HomeBlogGetting 3D Renderings Before You Build: What to Expect from the Process

Getting 3D Renderings Before You Build: What to Expect from the Process

September 30, 2025

Vandenberg Construction includes 3D renderings in every significant construction project. Here's what the process actually looks like from a client's perspective.

Step 1: The Design Consultation

The process starts with a consultation to understand your project goals, your functional requirements, and your budget range. For an addition, this means discussing how many rooms, the uses of each space, and how the addition connects to the existing house. For a kitchen remodel, it means walking through the current layout's pain points and what you'd like to fix.

This consultation typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. Ryan Vandenberg leads it personally.

Step 2: Preliminary Floor Plan

From the consultation, Ryan develops a preliminary floor plan. For additions, this includes the footprint relative to the existing house and the room layout within the addition. For kitchens, this includes the layout of cabinets, appliances, and work areas.

The floor plan is reviewed by the client before any 3D work begins. Layout changes are easy at this stage.

Step 3: 3D Rendering

The approved floor plan is built into a 3D model. Key views are rendered: exterior elevations for additions, primary interior perspective views for all spaces, and any specific detail views that are important for the project (kitchen island proportions, bathroom layout, roofline integration).

The rendering is delivered to the client for review. Most clients have questions and requests for adjustments after the first rendering review.

Step 4: Revisions

Changes from the review go back into the model. A second review is typically sufficient. Complex projects sometimes require a third round.

Common first-review changes: island too large, window needs to be taller, closet entry needs to be repositioned, roofline needs to relate differently to the existing house.

Step 5: Approved Design

Once the client has approved the design, the construction scope is finalized and the project is quoted. Because the scope is defined by the approved design, the quote is accurate.

The Cost of Skipping This Process

The most common expensive renovation outcome is a mid-project layout change after framing is complete. A simple wall relocation after framing costs $2,000 to $5,000 in rework -- plus the delay of waiting for the change order and rework to complete.

The 3D rendering process costs a fraction of a single caught change.

Call (208) 582-8733 to start a design consultation.

Ready to Start Your Project?

Vandenberg Construction serves St. Maries, Coeur d'Alene, and communities across the Idaho Panhandle. Over 20 years of quality-first general contracting. Upfront pricing. 3D design before we break ground. Licensed and insured.

Get a Free Estimate (208) 582-8733
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