Are you sure you are working with an architect and not a draftsman?

To me, 3d software would be one of the tools that architects use regularly. I could be wrong.

There are people that present themselves as architects even if they aren't truly architects. A practice that I think is terrible. After all, an architect has had many years of education and a draftsman doesn't. Please verify the credentials of your 'architect' so you know for sure as there are other differences between an architect and a draftsman besides the software .

He is %100 architect but I guess I'm going to shell out the bucks to see the 3D plans after giving this more thought. Unless I decide to do one room at a time, which is probably more in my ability. I have a construction friend that would do it for free BUT his plans look like they came from a 1972 home plan. It's so terrible.

I looked at sketch up and thought, wow, that might be more time than I want to give it. I'm already learning everything else about home building, my brain isn't going to take this lightly. lol.

I know a licensed archy that still hand draws, so no 3d software. The software doesnt make a good one.

You are right corwinswan. It is just a tool.

My House plans are almost ready! His software doesn't do 3 D but he recommended a lumber company down the road that does nice work. That might work. OR plan B would be to have someone teach me how to use a program. 5 and 1/2 months till building time! Hope to be back here soon.

What exactly are you looking for, just a few 3D exterior perspectives? What file format will he give you?

He has drawn all the regular interior and exterior drawings with dimensions. I can see the exterior walls and roof. I mainly want to see a 3D of the kitchen, livingroom and mudroom of the main level and then the mudroom and bar area in the basement walkout level. So more 3D interiors.

Sketchup is the best. It's free and anyone with cursory computer knowledge can learn it quickly with some help from their tutorials.

But it sounded like the OP wanted renderings with textures, lights, shadows, etc. Can Sketchup do that? Back when I was using it a few years ago I remember I had to get some 3D party plugin for it to get a decent 3D view.

If OP wants photorealistic renderings sketchup is not the place to go, but it sounds like she’s diy’ing it in which case sketchup is the perfect tool.

Here's an example of what you can do with Sketchup. It's not "rendered" but may be what you need. We've been using it to design an addition.

PPF can do the 3D for you, and possibly at a reasonable fee. Send him a message.

Here's something we showed to a client last night for their new home. It won't be to everyone's tastes, and it shows how Sketchup is definitely not a 'rendering' program, but it does a good job of showing what the design is supposed to be - and the client loved it!