How 3D technology affects the world of home improvement
By Serge Bojinski on Aug 10, 2016
If you've been contemplating a home improvement project but are concerned that the process will be too challenging or the end result not what you envisioned, you may be pleasantly surprised at how much has changed in the industry.
Years ago, before anyone ever heard of customized software programs, designing a deck, kitchen, addition, or any other home improvement project was limited to a contractor with a pencil and sketchbook, or an expensive architectural firm. In many cases, the process was cumbersome, confusing, frustrating, and disappointing. You may have known exactly what you wanted, but relaying that to the company doing the work was challenging—and often led to settling for someone else's vision.
Today, the world of home improvement has experienced a makeover of its own. With the use of 3D technology, your vision can finally be realized. A custom design approach allows every aspect to be detailed before construction begins. With 3D layouts, projects like custom deck design or kitchen design will come alive - you can fine-tune and adjust the plans to meet your personal requirements without the expensive time delays of traditional methods.
Take a look at how 3D technology affects these popular home improvement projects:
Cooking up the perfect kitchen
As the central hub of your home, your kitchen renovation must be carefully planned. Blending form and function is critical to designing a kitchen that you and your family can enjoy for years.
Using 3D visualization software will allow you to pre-plan every component of the room. Your designer can create a virtual model where you can view the space from every angle - as if you were standing in the kitchen.
Think about how much easier it will be to try various kitchen design scenarios to find the perfect layout. Add a three foot island. Or why not try a four foot island instead? Look at installing full-height cabinets. Will you be able to reach the top shelf without a step stool?
Your designer will easily be able to consider height, width, and depth changes to meet your specific requirements. Want to incorporate some of the latest backsplash or cabinet trends? Thanks to 3D advances, even your final finishes can be displayed, providing peace of mind that your selections will work well together.
Slipping into a luxurious spa bath
Building a master bath in virtual space through innovative 3D technology allows you to experiment with a wide range of ideas without incurring any construction expense. Whether you have a large or small space to work with, creating photo-real renderings will help you utilize the area to its maximum potential.Include double sinks, a mosaic-lined walk-in shower, or plenty of storage space with the addition of vertical cabinetry, your new bathroom can have it all—or not. With built-in flexibility unmatched by previous design methods, 3D software will allow your designer to open up tight spaces, reconfigure awkward steps, and even customize the room for easier age-in-place features. "Try out" trendy curbless showers, side-mount faucets, and floating vanities matched to your perfect height. Include some finishing touches like subway tile or a honeycomb patterned floor before you actually order the materials. The possibilities are limitless.The backyard retreat you've always wanted
According to KP Construction Custom Decks, building a perfect backyard deck is within your reach when construction planning utilizes 3D technology. The process is based on your personal requirements, backyard layout and setup. This advanced process differs from previous practices as nothing is prefabricated, every detail can be defined prior to construction - giving you peace of mind and the desired results.
To make the most of your experience and obtain properly detailed architectural drawings, it would be helpful to have an idea of the type of deck you'd like before scheduling your first design meeting. Every new structure must be built to certain local standards and regulations, so the initial meeting will identify what permits and materials will be required.
Even if you don't have a clear idea of what you want, you'll want to consider some basic elements, such as the location (attached to the house, pool or standalone), its shape (rectangular, square or a custom design), its configuration (single- or multi-level with defined activity stations), stair layout (straight, turned with landing or curved), decking material (pressure treated wood, composite, cedar, redwood, tropical hardwoods or ipé hardwood), and railing style (same material as deck with pickets, wrought iron or clear view glass).
You can also discuss other options you'd like to add such as a pergola, fireplace/fire pit, grill station or outdoor kitchen, screening, benches, flower boxes, lighting, or any number of other features.
Extra space created your way
If you're running out of room and your existing space just can't be reworked, you may consider adding on. Are you adding to your family and in need of an extra bedroom? Or have you always wanted a sunroom to capture more natural light? Perhaps you need a private office space to do more work at home. Once again, 3D technology is positively affecting the world of home improvement. Adding to the original footprint of your home takes skill to meet space requirements, must aesthetically and structurally fit with the current design, and stay within the guidelines established by your local building authority.Whether your home addition design positions a new room at the rear or above your house, building it in a virtual world allows you to see exactly how it will look, inside and outside, before ordering a single piece of lumber. The flat, line drawings created with traditional blueprints are often difficult to read and don’t portray a true depiction of the final product.Home improvement at its best
Without being bound by the restrictions and limitations of conventional drawings, 3D visualization technology is able to convey the "feel" of your home improvement project long before you can ever walk through it. In the new home market, builders and developers are using 3D technology to make selecting your features and finishes easier and more interactive.
What was once a futuristic advancement, is now commonplace. For your next improvement, renovation or expansion, engage a designer skilled in using this software for flexibility, peace of mind and the best outcome possible.
