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Seeing My Home Before I Build

Posted on Jul 17, 2013
timber-frame-concept-design-by-riverbend

The idea of building your own timber frame home is an exciting and detailed process. And, you want to go in fully prepared. “Seeing” your home, and knowing that your designer understands your vision before you become fully invested, is a tremendous value. At Riverbend, we realize visual aids are an important aspect of your decision making journey. It’s why our exclusive design process provides multiple ways for you to see your dream home before building ever begins.

Photographs

Seeing your home before you commit to building it helps you visualize where your time and money is going. But, exactly how does this work? After 30 years in business, and 5,000 projects in North America, we offer an extensive photo gallery featuring a wide variety of homes from past clients.

If a client has built a home based on the same design concept that you like, you see exactly how that client interpreted the concept to fit their unique style. Of course, a floor plan concept with previous project photos doesn’t mean your home will look exactly the same, as clearly evidenced below.

Floor Plan Interpretations
Two client interpretations of the same Riverbend floor plan design concept

Someone else’s interpretation of the home’s concept might include different cladding, unique timber configurations, layout modifications, and much more. Each element may influence your perception of the original design concept, and certainly won’t provide an accurate depiction of what your Riverbend home will look like! This is a large part of why our company motto is, Your Style Reflected.

3D Color Renderings

Seeing actual photos is extremely helpful. However, what if the design concept inspiring you is new or has no past project photos from which to reference? [i] With Riverbend’s PerfectFit™ Ready-to-Build Plans or any of the Customizable Plans, seeing a new or never-before-photographed home is always possible because we provide you with a 3D color rendering. Usually, this 3D rendering is combined with an actual photo of your build site.

modern design timber frame home
A 3D rendering of the Tacoma, part of the series, The Moderns™, brings the home to life

Oftentimes, this rendering is so realistic it is mistaken for a real photograph. The Tacoma 3D color rendering above is a lovely example of this realism. Additionally, the rendering is useful because it shows you your design on your lot as opposed to a version of the design or someone else’s house. Riverbend, of course, includes detailed elevations and floor plans as well as a drawing of your timber frame skeleton.

Virtual Reality (VR) Tours

If you choose the Custom Design Total Home Solution™ process, our design team also takes you on a virtual reality (VR) tour of your home. If your design meeting occurs at one of Riverbend’s American offices, you virtually tour your home in-person. If the meeting is conducted remotely via the web, your designer presents a pre-recorded virtual tour of your home. This VR tour moves beyond seeing because it completely immerses you in your new home before building it.

virtual reality tour timber frame home
Tour your Riverbend home using VR technology

With Riverbend’s seamless process of design, it is important to remember that you don’t have to pick a plan before you begin. Clients are encouraged to be interactive in their home’s overall look and style from the very first design meeting. And, you do not sign a contract to build until you have shared with us the vision of the concept you love. We want you to be able to clearly see the home design you created. Through photos, 3D color renderings, and virtual and in-person design meetings, you are provided with multiple guided opportunities to see your home as it unfolds, make modifications, and then decide about committing to build.

Interested in timber frame details including different styles of trusses, the elements of a timber frame skeleton, and more? Watch our Anatomy of a Timber Frame Home webinar recording.

Learn more about our Design Processes.

[i] Not all Riverbend clients elect to have their homes professionally photographed.


Need More Information?

Whether you’re looking for more information or would simply like to learn more about us and our services, don’t hesitate to contact us. Please follow the link below to access our online form or call us at 888.486.2363 in the US or 888.999.4744 in Canada. We look forward to hearing from you.

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