3D Modeling & Rendering

[Joe Cantanzriti]

Anyone out there using 3D Models or Renderings in any of their investments? 

I'm currently working for an small architectural firm and have done 3D modeling for several years for different projects and have recently started doing some basic renderings for marketing purposes on the side for a property owner who is renovating 2 of his commercial strip plazas. So this got me thinking about trying to get out of my 9-5 even faster than my current buy and hold investment strategy could by starting some freelancing in the 3D rendering world. Of course we all see this being used on HGTV but I was just curious if there was any one using it in unique ways that might help me in the right direction of who to market to. Also, I'm looking for this to be a way into maybe the commercial real estate space by connecting with local property owners and maybe working my way into some partnerships or just simply some acquisitions in the future.  

So I'm just brainstorming this idea and figure I'd throw it out to the BP world for any advice or comments. 

[Greg Widdicombe]

We use 3D modelling for many of the flips we do.  After taping the inside of the house with a laser measure I build a SketchUp model, which takes a couple hours at most.  Main advantages for doing this:

• Provides an accurate record of key details of the house (square footage of rooms, number/size of windows, and so on) that allows for more accurate estimating, and is available all in one place
• Is the source for diagrams if we need to pull permits
• Allows us to visualize structural changes like moving a wall, adding a door, remodeling kitchens and bathrooms

Attached is an example of a stair rebuild we did on a deck where we demo'd the existing staircase, then rebuilt it in a different shape (L vs. U) with all components brought up to code.  I have also used SketchUp in an Instructable I wrote on building deck railings with hog panel fencing.