How To Make A 3D Model Of Your Home
Our home is our safe place. It’s where we spend much of our free time and maybe even our working hours. As we spend so much time in one place, it’s only natural that we start to tweak and improve things here and there.
There are so many ways we can modify our space. What if we don’t like the idea of a large-scale renovation project or maybe we don’t have the budget to replace all the furniture or flooring at once. A great solution is to work on your home in the digital space. Building a 3D model of your home is easier and less expensive than you think.
How To Build A 3D Model Of Your Home
Step 1: Define The Extents Of Your Model
Building a full 3D model of your home can take some time, even for an experienced designer. If your curiosity is in one particular area of your home, its best to start there and then expand outward as needed.
For instance if you are working in a particular room, your focus should be on the encompassing space and then any nearby walls or doors that help define the surrounding space you are working on.
This can help you visualize how you will interact with the space.
Step 2: “Field Take Off” – Measure The Space
Field take off, in basic terms is simply saying to measure the existing space in the state it is in. In a spare bedroom for example, one would measure the length, width, and height of the room. Make sure to denote where the doors, windows, and closets are.
If you want to get really detailed, measure and locate electrical outlets, vents, ceiling lights, and any other small or unique features.
The more detail you put into your model, the more accurate your design can be and the better the finished design will look.
If you are measuring a lot of rooms or just don’t want to use a tape measure, you can use 3D cameras and 3D scanning tools to create digital models, renderings and models of your home quickly.
Step 3: Choose Your Software
There are tons of design and rendering options out there for you to choose from. These software options can range in price from free to a few hundred dollars a month. Phone apps like Houzz Pro are a popular choice for many because of its ease of use and the ability to work from off the mobile app to create floor plans quickly. This one even comes with a free trial.
Step 4: Add The Furniture
Many apps like Houzz Pro have built in furniture that you can add to your 3D model. With large catalogs of products, there are many options for you to choose from. Though you might not find the exact piece of furniture you own, there is most likely something similar.
Without the furniture in your 3D model, it can be tough to grasp the space you are using and understand how you can change and modify the space.
Step 5: Start Your Design
The part we are all waiting for right? A 3D model is the best way to design your next home project. You will save time and money in the long run by developing a concise and well designed plan.
This is the part where you have all the control. Use your inspiration boards and your magazines to create the space of your dreams. The best part is you don’t have to worry about the budget in your 3D model. Build everything to the exact way you want and then worry about the budget later on. It’s better to see the space as you imagine and then look at what you can live with and live without.
Step 6: Enjoy Or Ask For Quotes
Now that your model is complete, you have a few options to consider. Most importantly, admire the work you have done. Fly around your model in 3D or show it off to your friends and family.
As we mentioned before, you can use the model to estimate your project cost. Depending on what you are planning to do and how intense your project is, you can even share your model (or prints) with a contractor for a quote.
Having something put together can save contractor before you meet with them can help you out a lot. A well build model that a contractor can look at affords them 2 big positives.
For one, it will save them time on their bid. They already have something to look at and review, the contractor does not have to make inferences as what you want. This will allow them to get a bid back to you sooner than if they have to spend a lot of time guessing and estimating what they are supposed to be doing.
The second big bonus of having a model to show a contractor is it gives them an opportunity to make a more precise estimate. If you have everything the way you want, there is no room to question what is in the contract and what is not. You and your contractor will have a very clear scope of work which will end up saving you time and money. Oh and potentially a lot of headache dealing and negotiating what’s in the scope of work and what is not.
The Wrap Up
Building a 3D model of you home can be a fun and helpful exercise. As we note above, with a few steps, you will be able to build a model of your home.
Next time you are thinking about doing a home remodel, consider building your space in 3D before you get into construction. You might even be able to take a virtual reality tour when you are done.
