Home visualization checklist

Before you start: goal, target audience, and formats

Determine your goal and target audience

Formulate the purpose of the visualization in two sentences and describe the primary target group. Is it for the pre-sale of new construction, rental, or internal decision-making? Name the decision-making moment you want to support and the channels on which the images will appear, such as a website, Funda, social media, or trade shows. For useful guidelines on delivery and expectations for project visualizations, see Real Estate Visualization for Project Developers.

Select the visualization format

• Still 3D render – When: Campaign images, website, brochures. Advantages: Fast, budget-friendly, high impact per shot.
• 360 tour / virtual tour – When: Online viewing, lead generation. Advantages: Interactive, spatial insight, longer dwell time.
• 3D animation – When: Project intro, social media, trade show screen. Advantages: Storytelling, atmosphere, and movement.
• AR/VR – When: Trade show, sales floor, premium experience. Advantages: Full immersion, wow factor.

Would you like to specify which output requirements (resolution, lighting, realism) you need? Then read What is 3D rendering?

Assets and input checklist

Basic files

• Floor plans and dimensions - Final square footage, sections, elevations, and scale.
• CAD/BIM models - Revit, IFC, DWG, or SketchUp with layer structure and version.
• Reference photos - Location, view, reference projects, and material examples.
• Material specifications - Floors, walls, window frames, sanitary facilities, kitchen, RAL colors.
• Furniture list and styling - Style direction, mood board, brand preferences, accessory level.
• Environmental data - Location, sun position, urban context, greenery, and traffic.
• Branding and corporate identity - Logo, typography, color codes, and target formats per channel.

Interior vs exterior considerations

• Interior - Layout per room, sightlines, ceiling height, lighting, window coverings, and living scenarios such as family, senior, starter. See also Interior visualization: explanation and applications.
• Exterior - Brickwork, roof tiles, window frames, balconies, facade details, fencing, parking solutions, and morning or evening light. More context: Architectural visualization: what is it?

Lighting, atmosphere, and cameras

Light settings

Specify sun and seasonal preferences such as golden hour, morning light, or cloudy soft light. Name artificial lighting per room, such as spotlights, pendants, or indirect lighting. This determines the atmosphere, shadows, and material perception.

Atmosphere and style references

Add 3 to 5 reference images with brief explanations. Think Scandinavian light wood, hotel chic, or industrial. Note the color temperature, contrast level, and desired realism decor, such as small imperfections.

Camera angles

• Key shots - 1 to 2 hero shots per room with a clear function.
• Height and lens - Eye height 130-150 cm, natural wide angle without distortion.
• Routing - For 360 tours or animations: sequence of spaces and transition moments.

Planning, feedback, and versions

• Milestones - Start, clay preview, material round, lighting preview, final render.
• Feedback - Specific, grouped by round, with annotations and version numbers.
• File formats - Stills in 4K and social crops, 360 in equirectangular, animation in 4K H.264 or ProRes.
• Deadlines - Delivery dates per deliverable and revision buffer.

Quality control prior to delivery

• Architecture - Dimensions are correct, no floating objects or clipping.
• Materials - Realistic scale, accurate reflections, PBR consistency.
• Light and shadow - Natural falloff, no overexposure or noise.
• Styling - Target group-proof, no trademark infringement or culturally sensitive items.
• File and branding - Resolution, color profile, logo placement, and naming convention.

Would you like to see quality criteria in practice with references? Take a look at the Portfolio 3D visualizations.