GPR concrete scanning is one of the most frequently requested NDT services — and one of the most common questions we get is: how much does it cost? The honest answer is that it depends on several factors, but this guide explains what drives the price and what you can expect when you ask for a quote.

What affects the cost of GPR concrete scanning?

Area to be scanned

The most significant factor is the size of the area. A single core location or a small section of slab takes a fraction of the time of a full floor plate. We price by the job rather than by the square metre, but larger areas naturally take longer to scan and process.

Access and working conditions

Scanning in a clear, unoccupied space is straightforward. Scanning in a live building, around racking, in a basement with restricted headroom, or in a car park with vehicles present takes longer and requires more planning. Out-of-hours working — evenings or weekends — also affects the fee.

Depth and complexity

Standard reinforced concrete slabs are relatively quick to scan and interpret. Post-tensioned slabs, heavily congested sections, or structures with multiple layers of reinforcement take more time to process and report accurately. 3D scanning, which produces depth-slice images rather than a single cross-section, takes longer than a standard 2D scan but gives a much clearer picture of complex layouts.

Report requirements

A simple site-marked survey — where findings are marked directly on the concrete surface and a basic sketch plan is provided — costs less than a full written report with annotated drawings, depth data and a detailed interpretation. For most coring and cutting clearance jobs, a site-marked survey is sufficient. For structural investigations, insurance reports or pre-design surveys, a full report is usually required.

Mobilisation

For sites within our primary coverage area — London, Kent, Essex and the South East — mobilisation is straightforward. Sites further afield may involve additional travel time and costs.

What does a typical GPR concrete scanning survey cost?

We provide fixed-price quotations after an initial discussion, so there are no surprises on the day. As a general guide:

• Localised scanning (a few core locations or a small area): fees typically start from a few hundred pounds, including travel and a site-marked result.
• Single floor plate or slab (a typical commercial or residential floor): fees vary depending on size and complexity, but most straightforward surveys fall within a range that makes them cost-effective compared to the risk of hitting a service or tendon.
• Multi-storey or large-scale programmes: we can price these as a day-rate or fixed-price programme, often with a reduced rate for repeat visits.

We do not publish a standard price list because the variables matter too much — a quote based on your specific site and requirements will always be more accurate and more useful than a generic figure.

Is GPR concrete scanning worth the cost?

The short answer is yes, almost always. The cost of a GPR scan is small compared to the cost of hitting a post-tension tendon, severing a live electrical conduit, or causing structural damage that requires emergency repair. For any coring, cutting or drilling into concrete where the internal layout is unknown, scanning is not an optional extra — it is basic risk management.

For structural investigations, pre-acquisition surveys and insurance claims, the cost of a scan and report is similarly modest compared to the decisions it informs.

How to get a quote

Contact us with the structure type, location, what you need to know and any relevant timescales. We will recommend the right approach and provide a fixed-price fee proposal, typically within 24 hours.

We work across London, Kent, Essex, Surrey, Sussex and the wider South East, and nationally across the UK.

For full details on what the service covers, visit our GPR concrete scanning service page. For post-tension cable detection specifically, see our post-tension cable detection service. To understand what GPR can and can't detect, read our article on what GPR can actually see in concrete.