While a standard two-dimensional floor plan gives a good idea of how the room layout of a house must be built, a 3D floor plan makes it much easier for everyone to understand the concept. In a 3D floor plan, the 3D visualization is drawn photorealistic to the point where architectural symbols and complex annotation are not required. It is a simple image representing a lifelike scaled-down version of a finished construction.
Unlike conventional flat drawings, a 3D floor plan (or a dollhouse floor plan) showcases the room layout from a birds-eye perspective without the roof. It has realistic details on the flooring, furniture, walls, doors, windows, countertops, and even appliances. Except for the ceilings, which are entirely omitted from the picture, every room in the layout is fully decorated and furnished.
With 3D floor plan rendering services, a clear and vivid view of the layout and interior design is provided without the need for interpretation of architectural symbols. It allows viewers to easily comprehend the space, size, and layout, providing an immersive visual experience that brings your architectural designs to life.
Table of contents
Cost of 3D floor plan rendering
First, the pricing below for 3D rendering services is based on having a 2D blueprint or sketch. The flat images are converted or completely redrawn as 3D floor plans.
Like all other creative services, the cost of 3D floor plan rendering is affected by various factors, and there is no standard pricing. Among the most essential cost considerations is the professional doing the task. You have three options:
- Architectural Firms
If you hire an architectural firm to provide 2D to 3D conversion services, you can expect to pay between $200 and $700 per floor. Thousands of dollars can significantly escalate for intricate projects like a multi-story large house. The quick turnaround time is the obvious benefit of working with an architectural firm.
An architectural firm has a team of professional 3D modelers and 3D architectural rendering artists working together to do the job faster without sacrificing quality. All the 3D models used in the render should be originals, not leftovers from previous projects.
- DIY Approach
Unless you are familiar with 2D blueprint and CAD software, a DIY approach to 3D rendering is challenging. Even if you don’t intend to share the finished render with an architect, contractor, or potential buyers, you may want the plan to look well-drafted. Without a working knowledge of CAD software and 3D modeling techniques, you risk wasting resources to create an unusable floor plan.
The next best thing is 2D and 3D floor plan software, which may be a one-time purchase, subscription-based service, or even free online tools. Most applications in the category are easy to use with simple drag-and-drop editing steps, but they often use generic 3D models and offer minimal customization.
For example, the tools might not have the specific set of furniture you want to use; the same applies to decorations, flooring, ornaments, textures, and patterns. The options are grossly limited, so you may end up with a 3D floor plan that doesn’t accurately visualize the interior concept the way 3D interior visualization services can.
- Freelancers
Between the costly architectural firms and cheap online tools, freelance 3D architectural rendering professionals are willing to complete the conversion task for reasonable rates. Freelancers are the sweet spot for a good balance between affordability and quality. Although there is no standard pricing, most freelancers charge by the project for an average cost between $100 and $450.
A 3D floor plan is a relatively simple render, at least in comparison to an interior or an exterior visualization. Much money is likely for the 3D modeling work (or purchase). Unlike architectural firms, 3D architectural rendering freelancers probably don’t have a massive repository of ready-to-use 3D models. They must either build each 3D model from scratch or buy ready-made ones from other artists.
It is an additional step in the workflow that affects the turnaround time, and the purchase price is billed to the client. Many freelancers are more than capable of creating professional-quality architectural renders. Yet, they can charge less than architectural firms because there is no expensive overhead like office rent or employees on the payroll.
RELATED: How Architectural Companies Design 3D Floor Plans for Residential Home Design
Custom or premade floor plan
Regardless of whom you hire, there is an option to go with either a custom-built or premade 3D floor plan. The premade is more affordable than a custom 3D floor plan, mainly because you won’t be able to ask for modifications.
While there is nothing wrong with premade plans, the zero customizability may prevent you from having unique features and specifications. Another problem is that you are not the legal owner of the floor plan; the seller can reuse it multiple times without any modification, so it is available to other buyers.
Fortunately, there’s quick design work and turnaround time; it is an instant buy-and-use process. A premade 3D floor plan can be a good starting point for freelance 3D interior design services. No one says you have to use an identical set of decorations or layout.
Alternatively, a custom plan is best when you want total freedom to determine the layout and personalize every design detail. Most 3D floor plan rendering services can work without professional drafters’ blueprints, and they can draw a highly personalized room layout, along with all the interior objects, based on simple sketches. However, it is best to consult an architect before you go with a custom plan.
Cost factors
In addition to the professional qualification of the person doing the work, the actual cost of 3D floor plan rendering services depends on a lot of other factors, including:
- Size: for some firms and freelancers, charging the by the project is a risky business move. Many of them determine the cost based on the square footage of the floor plan. It makes sense that the 3D floor plan for a 1,000 sq. ft. house is more expensive than a small apartment.
- Details: a fully decorated 3D floor plan with all the furniture, cabinets, and appliances should be more expensive than a blank room layout. Details like wall colors, carpet patterns, and ornaments will also add to the total cost. Consider it is more than just a simple drag-and-drop process because the render artist may need to create or source the 3D models before the rendering begins. The cost for a high-quality 3D model ranges from $40 to $200.
- Timeframe: many architectural firms and freelancers are willing to put your project to the top of priority for an extra fee. A rushed project may require them to work overtime and on weekends.
Unless you use premade drawings, a 3D floor plan rendering is a custom project with many variables affecting the overall price. The specific features of the property, as well as the detailed requirements for each model, add another layer of complexity.
Why use a 3D floor plan instead of a 2D floor plan?
A 3D floor plan offers a clearer understanding of a building’s room layout compared to a conventional 2D floor plan. It provides a birds-eye perspective with visible spatial dimensions of the interior design, making it easier for viewers to comprehend small details like floor coverings, wall colors, and furniture placement. Moreover, it showcases the correlation or traffic flow between the rooms. Architects, engineers, and homeowners can benefit from realistic design visualization and architectural visualization.
Apart from understanding the design, a 3D floor plan serves multiple purposes. It acts as an effective communication tool between project owners and professionals, bridging the gap in technical understanding. Architects and real estate agents can also use it as a marketing tool as it showcases their designs in a visually appealing and easily shareable format.
Although creating 3D floor plans requires additional cost and time, their benefits, such as communication, homeowner involvement, and marketing, outweigh the drawbacks, making them a valuable asset in the design and construction industry.
RELATED: 3D House and Floor Plans Rates & Costs for Drafting Services Companies
Summary – Cost of 3D floor plan rendering services
| Cost of 3D floor plan rendering services | ||
|---|---|---|
| Service Provider | Cost Range | Additional Notes |
| Architectural Firms | $200 – $700 per floor | Cost varies based on project complexity and size |
| DIY Approach (2D and 3D Floor Plan Software) | Varies (one-time purchase, subscription-based, or free) | Limited customization options and generic 3D models |
| Freelancers | $100 – $450 (average cost per project) | An affordable option with reasonable quality |
| Premade 3D Floor Plan | Affordable (instant buy-and-use) | Limited customization and potential reuse by the seller |
| Custom 3D Floor Plan | Higher cost (offers total freedom and personalization) | Consultation with an architect recommended |
Cost Factors:
- Size: Square footage of the floor plan
- Details: Inclusion of furniture, cabinets, appliances, wall colors, carpet patterns, ornaments, etc.
- Timeframe: Rushed projects may incur additional fees for prioritization
Advantages of 3D Floor Plans:
- Enhanced understandability and visualization compared to 2D floor plans
- Explicit representation of room layouts, interior designs, and spatial flow
- Practical communication tools between homeowners and professionals
- The marketing potential for architects and real estate agents
Note: Pricing for 3D floor plan rendering services may vary depending on specific project requirements, complexity, and customization options.
How Cad Crowd can assist
Ready to elevate your company’s visualization with stunning 3D floor plan renderings? Discover the power of our professional 3D floor plan rendering services and bring your architectural designs to life. From detailed interior layouts to realistic textures and lighting, our expert team delivers exceptional quality.
Request a free quote today and contact us to discuss your project requirements. Let us transform your vision into an immersive 3D experience that captivates your audience and sets your company apart.
