Knowing what to send for a rendering saves time and revision rounds. A renderer builds a 3D model from whatever you provide, so missing dimensions, vague material choices or unclear camera views lead to guesses, and guesses lead to revisions. This checklist covers every input, from drawings and photos to colours and reference images, and explains why each matters.
Quick answer: For a rendering, send floor plans and elevations (or dimensioned sketches), a site plan or survey for exterior views, photos of the existing house and surroundings, material and colour selections with product names, the camera views you want, reference images for style, and the purpose of the rendering, such as HOA approval or marketing.
Drawings
| Drawing | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Floor plans | Wall positions, openings, room layout for the model |
| Elevations | Heights, roof pitch, window positions, trim |
| Roof plan | Roof shape and overhangs |
| Site plan or survey | Placement on the lot, driveway, trees, neighbours |
| Sections | Ceiling heights and floor levels, useful for interiors |
| Interior elevations | Cabinets, tile and fixtures for interior views |
CAD files (DWG) or PDFs work. If you don’t have drawings, dimensioned sketches and photos can be enough for a simpler rendering. Our pillar architectural rendering guide explains how drawings become a 3D model.
Photos of the existing house
- Each side of the house, taken straight on.
- Street views from where the public sees the house.
- Views from where you want the rendering camera to be.
- Close-ups of existing materials to match: brick, siding, trim, roof.
- Neighbouring houses and trees that will appear in the background.
For before-and-after images, the photo from the chosen viewpoint becomes the “before”; see before-and-after renderings.
Materials and colours
Be specific. “Grey siding” could be a dozen colours; “fibre-cement lap siding, 7-inch exposure, in a named manufacturer colour” can be matched. List each surface:
- Siding type, profile and colour.
- Trim colour and width.
- Roofing material and colour.
- Windows: frame colour, grille pattern.
- Doors: style and colour.
- Stone or brick accents.
- Decking, railings, paving.
- For interiors: flooring, cabinets, countertops, tile, paint, fixtures, lighting.
Product links or photos of samples help. If materials aren’t decided, ask for two or three options rendered as variations.
Camera views
Tell the renderer where you want to “stand”. Mark positions on the site plan or floor plan with arrows, or send photos taken from those positions. For HOA purposes, a street view is usually the priority; see renderings for HOA approval. For interiors, choose corners that show the most important walls.
Lighting and time of day
Daylight views are standard for approvals. Dusk views with interior lights on are popular for marketing. Say which you want, and whether you need both.
Landscaping and context
Indicate trees to keep, new planting, fences, paving and outdoor furniture. For approvals, ask for realistic planting sizes. Note anything that must not be shown, such as a neighbour’s house you’d rather simplify.
Reference images
A few images of renderings or real buildings in the style you like help the renderer match mood, level of detail and presentation. Collect them in one folder with a short note on what you like about each.
Purpose and output
- What the rendering is for: HOA, design review, neighbours, marketing or your own decisions.
- Number of views.
- Resolution and format: screen, print, presentation board.
- Deadline, such as an HOA meeting date.
- Whether you need variations of materials or colours.
Exterior vs interior inputs
Exterior renderings rely on the site plan, elevations and context photos. Interior renderings need floor plans, ceiling heights, window positions, and much more finish detail: furniture, fixtures, lighting and accessories. See exterior vs interior renderings.
Measurements for a simple colour or material change
For a rendering that only changes colours or materials on an existing house, a full drawing set isn’t necessary. Good straight-on photos of each side, the overall width and height of the house, and a few key dimensions such as window sizes are often enough to build a simple model or prepare a photo-based composite. Mention the purpose clearly so the renderer knows how much accuracy is needed.
A sample brief
A short written brief keeps everyone aligned. For example: “Two exterior views for HOA approval of a rear addition: one from the street at the front-left corner, one from the rear yard. Siding: fibre-cement lap, named colour, to match existing. Trim: white. Roof: architectural shingles, named colour. Daylight, realistic landscaping, existing trees kept. Deadline: HOA submission date.” That paragraph answers most of the questions a renderer would otherwise ask.
If you don’t have drawings yet
Renderings can be based on sketches and measurements, but proportions will only be as accurate as the information. If you will need permit drawings anyway, it often makes sense to prepare floor plans and elevations first and render from them, so the images match what is approved. Our guide on measuring a house explains how to gather measurements.
Common gaps that cause revisions
- No elevations, so heights and roof pitch are guessed.
- Vague colour names.
- Photos taken at an angle, making materials hard to match.
- Camera views not specified.
- Design changes after rendering starts.
Organising what to send for a rendering
Put everything in one shared folder with clear names: “Plans”, “Elevations”, “Photos – front”, “Materials”. Include a short brief document listing views, materials and the deadline. A tidy package makes the first draft much closer to the final result.
Sending files to us
Our 3D renderings service accepts PDFs, CAD files, sketches and photos. Use our quote form to describe the project, and we’ll confirm what else is needed.
Frequently asked questions
What to send for a rendering: do I need CAD files?
No. PDFs, sketches with dimensions and photos can work, though CAD files speed up modelling.
Can you render from photos only?
For simple changes such as colours, often yes. Additions need dimensions or drawings.
How specific should material choices be?
As specific as possible: product type, profile and named colour.
How many photos should I send?
Enough to show each side, the street view and the chosen camera positions, plus material close-ups.
Can I change materials after the rendering?
Usually yes. Material changes are quicker than design changes.
