Why what you send matters

A rendering can only be as accurate as the drawings behind it. Buildframe models every home from your plans and checks the model against the drawings before we render. When the plan set is complete, that check is quick and the images match the plans. When pieces are missing, we have to stop and ask. That slows the job and can change the quote.

This checklist tells you what to send and why each item helps.

The core plan set

These are the drawings we need for almost every job.

Floor plans

Every level, including the basement and any bonus room or loft. Dimensions help most. We need wall positions, door swings, window positions and stair layouts.

Exterior elevations

All four sides. Elevations show window sizes, trim, material breaks, roof heights and porch details. If you offer more than one front, send each elevation option.

Roof plan

Roofs are where renderings go wrong most often. A roof plan shows pitches, ridges, valleys and overhangs. Without it, we have to ask how the roof resolves.

Building sections

Sections show ceiling heights, vaulted ceilings, plate heights and stair headroom. They matter most for interiors and two story spaces.

Plan revision date

Tell us which revision you are sending. We record the revision each image was built from. If the plans change later, you will know which images need an update.

For interior renderings

Finish schedule or selections

Flooring, cabinets, counters, backsplash, tile, plumbing fixtures, lighting, hardware and paint for each room. Product names and colors help most. Links or photos are fine.

Interior elevations and cabinet drawings

These show cabinet heights, island sizes, appliance positions, built ins and tile layouts. Without them, we will ask how the kitchen and baths are laid out.

Reflected ceiling or lighting plan

Helpful for ceiling details and light fixture positions. Optional, but it improves lighting realism.

Rooms you want shown

Tell us which rooms matter most. Most clients start with the kitchen, living area and primary suite. See our interior stills page.

For exterior renderings and fly overs

Exterior selections

Brick, stone, siding, trim, roof material and color, window color, garage doors, front door and paint colors.

Site plan, plat or survey

Shows where the home sits on the lot, the driveway, setbacks and orientation. Needed for a drone fly over and helpful for exterior stills.

Landscape plan

If you have one, send it. Without one, landscape is our artist's interpretation, and we will tell you that.

Lot photos or location

Photos of the lot, neighboring homes or the view help us match the setting. A map location helps us set the sun direction.

For communities and townhomes

  • Site plan with every building and unit.
  • Building elevations for each building type and end unit.
  • Any facade rules or color schemes by lot.
  • Amenity and landscape drawings.

See our page for developers and townhome communities.

For plan range catalogs

  • Plan sets for every plan in the range.
  • Standard and optional finish schedules.
  • Your plan names and option codes, so our files match your system.
  • A priority order, so we start with your best sellers.

See plan range catalogs.

File formats

PDF plan sets work well. If you have CAD or BIM files, send them too. They can help, but a clear PDF set is enough to start. Photos of paper plans work only if every sheet is legible and complete.

What we do not need

Keep it simple and private. We do not need:

  • Buyer names or personal details.
  • Loan terms or financial information.
  • Contracts or pricing.

Send only what describes the home.

What happens after you send

1. We review the plan set. 2. We tell you what is missing or in conflict, if anything. 3. We send a fixed quote and a delivery date.

If the set has gaps, we tell you exactly which sheet or detail would fill them. You decide whether to send it or let us propose an approach.

Common gaps we see

  • No roof plan. Complex roofs are hard to read from elevations alone.
  • Elevations that do not match the floor plan. A window on the plan is missing from the elevation, or the other way around.
  • Old revision mixed with new. Some sheets are from an earlier version.
  • No finish schedule. We can propose a look, but it will not match what gets built.
  • No site information. We cannot place the home or set the sun without it.

We flag every conflict. We never pick one version and hope it is right.

A note on using the images

Renderings show a design, not a finished home. When you use them in the MLS or any listing, label them as an artist's rendering and follow your MLS rules.

Related guides

Ready to send

Gather what you have. If something is missing, send what you have and we will tell you what else would help.

Send your plans for a free review, fixed quote and delivery date within 1 business day.