You can find professionals by searching for them on Houzz. Several rendering programs such as FloorPlanner, Sketchup can help you create your own floor plans if you want. I also create renders but I don't do it for commission currently. What does your floor plan consist of? How many levels? Are you looking for a quick sketch/walk-through or something extremely detailed?

I have a 2D floor plan that our architect drew. It is a single-story, 6 bedroom home. Cinder block construction. It isn't based on any preexisting models... I sketched it out myself, and our architect has helped us refine it.

I'm primarily looking for an interior model, but I'd also love ideas regarding the exterior. We're working from a blank slate. The model doesn't have to look photo realistic. It can be in black and white. I just want to be able to see the layout of the space in 3D (so that I can ensure the rooms are properly sized for our needs, determine the best window sizes and placement, etc.).

Thanks!

If you still need assistance you can contact me, I might be able to help.

I can provide architectural 3D sketches that you can look at on your computer and rotate.. Click on my name and leave a message or edit your profile to allow private messaging.

I've used SketchUp since it was introduced in 2000 and prefer it for residential work.

If you have basic computer skills and a fairly new computer you can DIY starting at $100.00.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQ104Iv72cs

Sketchup has a free web version, but it's a steep learning curve. I would reach out to RES who might also help give input on the plan.

RES will help you.

This is what I do, I'd be happy to review your project with you. You can see samples of my work on my profile page or take a look at this sample model on my YouTube channel.

- Eric

Our architect team would have provided that service for $3000. I chose to learn the software and do it myself. :)

Hi! we can help you and give you options.

leave us your message

@User - it's a complicated story involving a family friend

@LH On the Move - that's awesome, good for you! I wish I could follow suit, but my plate is too full to take that on

We're doing a custom home build and were initially using a family member (my future father-in-law) as our architect. He primarily does commercial work, offices and schools. I posted what I thought were near final designs on this board and got some pretty direct feedback pointing out suggested design changes and questions of "who is designing this house."

We got with a local architect and are very happy we did so. Yes, it cost several thousand dollars, compared to the free service from family, but you often get what you pay for

That said, the local architect we chose does his work in AutoCAD and doesn't provide 3D renderings, so my fiancee spent a few hours with youtube sketchup tutorials to make some decent renderings. She was able to use his 2D .dwg elevation drawings and fairly easily turn those into 3D sketchup models. We're using them to play around with exterior color selections.

A full rendering is not always needed. I often use SketchUp to study alternative roof forms. Here is a study for a Houzz member with a difficult porch roof.

Sometimes a sketch derived from a rough model is better than a rendering.

A full 3D model might be needed for a formal presentation at a historic preservation hearing.

It's also important to not get in the way of the owner's architect or to cause the architect to provide unanticipated additional services.

Hi everyone.

My situation with the “family friend” is more complicated than it may appear, and I’m not comfortable discussing it in this forum, but thank you all for your input.

@RES2 - I messaged you a few days ago. Look forward to hearing from you and potentially working together.

Perhaps something is wrong with the messaging feature. I have tried again.

After changing my name and PRO status I can send and receive mesages.