Not All Architects Should Outsource 3D Renderings

You’re trying to land your dream client and you know that high-quality 3D renderings will help you seal the deal.

So should you outsource the 3D renderings or try and tackle them yourself?

While outsourcing 3D renderings to a professional firm can lead to some high-quality images, it’s not always as easy as it seems. So in this 5-minute read, let’s uncover what all is involved in 3D rendering outsourcing.

You might be surprised to find that for a lot of projects, it’s easier to create 3D images yourself!

Why Do Architects Outsource 3D Renderings?

Here are a few reasons why some architects decide to outsource 3D rendering work.

Save time

Creating intricate 3D models of a building can take a lot of time, even for a professional 3D designer. So instead of spending hours, days, or weeks trying to navigate complicated 3D design programs, many think they will save time by hiring a pro to do it for them.

Reduce overhead costs

Large design firms can afford to hire a full-time design team with drafters, architects, and 3D design specialists. But smaller remodeling and construction firms can’t afford to keep a dedicated design team on payroll.

Also, 3D modeling programs can be pricey. That’s why paying for expensive software licenses isn’t usually cost-effective for firms that only create renderings for a few projects a year.

Create engaging sales presentations

Regular 2D floor plans and mood boards can leave your clients with more questions than answers. That’s why smart architects and builders use 3D renderings. They help clients see the big picture and understand your vision so they can get on board with the project.

3D render of a Craftsman house designed with Cedreo

3D visual of a modern house designed with Cedreo

Like the sound of those benefits? That still doesn’t mean you should start outsourcing 3D renderings. See what it really involves in the next section.

Typical Steps in the Outsourcing of 3D Architectural Renderings

When done correctly for the right type of project, outsourcing architectural renderings can save some people time and hassle. But for others, it can be more headache than it’s worth — especially when done incorrectly.

So if you’re thinking about outsourcing your renderings, these are the steps you’ll need to take to go from idea to finished rendering.

*Don’t miss the last section with a better option!

Decide which renderings to outsource

First, you need to nail down exactly what type of renderings you need. Consider whether your project presentation should include:

Exterior renderings with greenery
Interior renderings of specific areas
Renderings that highlight certain design elements or products
3D floor plan renderings from a bird’s eye view

Select an architectural rendering service

To find a 3D rendering service that’s right for you, first, you need to research things like:

Services offered. Can they handle the types of renderings you need?
Customer reviews. Since there’s a lot of back and forth in the design process, pay special attention to reviews that highlight their communication skills (or lack thereof).
Portfolio. Look at renderings they’ve created for other clients. Would your clients be impressed by them?

Discuss quality control measures

As you narrow down the list of firms and start getting in contact with some, be sure to discuss their quality control measures.

At what points during the design process will you be able to provide feedback?
Discuss how they respond to feedback.
Check to see how many rounds of revisions they offer.

Ask for a scope of work

Make sure you clearly understand the scope of work. This could include things like:

What information you’ll need to provide
How to monitor progress
How you’ll communicate with their 3D artists
The time frame for each stage of the project

Finalize the price and completion time

Some 3D rendering companies offer standard prices for certain types of projects. But most firms need to hear about your project first before offering a final quote. The same goes for the turnaround time. Once they understand your needs they can confirm a definite timeline.

Collaborate with 3D designers

The best 3D design firms keep their clients in the loop throughout the entire process. Once you provide the initial info, most will start by presenting you with a clay model version. A clay draft shows the scene without textures, colors, or lighting effects. After you provide feedback on that version, the 3D artists will start applying textures, materials, and lighting.

Review renderings and request changes

Finally, the process is almost over! The design firm will submit their final renderings for you to review. Now is the time to go over the images with a fine-tooth comb and request any changes.

Approve designs and request files

Once they’ve made the edits based on your feedback and you’re happy with the final version, you can request the image files. Then you’ll have them on file to add to your website, sales materials, or project presentations.

As you’re probably realizing, all of that can take days or even weeks. Fortunately, there’s a better way.

A Faster, More Cost-Effective Alternative to Outsourcing 3D Renderings

The better way is Cedreo home design software.

If you’re a home builder, remodeler, or designer working on residential and small commercial design projects, Cedreo gives you a fast and budget-friendly way to get professional 3D renderings.

3D rendering of a Ranch house designed with Cedreo

Here’s how creating your own 3D renderings with Cedreo benefits your business.

Reduce conceptual design and rendering costs:

By not having to hire outside firms, you save loads of money. And don’t worry, you won’t have to buy expensive software just for your 3D renderings. Cedreo is your go-to software for everything from 2D floor plans to HD renderings.

Plus, creating renderings with Cedreo doesn’t mean taking expensive design courses or hiring 3D artists. Cedreo makes it easy for anyone to create pro-level 3D renderings.

Create complete proposals in under two hours:

Create an entire home design in the same time it takes you to look through a list of 3D rendering companies. Cedreo’s intuitive interface and intelligent toolset work with you to streamline the design process and make it as painless as possible.

Notice something you don’t like in a rendering? Change it yourself in the design and request a new rendering. Your new rendering is ready in just 5 minutes — less time than it would take you to type a message to a design firm requesting a change!

Design, render, and edit in a single platform:

Instead of dealing with one program for floor plans, another for decorating, and a third for renderings, do all your design work with Cedreo. Create 2D blueprints to scale, 3D floor plans, and HD renderings all with one program.

Fast-track client approvals:

Clients don’t like to wait and if you choose Cedreo, they won’t have to. Once you get client feedback on a design, show them the edited version on the spot. Cedreo is a cloud-based software. That means anywhere you have a laptop and wifi you can make edits and create new renderings in just a few minutes.

Close projects faster:

By creating stunning project proposals faster than ever, you can capitalize on clients’ interest when it’s at its peak. Plus, 3D renderings you can quickly customize based on client feedback create a stronger emotional connection that helps you seal the deal.

Reduce Costs, Fast-Track Approvals, and Close More Deals

If you’re a small construction company working on a large and complicated commercial project, you may need to outsource 3D rendering work. But for most residential and small commercial contractors, the smart choice is to use Cedreo design software.

Instead of outsourcing 3D renderings, go with Cedreo to…

Save loads of time
Fast-track client approvals
Streamline your design process
Get 3D renderings in just 5 minutes!