Polycam
3D scanning app: capture rooms and sites with your phone's LiDAR or photos.
Our verdict
A cheap way to capture existing conditions before a reno. Check measurements before ordering materials off a scan.
Best for: Renovation builders capturing existing conditions
What it does
Polycam is a 3D capture app that turns photos or iPhone/iPad LiDAR scans into 3D models and room scans. The Business plan adds floor plans, measurement tools, point-cloud exports and team features.
AI features
- Photo and LiDAR 3D reconstruction
Other design & 3d tools
magicplan
Scan a room with your phone to make floor plans, document jobs and build estimates.
Verdict: Excellent for measure-and-quote renovation and restoration work. Per-project pricing only makes sense at volume.
Price: PRO plans priced per project (minimum 10 projects/month). At 10 projects: PRO Flex $400/month, PRO 12 $300/month, PRO 24 $250/month. 12/24-month terms have commitments. Check currency on site.
Planner 5D
Easy 2D/3D home design with AI floor-plan recognition.
Verdict: Good for showing owner-builders and clients what a layout will feel like. Not a construction documentation tool.
Price: Premium $19.99/month or $59.99/year (US pricing). Professional plan: see site.
SketchUp
Popular 3D modelling software for builders, carpenters and designers.
Verdict: Still the most approachable real 3D tool for builders and chippies. Learn it once and it pays off on every deck and pergola you sell.
Price: Studio A$1,149 + GST/year (via SketchUp Australia). Go and Pro: see site.
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