SketchUp for Builders A Comprehensive Guide for Creating 3D Building Models Using SketchUp

The only comprehensive SketchUp guide written for builders and contractors 

SketchUp is a 3D modeling application used in areas ranging from civil and mechanical engineering to motion picture and video game design. Three-dimensional modeling is of obvious value to the building industry—yet resources for transforming architectural designs into reality is surprisingly limited. SketchUp for Builders is the first comprehensive guide designed specifically for builders and contractors, providing step-by-step instructions on incorporating 3D modeling into all phases of the construction process. Author John Brock draws from his 30 years of experience as a custom home designer and builder to provide practical advice on how to understand what you are building before it is built. This valuable guide demonstrates how to eliminate cost overruns, construction delays, and design flaws by integrating SketchUp modeling into your workflow. 

Emphasizing real-world practicality, this book covers all of the essential components of modeling a 3D construction project, from SketchUp fundamentals and object basics to importing construction drawings and increasing project efficiency with extensions and plugins. All phases of construction are clearly explained, including foundations, walls and floor systems, roof and mechanical systems, and exterior and interior finishes. 

• Supplies a constructability process for efficient and cost-effective build projects
• Offers step-by-step guidance for creating construction documents, renderings, animations, virtual reality tours, and more
• Integrates SketchUp into all stages of the construction process
• Provides access to resources such as web tutorials, blogs, and the online SketchUp community
• Demonstrates how to generate construction documents with accompanying Layout software

SketchUp for Builders: A Comprehensive Guide for Creating 3D Building Models Using SketchUp in an indispensable source of information for contractors and builders, architects, interior designers, landscape architects, construction professionals, and anyone seeking to create 3D models of the design and construction process. 

JOHN G. BROCK is the founder of Brockworks, Inc., a premier designer and builder of unique custom homes. He holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech and has over 30 years of experience in the building industry. John speaks and presents at numerous trade shows, including NAHB's International Builders Show, the AIA's National Convention, and SketchUp's 3D Basecamp.

Foreword Duane Addy vii

Part I: SketchUp Essentials 1

Chapter 1: Introduction 3

Who Should Read This Book? 4

Why Should You Read This Book? 4

What is in This Book? 4

Chapter 2: SketchUp Resources 7

SketchUp Free or SketchUp Pro? 7

Layout 8

3D Warehouse 8

Extension Warehouse 8

Other Resources 9

Chapter 3: SketchUp Basics 11

The Interface 11

Navigation 13

Parallel Projection versus Perspective 14

Scenes 15

Layers 15

Measurements Box 16

Basic Tools 16

Chapter 4: Model Your First Object 21

Chapter 5: Groups and Components 26

Groups versus Components 26

Chapter 6: Extensions (Plugins) 29

Relevant Developers 30

Chapter 7: Importing Construction Drawings 31

Workflow 33

Chapter 8: File Management 36

Layer Management 37

Templates 38

Part II: Phases of Construction 39

Chapter 9: Existing Site Models 41

Creating the Existing Site Model 44

Geolocation 49

Chapter 10: Foundations 53

Monolithic Slab-on-Grade 53

Crawl Space 61

Basement 78

Controlling Costs 100

Chapter 11: Wall Framing 101

Chapter 12: Floor Systems 112

Wood-Framed Floor Systems 112

Case Study 135

Chapter 13: Roof Systems 137

Roof Plan(e)s 137

Conventional Roof Framing 148

Roof Trusses 159

Sub-Fascia 160

Roof Sheathing 162

Case Study 165

Chapter 14: Exterior Finishes 169

Windows and Exterior Doors 169

Chapter 15: Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Rough-Ins 207

Plumbing Rough-In 207

HVAC Rough-In 208

Electrical Rough-In 209

Chapter 16: Interior Finishes 212

Insulation 212

Drywall 214

Floor Coverings 219

Kitchens 238

Bathrooms 244

Chapter 17: Final Grading and Landscaping 252

Hardscapes 253

Proposed Site Model 258

Excavation 262

Part III: Quantity Takeoffs and Estimating 273

Chapter 18: Attributes 275

Length 276

Area 279

Volume 282

Weight 285

Chapter 19: Estimator for SketchUp 286

Multitiered Cost Code System 290

Takeoff Methods 290

Foundations 291

Wall Framing 294

Floor Systems 295

Roof Systems 295

Exterior Finishes 296

Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) 297

Interior Finishes 297

Landscaping and Site Work 299

Part IV: Construction Documents 301

Chapter 20: Introduction to Layout 303

What Does Layout Do? 303

What Would I Use Layout For? 304

Model Space and Paper Space 304

Part V: Renderings, Animations, and Virtual Tours 311

Chapter 21: Renderings 313

Thea Render 316

V-Ray for SketchUp 317

Lumion 317

Chapter 22: Animations 323

Chapter 23: Virtual Tours 325

Chapter 24: Virtual Reality versus Augmented Reality 328

What is the Difference Between VR and AR? 328

Enscape 329

Index 333

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