The concept design for Heather and Grant’s lakefront home has reached an exciting milestone. It has been developed to a point where detailed drawings and preliminary specifications can now be shared with a contractor for them to generate an initial construction estimate. By leveraging our 3D model, our clients gain confidence in their design choices so that there is a level of certainty in the details we can provide to a contractor. The better information we can provide, the more reliable the estimates will be. Comprehensive details such as exterior materials, room sizes and orientations, precise door and window dimensions, roof square footage, and other critical elements are provided. Though it takes effort for the contractor to review all of this detailed material, it is the most effective way to understand costs early and align everyone’s expectations.

What sets the 2e Design Process apart is our use of Virtual Reality to generate and refine the design details early in the process. This approach ensures ample time for adjustments if preliminary estimates don’t align with the project budget. Unlike traditional workflows, where cost estimates come after design completion–often resulting in expensive changes–we prioritize budgeting from the outset. Staying on budget is a high priority. This proactive approach minimizes surprises, enhances the overall experience, and empowers clients to make the right decisions for them, their families, and their wallet.

This video is part of a three-part series showcasing how 2e Architects uses Virtual Reality to design, refine, and create models that enable contractors to produce reliable cost estimates with a high degree of certainty.

Virtual Reality As Used in the Concept Design Phase
Refining the Concept Design
The Culmination of Concept Design – the Preliminary Cost Estimate