Low Cost 3D Renderings For Custom Home Builders: An Experience With One Of Our Clients

Written By:

Mustafa Majodi

At Ratio Visuals, we serve different clients who require high quality 3D renderings in order to market their architectural works. The other day, we finished working for a custom home design firm, which mainly does floor plan designs. This firm is part of our client base and quite regularly, this firm overtakes external and internal renderings which are used for visualising their floor plans and designs. This blog explains how one of our services, 3D rendering services for low cost, using Sketchup and Lumion, delivers great value for money to the clients while maintaining some level of aesthetics.

The Process: Preliminary Plans to Completed Graphic Format

The customer provided us with a solid foundation of 2D vertical and horizontal plans together with the roof, cross sections and 2D elevations, and also two reference pictures, one regarding the outside design decor and the other regarding the internal design decor. Such pictures provided a scale for the choice of materials and textures as well as colors used in the design, which made it easier for us to produce the renderings according to the wishes of the client. So we outline the sequence of actions in which, we were engaged in this work for a comprehensive implementation of the customer’s designs into life in three steps:

3D Images Are Generated From 2D Snapshots, But They Can Be Enjoyed Only On Virtual Models

For every 2D drawing received there are procedures we perform about correctness verification and once we ensure correctness we convert CAD images to our 2D images snapshot model of the building to the 3D model software. We first start from the laying down of the image from the CAD format, then obtaining the blueprint in the 3D software file format.

Creating Initial Image File Based On 3D CAD Model In Sketchup

Sketchbook is used in the second step where we upload CAD plans so as to create models within it . With the base of the images we have established the whole first layer, which captures the interior as well as exterior based on the plans we have been following. It will work out well that the design proportions and placements will be all set out.

Lumion – Rendering and Material Application:

After completing the SketchUp model we take it to Lumion for the final Vectorworks Export rendering. In Lumion we also add numerous textures to fit the design with the client’s reference photos. Along with the placing of emphasis landscapes around the design such as vegetation, walkways and more to add realism. The final outcome is a series of about 20 renders including all four directions of the design, as well as the living room, kitchen, and living-dining room area.

Because this work was in the lower cost rendering section, the results were more to visual accuracy rather than the photorealistic content produced with high-end applications like the 3Ds Max or even Corona Render. But, at least in our opinion, making low-cost renderings was a practical and economical way for our clients to create their custom home projects.

Questions And Answers (FAQ)

What materials do I need to provide for a rendering project?

In most cases we only need 2D plans including; Plans, Roof and elevations, imagery or sketches having the desired inspiration for the outer and inner finishes to correlate with the design style of the client.

Q: How long does it take to create a low-cost rendering?

The timeline depends on the project’s complexity, but low-cost renderings are usually completed in 1-2 weeks including modeling, applying materials and designing landscapes.

Q: Can I request revisions?

Yes, we encourage feedback after the initial set of renders as minor adjustments can be made in order to ensure the final visuals sit well with the client.

Q: What is the difference between low-cost and high-end renderings?

Low-cost renderings (renderings done with sketchup and lumion) while not as well photorealistic as designs high cost allows is still reasonably accurate to design portrayed. High-end renderings require the use of 3ds Max Corona Render and similar tools as it results in photo realistic view but comes with a bigger price tag.

Q: Do you offer walk-arounds for low-cost renderings?

Yes, we are able to do walk around videos upon request enabling the clients to see the space virtually.

How Our Rendering Process Works: Step-by-Step Guide

Initial Consultation and File Collection:

We begin by discussing the project with the client and asking for 2D drawings and some of the pictures for the outer and inner displays, This ensures we are in the same page in terms of the style and needs around the designs.

Conversion of PDF documents into CAD files:

As a result, an accurate blueprint for 3-dimensional modeling is achieved, since the provided 2D files have been converted into CAD format.

Modeling in Sketch Up:

In order to build the 3-dimensional model of the house, we import the two-dimensional CAD files into the Sketch Up application. Both the exterior and the interior layouts are modeled according to the floor plans and elevations provided.

Rendering and detailing in Lumion:

Once the 3d model is ready, the project is imported into Lumion, where materials, paints. and landscaping is done. The materials selected were based on the reference images to present what the client envisioned as best representation.

Client review and final changes:

When the renderings are all done, we forward them to the client for review and comments. All the corrections deemed to be necessary to satisfy the client’s demands are accomplished.

Delivery of final renders:

When the renders receive the client’s approval, the last set of about 20 renders portraying all the required corners and parts of the project is delivered.

The Benefits of Affordable Renderings for Custom Home Design Firms

Our service of low rendering has a fair share of advantages for the custom home design companies that are looking for high quality visual on a tight budget, allow us to explain why this option is beneficial for our target clients. Here are a few points to consider:

Cost-Effective Approach:

We’re able to keep construction expenses to a minimum with the use of SketchUp and Lumion 3D visualization for homes. It is perfect for the customers who want to prepare 3D visuals but whose expenses are restricted.

Understanding the Reach:

The key benefit of a low-cost rendering service is that it provides a sense of understanding the 3D models despite the fact that the images may not reach the quality produced by specialized imagery software. With such renderings, potential or inboard clients have an enhanced understanding of the design and laying out of the house.

Rapid Response Time:

This low cost rendering process us fully integrated which makes our response time effective, this is especially great for those customers who have to go through the long waiting process without ordering an extensive design – they have the visuals for the presentation and investors.

Ability for Design Change:

Thanks to the tools available in Lumion we can easily and quickly change shapes, colors and materials as well as landscaping – this provides the opportunities to the customers to visualize their dream house without breaking the bank.

Performer’s Casting Processing Options:

Another application potential is the addition of so called walk-around videos to the renderings which allows the clients to tour the space. It makes the interaction and the feeling of the space much better, which is crucial when it comes to comprehension of the spatial organization and circulation of the design.

Perfect for First Meetings and Offers:

Rendering stills for new construction, especially low-cost renderings, are best used for first meetings, offers or starting stage projects for custom home design companies. It is helpful for clients to comprehend the design without having to pay for expensive renderings.

Low-Cost Rendering category helps custom home designers who need to render their projects within budget by offering inexpensive, efficient and flexible rendering solutions. The end results help the clients to get most of the visuals necessary for understanding, showcasing and editing the designs in the best possible way before the building starts.