Commissioning real estate visualisation: the process, the input and the cost

Commissioning a real estate visualisation starts with a project that has to be sold or approved. Yet process, input and cost are the first questions developers and agents ask.

This article gives an honest overview: how the process runs and what determines the price.

The process in five steps

At Beyond3D a real estate visualisation roughly runs in five steps.

1. Briefing and goal

We start with the question of what the images have to achieve. A sales set for home buyers calls for something different from a bird's-eye view for a municipal presentation. That goal determines the type and number of images.

2. Input and preparation

We gather the source material: the architectural design, site drawings, material choices and information about the surroundings. The more complete this is, the more efficient the process.

3. Build-up and visual direction

The building and the surroundings are built up in 3D. We determine the camera positions, the lighting situation and the atmosphere per image.

4. Render and review

The images are worked out and refined in one or more feedback rounds, until architecture, material and atmosphere are right.

5. Delivery

The final images are delivered in the right format for brochure, website and presentation.

What input is needed?

The quality and speed of a real estate visualisation depend strongly on the input. Useful to supply:

• the architectural design, preferably as a 3D model;
• site and surroundings drawings;
• the material and colour choices of the facade and the interior;
• information about the surroundings: existing buildings, greenery, infrastructure;
• the goal of the images and where they will be used.

Not everything has to be complete at the start. We often work along from a design in development, but then it is good to know that in advance.

What determines the cost?

A real estate visualisation is bespoke; a fixed price does not exist. The cost is determined by a recognisable set of factors:

• Number of images — a single exterior image or a complete sales set.
• Type of image — an interior image, an exterior image and a bird's-eye view each call for a different process.
• Complexity of the project — a single home is something different from a complex or a whole area.
• Detail of the surroundings — how extensively the existing context has to be built up.
• Quality of the input — a complete 3D model saves build-up time.
• Stills or animation — a 3D animation is a different process from stills.
• Deadline and feedback rounds — tight schedules and extensive reviews weigh in.

A single sales image is in a different order from a full image set for a multi-phase area plan.

Lead time

The lead time depends on scope. As an indication:

• a single image or a small set — usually 1 to 3 weeks;
• a complete sales set or a large project — several weeks, depending on the number of images and review rounds.

Plan the image process early. Sales images have to be ready before the sales launch, because that moment determines the first impression of the whole project.

How to get a reliable estimate

The fastest route to a realistic price is a short briefing with the available source material. With insight into the scope, the number and type of images, the complexity and the planning, we give a well-founded project estimate.

Discuss your project and send along what you already have. The more concrete the starting point, the sharper the answer.