Concrete Scanning (GPR) & Utility Locating Calculator
Enter an area or a linear run to estimate scan time, billable hours (with a minimum) and a starting mobilization and scan cost. Add private utility locates when 811 will not mark on-site lines.
Concrete Scanning (GPR) & Utility Locating Calculator — ConcreteNear.com
| Scanning + locate time | 2 hr |
| Billable hours (with minimum) | 4 hr |
Cost estimate U.S. average prices
| Mobilization 1 job × $250.00 | $250.00 |
| GPR area scan 800 ft² × $0.75 | $600.00 |
| Estimated total | $850.00 |
- Call 811 for public utilities first. Private locates cover lines 811 does not mark, such as site lighting, irrigation and customer-owned services.
- GPR can miss targets in very thick, heavily reinforced or green concrete — the report should say what was and was not seen.
- Have the scanning done before you schedule cutting, coring or excavation.
| Inputs | |
| Scan type | Area scan (slab or floor) |
| Length | 40 ft |
| Width | 20 ft |
| Scanning rate | 400 |
| Private utility locates (extra points) | 0 |
| Minimum billable hours | 4 hr |
Planning estimate only — confirm with your supplier or contractor.
Prices used — edit any price to match your local quote
| Item | Unit price | Basis & source |
|---|---|---|
| GPR / locating mobilization per job | starting estimate Starting trip or mobilization charge for a scanning or private-utility locating crew. | |
| GPR area scan per ft² | starting estimate Starting estimate per square foot for ground-penetrating radar scanning of a slab. Minimums and mobilization usually apply. |
How to use this calculator
- Pick an area scan (slab or floor) or a linear scan (wall, trench or strip).
- Enter the dimensions and a scanning rate that matches the grid and slab thickness.
- Add private locates if you need customer-owned utilities marked.
- Read hours and the starting cost, then confirm with a scanning company.
Formulas
Area (ft²) = length × width; linear quantity = lengthScan hours = quantity ÷ rate + 0.25 hr per extra locateBillable hours = max(minimum, scan hours + 0.5, rounded up to the next half hour)
Questions
What can GPR see in a slab?
It is commonly used to mark rebar, post-tension cables, conduits and voids. Results depend on slab thickness, reinforcement density and concrete age. The report should say the limits of the scan.
Is this the same as 811?
No. 811 marks public utilities in the right-of-way. Private utility locating covers lines the utility companies do not mark, such as site lighting, irrigation and services after the meter.
When should I scan?
Before cutting, coring, drilling or excavating. Scanning first is much cheaper than hitting a post-tension cable or a live conduit.
Sources & assumptions
Prices checked 2026-11-10. State pricing multiplies national figures by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (goods for materials, services for labor and services). RPPs compare general consumer price levels (U.S. = 100). They are not construction-specific; we use RPP Goods for materials and RPP Services: Other (excludes rents) for labor and services.
Starting estimates No public price series was found for: GPR / locating mobilization; GPR area scan; GPR linear scan; Private utility locate (per point or line). These defaults are editable placeholders — replace them with a local quote.
Results are planning estimates, not quotes or engineering advice. Codes, specifications and your supplier's numbers govern.
Related calculators
Concrete Cutting & Core Drilling Estimator
Price saw cutting by the inch-foot and core holes by the inch-inch — plus a control-joint layout for new slabs.
Hydro-Excavation (Vacuum Truck) Calculator
Potholes and slot trenches by hydrovac: spoil volume, debris-tank loads, billable hours and cost.
Directional Boring (HDD) Cost & Planning Calculator
Reamer size, bore hole volume, drilling fluid, rig days and per-foot cost for a horizontal directional bore.