Never assume... ;-) If you find someone whose work you like who doesn't have this capability, you can get software for yourself that can do 3D views. I completely understand the value of 3D for seeing the whole picture of the plan, but I'm not sure I'd want to eliminate a quality craftsman or company because of their lack of this particular technology. I think all you can do is ask.

Best wishes with your project.

Some of the smaller, custom kitchen shops don't really mess with the CAD drawings because it takes up too much time. Those shops that order from cabinet companies almost all have someone that is able to do a layout. Now, not all programs can do 3D either. From experience, it's not necessary to use CAD, but if you have a hard time 'seeing' a finished project in your mind's eye, then go to someone that does the drawings. Insist on it.

You could also use 3D Home Architect Deluxe program by Broderbund, version 4.0 is my favorite version, to do a layout. It's intuitive and easy to learn. I have several versions that all work with XP or Vista.

If you send me a sketch of your layout with dimensions, I will draw it up for you in my spare time. The smaller the job, the better. Email me through GW.

Here is a link that might be useful: Here's the 5.0 version...cheap!

My bro is a builder and uses AutoCAD. He bought a new laptop that didn't have the program and started messing with Google's SketchUp. He canot believe how much power this program has and it's FREE.

Here is a link that might be useful: Google's SketchUp 3 D programs...there are several programs now

second on the google sketchup.
you can see some screenshots of what I did for my kitchen below
they really helped me decide on a layout

Here is a link that might be useful: 3D cad layouts

The one I use is an older Sierra product (I think it's Sierra Home Architect, or something similar) that i picked up as "shovelware" in the bargain bin at Best Buy a couple of years ago. I LOVE it. It's not perfect, but it does a decent approximation of layout (including measurements), has a reasonable library of furniture, cabinetry and the things most people have in their homes, and the 3d colour renderings are sufficient to give you a VERY good idea of what something will look like in real life.

I paid $10 for it on a whim and I swear that program is the reason our entire project HAPPENED, because without it I would have been clueless. I've been playing "what if" with walls and kitchens ever since, and it enabled us to do the job the way WE wanted by showing our buildesr exactly what that was. A picture is definitely worth 1000 words in this game!

Warning, do not purchase 3D Home Architect version 5.0

For years 3D Home Architect was made for Broderbund by the company that makes the professional design program Cheif Architect. The program received glowing reviews based on its ease of use. For some reason (probably money) Broderbund decided to go with a completely different company to develop version 5.0 I purchased version 5.0 based on the reviews I had read for earlier versions and was seriously disappointed.

It was slow, difficult to use (and I'm a computer programmer by trade), and would crash frequently. Also there are certain relatively basic features that it just can't handle. Cathedral ceilings? Too bad. Windows above other windows? Too bad. Unusual roof line? Too bad.

The worst of it for me was that my main reasonfor purchasing it was to visualize different configurations for the new kitchen and different color schemes and materials. Well for the most part the program only displays a wireframe version of the 3D design. It does allow you to "Render" a full color 3D version of the design, but takes 5 to 10 seconds to draw the image (when I know that the hardware ought to be able to render the entire design 60 times each second.) and the image it produces is so cartoonishly textured that you can forget any sort of subtle tweaks to evaluate the looks created by different woods or different materials.

Please do yourself a favor and do no buy 3D Home Architect version 5.0

Thanks for the tips.

I've tried google sketch up and for the life of me I cannot get this to work. I tried for about 30 minutes and gave it up. My husband bought a copy of Floor Planner Version 8 from BB for about $5 (I think the software is now on version 11) and i tried it out. Again, it was too hard to use. Simple things like making a diagram of just the floorplan seemed too complicated. I promise I'm not a stupid person; I am quite handy on the PC, but these programs either crashed or were completely over my head.

I don't know anything about what Broderbund offers, but Chief Architect does the software for Better Homes and Gardens programs. There are different versions. The Home Designer or Interior Designer would probably work for what you want to do. I found Interior Designer at our local library, so you might try checking your library. Then you can try it out and decide if it's something you want to invest in.

I've linked the BH&G selection of design software. To really compare them, click on "Comparison Matrix" from the column on the left. I've seen some available through Amazon, bookstores, office supply stores, etc.

I use Chief Architect and have helped other forum members use the BH&G softwares. It's pretty user friendly, I think.

Here is a link that might be useful: Better Homes & Gardens software

Actually, I agree with dissing the 3D HA 5.0 version. I only put the link above because I could not find the 4.0 version on Broderbund's web site. I can get 5.0 to work fine, but some of the elements I liked the best were eliminated from the 5.0 version. I have had 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0. And I bought AutoCAD...learned it (enough to know that it was more than I wanted to learn). I still prefer, for a layman, 4.0 version of 3D Architect. I taught my son some basics and he entertained himself all summer with that program. If you can pick up a copy on eBay or somewhere, it's great.

I downloaded SketchUp and I don't have any problem whatsoever. I don't have a project I'm working on right now, but it seems pretty intuitive. Once you have a few of the skills down, then it's pretty easy to use different programs.

I guess the difference between some of these programs would be like going from FrontPage to DreamWeaver CS3.

I downloaded SketchUp. I'm pretty good using a computer, but I think it'll take me while before I'm really fast & comfortable with it.

Those of you who are already using SketchUp, where did you get the appliances & cabinets to insert into the floor plan? Did you draw a refrigertor & rangetop from scratch? Are these built in and available in SketchUp, or did you import them from somewhere else? I couldn't find them among the components.

Do you first draw a 2 dimensional layout, and the use the push tool to build up, or do you jump right in to 3D?

YES!! My question exactly!

I went and downloaded and did ALL the tutorials for SketchUP and while I can make me a luvly house with a deck (lessons 1-3) there aren't any stock cabinets or fridges of any use in the component list. If I now have to make these things forget it....

have you seen the sketchup 3D warehouse?
TONS of models for sketchup to download. everything from landmarks to animals and plants. ikeas cabinets and others are there, as well a s many many appliances. a lot of them you can just push/pull/resize to match you sizes if they are off a bit

Here is a link that might be useful: 3D Warehouse

Oh great! I was in this warehouse and didn't click collections so all I saw when I searched was other people's kitchens already done. I see major appliance companies are there, too. Ok now I'm more excited to keep going. I'd love to design my own dream kitchen!