ARCHITECTURAL WALKTHROUGH COST: 7 MAIN FACTORS IT CONSISTS OF

Architectural walkthrough cost is a key factor for planning the marketing budget when selling a property project. But calculating it is no easy task, requiring many phone calls, consultations, and patience.

When an Architect needs to learn the 3d visualization price of the video, he calls various companies, fills out briefs for project estimation – only to get completely different answers. Confused, he asks his friend, a 3D artist, to explain how a walkthrough should be priced. As a result, the Architect gets a very professional answer, full of nuances and specialized terms, which leaves even more questions. But how can one start the work without understanding the budget?

Is it even possible to calculate the cost of architectural animation without being a 3D Artist? It definitely is. There is a number of factors any 3d walkthrough price is based upon. We estimate projects and break down results on a regular basis, so we know exactly how the price is calculated. And today, we will gladly share this information with you. Read up and find out 7 points that affect the final project price!

An architectural model is a digital 3D representation of a building created for showcasing exterior and interior design. It heavily affects the final architectural walkthrough cost and consists of the following parameters:

• building model size —mainly depends on the number of floors;
• surroundings;
• decor like cars, birds, plants, etc;
• complex architectural elements like moldings, roof shingles, or small facade details;
• the detailed interior required when the viewer needs to see what’s in the house through the windows from outside. 

The landscape is an important factor that affects the final architectural walkthrough cost. It includes features of the area like plants, vehicles, wind turbines or solar panels, as well as houses and facilities. Naturally, when a 3D artist needs to model objects from scratch, the price will be higher. But 3D walkthrough companies often have libraries with ready-made architectural models, which can be used to lower the 3d architectural rendering cost.

Different seasons or weather make the architectural walkthrough more atmospheric, and add emotions to the video. For a property can look so much more impactful in dramatic settings, like during a thunderstorm or snow – and when shown in a few seasons, even more so.

Since every transition requires additional work, the most cost-effective option is to create 3D animation with only one season and weather. It can do the job just fine, but many architects and developers want the show off houses at different times of the day or year. Such variations add to the cost of real estate animation, but the result looks spectacular and produces a lasting impression.

Photoreal 3D animation can demonstrate any building or room in one or a few lightings. The first option is cheaper, while any light transitions increase the architectural walkthrough cost. But obviously, the latter option makes for a show-stopping sight. For what can be more enchanting than seeing the house of one’s dreams bathed in warm sunlight, then in bright sunset lighting, and finally shining in the dark with some spectacular night illumination? Another advantage of different lighting conditions in one video is that it allows showing different lighting scenarios – an important selling point for a property.

The price depends on whether the client wants to use dynamic effects from the provider’s base, or they are to be created from scratch. When using ready effects from the provider’s list, the cost of work does not change. The effects on the list are different for each company – for example, we offer plants, cars, birds, bugs, still water, starry sky, fire, and clouds for free. To add something that is not in the base, one has to pay an extra charge for additional work.

3D architectural walkthrough cost greatly depends on its length. The price per second varies significantly in the market, so there’s no sense to look for an average value. Besides, different CGI service providers have their own systems of standards and discounts that need to be taken into account. For instance, we consider 30 seconds a standard video length – which means that the price for a second is lower than for shorter animations. And when the walkthrough exceeds this standard length, the second costs even less. 

Another factor heavily influencing an architectural walkthrough cost is the total amount of changes and improvements. If the total number of corrections amount is less than 60% of the project than it’s usually free. Starting from 60% and up to 90%, the corrections are paid. If more than 90% need to be changed, it is considered as a new project and is charged separately. 

All the tips above will help to understand how the architectural walkthrough cost is formed. The seven described pricing criteria are key ones and taken into account by every company. Using them, it will be much easier to find a budget-friendly solution while keeping effectiveness. With this information, you can choose the best price offer without fear to get something fishy or overpaying. 

Want to learn your architectural animation price at a lightning speed? Contact us and for the project estimation and high-end results!