The cost of 3D architectural visualization depends on many things, including types of visuals, urgency, the complexity of custom-made 3D models, number of corrections, etc. Another factor that affects 3D rendering prices is the output of the process. Namely, the number of views and resolution of final images.

Now, exterior CGI has its specifics. The number one thing that determines exterior 3D rendering cost is a project’s scale. For instance, modeling a single cottage will take way less time than doing an airport. Then, the surroundings of the main objects and the number of extra details, such as people, cars, and pets, also contribute to the 3D architectural rendering cost.

To save money on CGI rendering with no loss of quality, one needs to prepare a detailed technical assignment and provide enough references, such as technical drawings and material samples. This way, 3D artists will be able to implement the concept faster and with greater precision. Furthermore, placing a non-urgent order will give a studio more time to work on it and also decrease its cost.

Next, opting for simplified intermediate results helps to minimize the number of corrections in the final 3D model render. Because the more detailed an image is, the longer it will take to make changes in it. And the more time is required for corrections, the higher the cost will be.

This is why 3D architectural rendering studios offer to create grayscale 3D renders and fast renders, or so-called preliminary drafts. With those, architects can coordinate the production of visuals with 3D artists at different stages. If corrections are needed at a particular stage, they can be made quickly, at no extra cost.

• Grayscale 3D renders show ready interiors and exteriors with no textures or lighting applied. They allow architects to check the selected 3D models and the overall composition of a scene. In case there’s a need to change something, it can be done quickly and won’t reflect on the cost.
• Preliminary drafts go further, showing the lighting and textures that aren’t traced perfectly just yet. They make it possible for an architect to see the geometry of a place and to make corrections immediately if something doesn’t correspond to the technical assignment.
• And finally, a collection of furniture 3D models allows the designer to select the elements that will fill the room, instead of having everything modeled from scratch. Normally, this works perfectly for non-essential items, such as decorations and background fillers. Most importantly, it allows for streamlining the rendering process, making it times more cost-efficient.

These were but the main products one can ask for during a CGI project. There are several other types of intermediate 3D rendering results, such as a grayscale with furnishings and yellow lighting, a viewport screenshot, a fast render, a final high-res CGI without post-production. Looking at these will allow checking up on the project progress and give timely feedback.