Translate Foundation.
SHEET A-102

Custom home builders

3D models and takeoffs for custom homes

A complete 3D model of the house with a material takeoff drawn from the same model, plus room breakouts and a build film for client presentations.

Systems by layer
Showcase House 001Loading the model.

Each system is modeled as its own layer: foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC and roof. Layers can be viewed together or separately and are quantified individually.

Pipe, wire and duct lengths, framing members, openings and roof areas are measured from the model rather than estimated from square footage, so the estimate and the takeoff start from the same numbers.

Inputs
Plan set

PDF sheets: plans, elevations, sections and schedules. CAD or BIM files where available.

Selections

Finishes, fixtures and options, where pricing or presentation depends on them.

Site information

Site plan, plus pool and landscape plans where included.

Deliverables

3D model

Structure, systems and site as separate elements, with room breakouts at true scale.

GLB, USD, BIM

Material takeoff

Framing, openings, roof, and pipe, wire and duct lengths by system, each line traced to the model.

Spreadsheet, PDF

Build film

The house from site preparation to completion, including pool, landscape and exterior lighting.

MP4

Progress measurement

Site scans compared against the model during construction to report percent complete.

Optional
Verification
Element records

Each element is time-stamped and hashed when built. Any change after sign-off is detectable.

Source tracing

Each element references the sheet and detail it was built from.

Scan check

Where site scans exist, the model is compared against them point by point.

Named sign-off

Each deliverable is reviewed and signed by a named person before release.

Process
  1. Plans received under NDADrawings are used only for the project.
  2. Model and takeoff builtEvery element placed and counted, with open items returned as questions.
  3. Builder reviewThe model and takeoff are reviewed and revisions are marked.
  4. Revisions and releaseChanges are made, verified and signed off before delivery.
Case study: Showcase House 001
1,654building and site elements, each verified
6,741square feet, original brick design
23build phases, site preparation to completion
960/960roof outline points matched in scan check

Confidentiality

  • Processed on dedicated, encrypted hardware
  • Client drawings are used only for the client’s project
  • No outside AI services
  • The client receives the model; methods remain proprietary

One model for the entire team

Design, estimate and schedule are drawn from the same model, so the architect, builder and contractor work from identical information.

Pricing
Quoted per projectScope ranges from a single system to the complete building. Individual and contract work.Request a quote
Other disciplines

Contact

Travis Redden, Translate Foundation

travis@translatefoundation.com