Virtual walkthroughs and tours become the new profit-boosters for the real estate industry

Gone are the days when cardboard models were used to represent architectural plans. As reality gets a virtual dimension, design plans have become larger than life. Modeled on CAD platforms, plans can now be projected to include multiple layers of complexity in terms of building materials, camera angles and lighting to represent any design in the most life-like manner possible.

Major AEC firms have already made the shift to 3D virtual walkthroughs to reach out to their buyers. Research indicates that even contractors, architectural media and marketing agencies are joining the bandwagon.  Long story short, there is a unanimous agreement that 3D models are a critical part of the design development and project delivery process. Both large and small firms stand to benefit from the improvement in communication and apparent speed to time construction.

However, there continues to be a debate on the quality of 3D models produced by in-house technicians. We must bear in mind that styles of representation have the potential to either enhance or destroy the visual appeal of the structure. Also, purchasing software, renewal of their annual license renewal and the amount of time and energy spent in training traditional drafters adds up costs exponentially. Like it or not, hiring a professional 3D rendering agency turns out be the most profitable solution.

Currently, there are several contenders in this market segment. But, most of them demonstrate a visible lack of imagination. Do know that creating a 3D virtual tool requires more than just technological gimmicks such as VR goggles or Oculus Rift. A 3D virtual tour should have the power to draw the viewer into the landscape. He or she has to be able to imagine themselves within the plan, feel the texture of the living room furniture, enjoy the sun-soaked deck chairs and so on.

Choosing the right agency to visualize your design is a challenge in itself. Each day, as more players enter the market, making this decision even more challenging. It is best to take an informed decision after speaking with the representatives of the companies directly and discussing requirements with their respective account managers.

Agencies such as Designatures, BluEntCAD are among the few in the industry who have been known to have significant experience in the diversity of cultures, regional landscapes and local flora and fauna. Their in-depth knowledge of the complexity of details enables them to use software such as 3D Max to create highly responsive photo-realistic renderings for a number of leading AEC firms in the USA and Canada. Also, BluEntCAD, a 3D modeling leader in North America, has recently strengthened its 3D capabilities to make their pricing plans for 3D renderings, virtual tours and walkthroughs more affordable than ever.

About the Author

Ava Smith is the Business Development Manager for BluEntCAD. BluEntCAD began its services in 2003 to support the global AEC industry with innovative and cost effective CAD and BIM solutions. To get a better idea about the services they offer, visit www.bluentcad.com. They also offer competitive pricing plans on all 3D based services. Write to avasmith@bluentcad.com to know how BluEntCAD may serve you.