Owner Builders 

Virtual Renovations provides the latest 3D architectural renderings services and techniques to Owner Builders that may have considered it too difficult or expensive to get this high quality service. Our traditional 2D CAD Plans and stunning 3D virtual reality presentations are available for almost any project, small or large, so you can See it before you build it.

·        We offer a Home Assessment & Site Measuring service for existing properties, producing accurate and up-to-date 2D plans

·        We use our See it before you build it process to transfer what is in your mind and imagination into a tangible presentation of your Dream Home before it’s built

·        We insure you see the exact results of your proposed project in stunning real-to-life 3D as well as traditional 2D plans

·        You can asses how your project will fit and look with a backdrop of your existing home, landscape and streetscape

·        We can produce 2D CAD Plans & 3D Views for Council Pre-lodgement Meetings & Lodging Development Applications

·        Neighbours can see clearly what a proposed project will look like in relation to their home, thereby reducing the potential for objections

·        See it before you build it taps into your positive energy and increases motivation to continue through the difficult periods of renovating.

STEP 1Initial Inquiry  

After your initial inquiry we will require some preparation materials or a 'Brief' of your proposed project. When creating your brief start with your ideal Dream Home and we can work back from that if the budget dictates!

A typical Concept Brief consists of:

·               Design ideas, sketches and a wish list

·               Cut outs from Home Improvement & Renovation magazines

·               Brochures from suppliers of Fittings & Fixtures

·               Pictures of ideas or homes that you like

·               Website addresses and notes of interest

Basic plans & design sketches

We need to work out the extent of 3D Presentation that you require. We understand you have an idea of what your project is about, but you need to communicate your idea to us. Basic sketches are a start, however the more detail you provide the more accurate your Virtual Home will be.

If you have an original set of plans, that’s great, if not we provide an on-site measuring service. To build your Dream Home in our computer program, we need to create your existing home, so it is wise to take advantage of this to provide an up-to-date and accurate set of original plans.

We can start with basic information and use "artistic license" to fill in the gaps but you must be prepared to live with (and pay for) alterations so the more information you provide the better. If your project includes a kitchen then we will need to know if it has special doors and we will need details of them. Think of what a builder would need and then send us the details.

Design finishes and Colours

We require all interior and exterior finishes and colours. Remember, we create a scene as though it was real-to-life, so we need to create all surfaces to complete the finished look. Photographs and samples are good and you can also quote details from paint manufacturers for us to replicate colours and textures

Interior & Exterior Furniture & Fixtures

We have an extensive library of pre-made examples, hundreds of furniture and fixtures and we can then change colours, fabrics and grains to suit your specific requirements.

Landscaping Design

We also have an extensive library of plants and landscape materials and can create almost any design style. The minimum we need for this is a designation of major trees and species, shrubs, minor trees, undergrowth and details. Again, basic sketches are all we need to start with and you can find or take pictures of what you're after.

STEP 2 - Home Assessment

Once you have completed your initial process, you can make an appointment for us to visit you and view your proposed project where we will discuss your specific requirements. We come to your property in order to see first hand what you have in mind and in most cases a home assessment is a good idea. However, it is not always possible due to distances and in those cases we will have to rely on your provided details.

During a home assessment we will view any materials you may have and undertake a detailed investigation of your project. With the basic concept in mind we will measure up, make any further sketches needed and take digital photographs of your existing site, landscape and dwelling’s.

Once we know what we are up against we will provide you with a detailed breakdown of each component of work and an estimated completion date. When you are ready just sign the order form and agreement, then post, fax or email it to us.

STEP 3Creating the 1st Draft

On completion of the home assessment, we will create [back at the office] a computer draft of your design concept. Building in 3D is different to physical building but the visual result is the same. We start by building a 3D Virtual shell or Building Envelope’ to work in [image quality BRONZE].

The shell is created from the original plans that have been provided. We start by placing all walls, doors, windows and roofing. We then construct all hard landscaping, pools, pathways, retaining walls and ground surfaces; ensuring that all surfaces are identified but not truly brought to life.

Once we have created the shell we start on your specific requirements, making any structural changes to your original home. All internal furniture and fixtures are placed as per your brief. Now the magic begins. We apply your chosen textures and colours schemes to all surfaces.

These 3D Photo Views are not the finished product and are purely for checking that we are creating what you have in mind. During this stage we are available to be contacted via phone, fax or email, if you have any after thoughts, further questions or changes to your initial concept. It's important that you study your Draft proofs closely and provide clear explanations of any required changes.

STEP 4 Creating the Second Draft

This second process is when your Dream Home becomes even more real-to-life. Along with making all your requested changes to perfect your Pre-Built Virtual Home we strive to ensure that each view is attractive, emotive and inspiring. We use lighting and 3D camera angles to bring your project to life and produce a series of Draft 3D Photo Views [image quality SILVER].

Depending on your specific requirements, you can either arrange a second appointment to view your 2nd Draft or manage the process via email. At this stage we provide you with a Draft Floor and Landscape Plan along with another series of 3D Photo Views. This way you can ensure that your project looks and fits with your specific requirements.

STEP 5Final Draft

Once you have proofed the 2nd Draft we will create your Final package. We use an advanced rendering and ray-tracing process to bring your 3D Views to life using lighting, shadows and in most cases an exact match of your chosen textures and surfaces [image quality GOLD].

A typical package will include: 

·             Guidelines for Designing and Renovating your Dream Home

·             Pre-Built 2D CAD & 3D Virtual Home

·             A3 & A4 Site Plans & Landscape Plans

·             A3 & A4 Floor Plans with Elevation & Section Plans

·             2 x External 6x4 or 6x8 3D Photo Views

·             4 x Internal 6x4 or 6x8 3D Photo Views

·             Extra Photo Views can be provided if needed

·             A Powerpoint or PDF Presentation of your Dream Home

·             A Project Management & Quoting Format

·             A CD with all the above material will also be provided 

The Perfect Planning Tool for Owner Builders

Using our Planning Package Service, when seeking quotes, enables a you to present a clear vision of what you want, using Photo-realistic 3D Views and custom Plans. Any subsequent changes due to cost or fine-tuning a design can be completed before undertaking the project and/or seeking council approval.

You are now ready to seek out quotes and negotiate prices feeling confident and in control, presenting exactly what you want in a clear and comprehensive way.

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