If there is a separate garage closer than 20 meters from the main house, you can walk there and scan the path. Important: If it is dark outside, scanning exterior areas is not possible.

How do I ensure I have scanned every room and space?

To ensure you have captured everything, you can review the video on your device before sending the order for processing.

Floor Plan Outputs and Delivery

Can I see a sketch immediately after scanning?

There is no intermediate sketch or floor plan result available immediately after scanning.

What is the turnaround time for the final floor plan?

To find out when you will receive your file, please check this article for the turnaround info.

Are room dimensions and total area included?

Yes! Delivered floor plan images are provided with and without room dimensions so you can choose which to use. We also provide the Total Area and the option to choose the Gross Living Area (GLA), depending on your selected package and add-ons. Read more about how the total area is calculated here.

How are room labels determined?

We detect the rooms automatically from the scan using state-of-the-art machine vision algorithms. Our human Quality Assurance (QA) team then verifies these predictions and corrects any errors before final delivery.

Are exterior areas included in the floor plan?

If you scan an exterior area, it will be included. Patios and terraces are included in the final floor plan if they are scanned.

Will the scan output a 3D showcase?

At the current stage, a 3D showcase (similar to Matterport) is not on our roadmap. Our floor plans focus on creating the geometry of the property.

Can I get a 3D model for SketchUp or CAD?

Yes, you can get a 3D model by purchasing the CAD add-on. Check here for more info on CAD files.

How accurate are the floor plans?

Currently, the floor plan error margin is around 3%-5%, and we are constantly working to improve this accuracy.

Are the floor plans customizable, and can I edit them?

Yes, floor plans are customizable. You can add your brand logo and change the wall and floor colors (depending on the package selected). If you want to edit the floor plan yourself, we offer an in-platform Quick Editor, as well as vector versions (SVG) that can be used by third-party editing software.

What is the price of a floor plan?

To check pricing options, please review our interactive pricing page here.

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