An important part of marketing your skills as a homebuilder is showcasing the work you have done and the work you intend to do. Imagine trying to explain to a client what his or her new home will look like without being able to show him or her an image of what you’ve created in your mind. It would be nearly impossible. That’s why architectural renderings are essential in your business.



While these renderings were once almost always done in watercolor or similar artistic techniques, today they can be created digitally to appear photo-realistic. However, you have to decide which type of renderings you want to use for your homebuilding business.

Watercolor versus Photo Realistic

Although there are a few other options, the two main ones to consider are whether to have your architectural renderings created in watercolor or in a photo realistic digital format. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages.

Time is one of the major differences. Creating a watercolor version of your renderings can be time-consuming. It takes a lot of effort and usually should not be done too quickly because that could limit the quality of the finished product. On the other hand, the photo realistic versions can be done more quickly using digital software.

Price is another consideration. Watercolor versions usually cost more because they require a certain type of talent not possessed widely. Because you have to search for someone specific to create this version, you’ll usually end up paying more. With photo realistic versions, your creator does need to have knowledge of the software but this is something more widely known in today’s environment so the costs are usually more reasonable.

With a watercolor version, the artist also has greater freedom to capture what is truly in your imagination. They can create not only an image of what the finished product will look like but they can capture a feeling in their work which is sometimes not present in the digital versions of architectural renderings.

Architectural Renderings & Clients

One of the major factors in your decision is probably going to be your clients. Because you want them to be enamored of the architectural renderings, you must think about which of the two methods is going to have the most positive impact on them.

As mentioned above, watercolor versions tend to be effective in creating an emotional reaction in clients because the artist if able to capture more than just the house in the work. However, some clients are going to prefer seeing something more realistic because it will give them a better idea of what they can expect from the finished product.

In many cases, you’ll need to make the determination about which method will be the most effective based on your individual dealings with clients. Although price and time considerations may cause you to lean towards one preference over another, it’s important to pay the most attention to what will be the best choice for your clients.