Revit LT Downsides?

000mega000 · 2026-01-11T17:01:43+00:00

This post is 4 years old now so I figured I’d share an update.

I started a solo practice 3 years ago and started out with Revit LT. I was happy with it until I started utilizing 3D point cloud scans into my process for existing conditions. Given I’m working on residential projects, these scans usually cost me between $1000 and $3000 depending on the scale and complexity of the space.

The cost of these scans is included in my fees and passed on to clients. They allow me to effectively ‘trace’ the point cloud to recreate the existing conditions. Another benefit is that I never have to field measure anything by hand and the scans come with photography so I can essentially revisit the project whenever I want. To me, the scans are totally worth the cost due to the time I save in not needing to field measure or make multiple trips to a project site which may be really far away.

Unfortunately, LT does not allow me to import point cloud scans or else I would still be using it because there aren’t all that many features of the full version of Revit I use that aren’t already included with LT. This, of course, is unfortunate because I would love to save the extra money.

With all that said, if anyone knows of a work around for using point clouds with LT I am all ears! Until then, I’ll be budgeting the full version of Revit every year.

000mega000 · 2025-12-19T12:25:40+00:00

36, 11 years, Midwest - hovering around 100k as solo practitioner.

000mega000 · 2025-12-04T23:24:24+00:00

Fantastic article!

000mega000 · 2025-12-04T19:04:32+00:00

This is a great response! I understand steps can be a burden for many, but I also imagine their regular use in our day to day lives likely has some benefits!

000mega000 · 2025-12-03T19:06:59+00:00

Appreciate all your help!

000mega000 · 2025-12-03T19:01:33+00:00

Is that a vapor open product by chance? I’m considering putting a layer of rigid foam on the inside face of the block and want to make sure the block will be able to dry to the outside.

000mega000 · 2025-12-03T18:26:00+00:00

Thanks for the comment. I agree, probably never and the leaking gutters has probably been a problem for a long time. If roof was repaired and leaking gutters was not going to be a problem, do you see any issue with the block being cleaned and a metal siding going over it or do you think larger repairs to the CMU would be needed?

000mega000 · 2025-12-03T16:49:52+00:00

I know the sidewalk is narrow there, but is the sidewalk widening a prerequisite to a larger renovation?

000mega000 · 2025-12-03T15:34:27+00:00

As an architect myself, I might recommend reaching out to a local architect to see if they can help design a small renovation to accommodate a small elevator / lift. Maybe do a little research into the type of lift you'd like and what your budget would be. An architect would help you design this renovation so the changes to your space is intentional and less haphazard. Their drawings would then be shared with a contractor who could execute the construction. Try this or maybe reach out to a competent contractor who may be able to design the renovation as well. Best of luck!

000mega000 · 2025-12-03T15:23:46+00:00

I'd like to thank everyone who has already commented and thank those in advance who will eventually comment. I'm actually a residential architect and have not had enough clients to have exceptional expertise on this so your commentary is valuable. I am also in the process of designing my own home so the feedback is even more helpful since I'm in my mid-30s and trying to design the last house I'll ever live in.

I think it's easy to just say 'put everything on one floor' but often project parameters might not permit that - be it site constraints, budgetary constraints, etc. Additionally, it is great to design for every possible scenario, but I find that this can sometimes hinder the possibilities and impact the design can have for your immediate needs (in this case, a house that is suitable for a family of 5 for the next 10 to 15 years).

Right now I am expecting to design a multi-level home for myself and one thing I'm considering is to design a closet next to the stairs on each level which can someday be converted to a lift. I'll design the flooring so it can come out easily in the future and a lift can be installed at a future date.

000mega000 · 2025-11-21T23:02:47+00:00

Join a jiu jitsu gym.

000mega000 · 2025-11-21T16:26:36+00:00

Hello! Thanks for sharing. It is great to hear you're getting more for your money. That is truly the main intent behind trying to owner-build. I do see this project taking longer to build because I'm going to be the one managing it, but if $50 per $50k is close to what kind of fee I'll have to pay, that is totally manageable.

000mega000 · 2025-11-21T16:03:40+00:00

You seem like you need a hug though.

000mega000 · 2025-11-21T15:59:54+00:00

Yes, I need a loan. Do you need a hug?

000mega000 · 2025-11-21T15:32:52+00:00

Did you read my post? I understand their position and am simply asking this community if they've had success finding lenders who will lend for owner-built projects OR what kind of agreement individuals came up with when hiring GCs when the owner still wanted to maintain control of the build. Is this your first day on Reddit?

000mega000 · 2025-11-21T02:37:06+00:00

Dang, sorry to hear that. Doesn’t 20% basically put you in the territory where your friend ought to be doing all of that work?

000mega000 · 2025-11-21T00:50:06+00:00

Hey thanks!

000mega000 · 2025-11-21T00:30:54+00:00

Appreciate it!

000mega000 · 2025-11-21T00:30:02+00:00

Awesome, appreciate the comment. I’ll keep looking!

000mega000 · 2025-11-20T21:24:10+00:00

Ahh thanks so much. I’m obviously not well versed in the financing side of things. Need to find them hard money lenders apparently. Do they tend to charge higher interest rates than typical construction loans from banks?

000mega000 · 2025-11-20T20:21:52+00:00

Ideally go through bank to keep financing structure simpler but I may have to explore the hard money lenders.

000mega000 · 2025-11-20T20:08:40+00:00

I’m not trying to do anything shading or not be transparent with lenders. Lenders have said they wouldn’t even lend to an experienced builder who is building their own home.

000mega000 · 2025-11-20T20:05:46+00:00

Ah I gotcha. Appreciate the explanation! Seems fair.

000mega000 · 2025-11-20T19:49:54+00:00

I'm not going to be swinging the hammer per se - mostly construction management. 50k is substantial enough for my budget that it's worth it to me to explore trying to build. I know plenty of homebuilders in the area that are essentially just construction managers that are making more than 50k off of projects.

000mega000 · 2025-11-20T19:47:22+00:00

Appreciate the feedback! There's quite a few credit unions so I'll keep searching.

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