SketchUp for
Visualization
Create stunning 3D models and visualizations that wow clients. Learn SketchUp from a contractor's perspective - no architecture degree needed.
This Course Includes:
- ✓SketchUp Template LibraryPre-built roofing components and materials
- ✓Real Project FilesComplete models to learn from and modify
- ✓Material & Texture LibraryPhotorealistic roofing textures
- ✓Presentation TemplatesScene setups for impressive client presentations
- ✓Plugin RecommendationsEssential extensions for construction modeling
- ✓Professional CertificateAdd to LinkedIn and resume
Struggling to Communicate Your Vision?
Clients can't visualize your proposed solution from 2D drawings
Losing bids to competitors with impressive 3D presentations
Miscommunication leading to scope disputes and change orders
Complex projects where photos and sketches aren't enough
Intimidated by 3D modeling and thinking it's too technical
Want to create shop drawings but AutoCAD feels overwhelming
Create Visual Presentations That Sell
Show clients exactly what their roof will look like in stunning 3D
Stand out from competitors with professional visualizations
Eliminate confusion and get client approval with clear 3D models
Create shop drawings and coordination models visually
Learn SketchUp quickly - easier than AutoCAD for most contractors
Use SketchUp Free or upgrade to Pro based on your needs
Why SketchUp for Contractors?
Easier Than AutoCAD
SketchUp's intuitive interface lets you build 3D models as naturally as sketching on paper. No complex commands or steep learning curve.
Free to Start
SketchUp Free (web version) is powerful enough for most contractors. Upgrade to Pro ($299/year) only if you need advanced features.
Visual Impact
Create photorealistic renderings and walkthroughs that impress clients and close more sales. Worth thousands in increased close rates.
Complete Course Curriculum
6 hands-on modules teaching SketchUp specifically for construction visualization
SketchUp Fundamentals
55 minutes
- •SketchUp Free vs. Pro - which do you need?
- •Interface overview and customization
- •Essential tools: Push/Pull, Line, Rectangle, Circle
- •Navigation and view controls
- •Precision drawing and measurements
- •Groups and components explained
- •Saving and organizing your work
Building Your First Roof Model
70 minutes
- •Importing site photos or Google Earth imagery
- •Tracing building footprints accurately
- •Creating basic roof shapes (gable, hip, flat)
- •Understanding roof pitch and geometry
- •Adding roof edges and fascia
- •Creating realistic roof textures and materials
- •Modeling common roof features (chimneys, vents)
Advanced Roofing Details
65 minutes
- •Complex roof geometries (valleys, dormers, transitions)
- •Modeling edge metal and coping details
- •Creating roof drains and scuppers in 3D
- •HVAC curbs and penetrations
- •Parapet walls and cap details
- •Using components for repeating elements
- •Building a personal component library
Materials, Textures & Realism
50 minutes
- •Applying realistic roofing materials (shingles, TPO, metal)
- •Creating custom textures from photos
- •Understanding material scale and positioning
- •Adding shadows and lighting for realism
- •Sky and background settings
- •Rendering basics for photorealistic output
- •Using styles to control appearance
Client Presentations & Scenes
60 minutes
- •Creating scenes (saved camera views)
- •Setting up a presentation sequence
- •Adding text, dimensions, and annotations
- •Exporting images for proposals
- •Creating animations and walkthroughs
- •PDF and PowerPoint export options
- •Presenting to clients - best practices
Shop Drawings & Coordination
65 minutes
- •Using SketchUp for shop drawing creation
- •LayOut introduction (Pro feature)
- •Creating dimensioned plan views
- •Detail callouts and annotations
- •Coordinating with architectural models
- •Exporting to AutoCAD (DWG/DXF)
- •Real project walkthrough: quote to approval
Who This Course Is For
Sales-Focused Contractors
Want to close more deals with impressive 3D visualizations. Show homeowners exactly what they're getting before signing.
Complex Project Managers
Working on commercial projects with coordination challenges. Need visual tools to communicate with GCs, architects, and other trades.
Creative Estimators
Enjoy visual work and want to add 3D modeling skills. Prefer SketchUp's intuitive approach over AutoCAD's technical complexity.
By the End of This Course, You'll Be Able To:
Navigate SketchUp confidently and use core modeling tools
Create accurate 3D roof models from plans or photos
Model complex roof geometries including valleys and dormers
Apply photorealistic materials and textures
Create professional presentations and client walkthroughs
Export images and animations for proposals
Use SketchUp for basic shop drawing creation
Build a component library for faster future modeling
Software Requirements
To Get Started:
SketchUp Free (web-based, completely free)
- •Cost: $0 - runs in your web browser
- •Perfect for: Learning, simple models, client presentations
- •Limitations: 10GB cloud storage, no CAD export
Optional Upgrade:
SketchUp Pro (desktop application)
- •Cost: $299/year subscription
- •Adds: LayOut for shop drawings, CAD import/export, unlimited storage
- •When needed: Professional shop drawings, CAD integration
Course Note: This entire course can be completed with SketchUp Free. We cover Pro features in Module 6, but you can skip that module or upgrade later if needed. Start learning for $0!
What Students Are Saying
Real results from contractors using SketchUp
"My close rate went from 40% to 68% after I started showing clients 3D models. They can actually SEE what they're getting. This course paid for itself in the first week with one high-end residential job."
"I tried learning AutoCAD and gave up. SketchUp clicked immediately. Now I'm creating shop drawings and client presentations that look like they came from an architect. Clients are blown away."
"The coordination module saved our bacon on a $800k project. We found conflicts with HVAC curbs in SketchUp before they became expensive field problems. Worth 100x the course price."
"Started with SketchUp Free and the course templates. Built my first 3D model in under an hour. Now every proposal includes a visualization. I'll never go back to 2D-only presentations."
"The material library and textures alone are worth the course. I can show clients different roofing options (colors, materials) in 3D before they commit. Upsells have increased 30%."
"I was skeptical that SketchUp would be useful for roofing. Boy was I wrong. Complex geometry that was confusing in 2D became crystal clear in 3D. My accuracy has never been better."
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy SketchUp to take this course?
No! SketchUp Free (web version) is completely free and powerful enough for 95% of what contractors need. You can complete the entire course without spending a dime on software. We cover SketchUp Pro features, but they're optional.
I'm not artistic or good at drawing. Can I still learn this?
Absolutely! SketchUp is more like digital Legos than artistic drawing. If you can click and drag, you can build 3D models. The course is designed for contractors, not artists. No artistic ability required.
How long until I can create my first client presentation?
Most students create their first simple roof model in Module 2 (first 2-3 hours). By Module 5, you'll be creating full client presentations. Many students use SketchUp on real quotes within the first week.
Is SketchUp better than AutoCAD for shop drawings?
It depends. SketchUp is easier to learn and better for visualization. AutoCAD is more precise for technical drawings. Many contractors use SketchUp for client presentations and coordination, then AutoCAD for final shop drawings. We cover both approaches.
Will this work for commercial projects?
Yes! SketchUp is widely used in commercial construction for coordination and visualization. Many contractors use it to coordinate with MEP trades, show GCs installation methods, and create submittal visualizations.
Can I use this on iPad or tablet?
SketchUp Free runs in any web browser, so yes - you can use it on iPad. However, the experience is better on a computer with a mouse. SketchUp also has dedicated mobile apps, but the desktop/web version is recommended for serious work.
What's included with my purchase?
Lifetime access to all 6 modules (5+ hours), SketchUp template library, material and texture library, component library, presentation templates, plugin recommendations, and certificate of completion. Plus all future updates.
Is there a money-back guarantee?
Yes! 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied, just email us for a full refund.
Ready to Master SketchUp?
Create stunning visualizations that wow clients and close more sales
SketchUp for Visualization - Complete Course
One-time payment • Lifetime access • All updates included
Course Content:
- ✓6 practical modules
- ✓5+ hours of training
- ✓Real project walkthroughs
- ✓Certificate of completion
Bonus Materials:
- +SketchUp template library
- +Material & texture library
- +Component library
- +Presentation templates
Questions? Email us at support@mc2estimating.com
Or get this course + everything else with MC2 Pro membership →