Construction BIM For DIY'ers
Explore the facade, roof, windows and doors, finishes, wind barrier systems and all in between.
Facade
See exactly how your wooden facade is installed, board by board, and build your own wooden facade.
Windows & Doors
All models include complete window/door installations. Explore everything quickly with SketchUp.
Roof
View the details of your roof down to the smallest aspect, from the underlay to the exact number of tiles.
Facade Construction
Wind barrier System
This layer protects your home from the elements and ensures that the air within your insulation remains still, which is crucial for maintaining its effectiveness. Our houses feature either a fixed wind barrier, typically in the form of fiber cement boards, or roll membrane (house wrap), 2-3 mm thick.
Facade ventilation
Ensure proper ventilation behind your facade boards. See how your model’s ventilation layer is structured and seal the gap between each batten with metal mouse stops. Create a professional and ventilated wood facade with a Diysketch.
Horizontal battens
The models with vertical facade cladding (1 out of 2) have horizontal battens behind for the installation of siding. The distance between these battens can easily be adjusted in just a few minutes, depending on the facade you want. Examine everything and get ready to build your installation layer.
Corner Finish
All facades include complete corner finishes. Some are made of wood, typically on vertical facades, while on horizontal siding, corner profiles made of aluminum are used. We prefer this solution as the lifespan is significantly longer.
Drip Edges over Openings
Finish your facade professionally with drip edges over all windows and doors. Learn how to install them in the easiest way and see everything in SketchUp before you start the installation of your aluminum profiles
Professional Finish
Finish your facade with a drip edge at the bottom. Cut the bottom of your facade boards at an angle so that water doesn't accumulate at the bottom of the board. Additionally, install an aluminum drip edge that directs all water away from the foundation and facade.
Exterior Siding
Install your facade boards and finish the exterior of your house like a professional. View all the details in the world's easiest program, SketchUp, and start your construction faster, easier, and more profitably.
Windows & Doors
Windows
Your house model includes all the windows you need. Easily adjust them in SketchUp if you want different ones.
Window Sills
Inspect how your window sill is installed, and make sure you know how to install the board that directs water away from your windows.
Doors
Understand your house model’s doors and other exits, and plan your next door installation with a easy-to-use 3D model.
Finish
Roof Construction
A "roof" beneath your roof
Your SketchUp model includes a underlay that prevents water, moisture, and drifting snow.
Solid
Some projects feature a solid underlay, like the example shown here. This means there are 25×125 mm boards installed beneath the underroofing felt, followed by ventilation battens, roof battens, and then the final roofing material—in this example, clay tiles.
Rool membrane
Other house models have underlays made of roll materials, which are typically cheaper than the a solid one.
Without
Some house models also come without any underlay, such as with corrugated sheets from Swisspearl, which allow for a construction without one.
ventilation of the underlay
Our models include ventilation gaps at the eaves and ridge, ensuring proper attic ventilation. Additionally, all models come with installed insect mesh to keep pests out while maintaining airflow.
Divert water from the underlay
Many of our models include eave raises, a technique to increase the height of the eaves for better ventilation and improved rainwater runoff near the roof's edge. This added height helps optimize airflow under the roof and enhances the overall roof profile, giving your build greater durability and aesthetic appeal.
Spacing Battens
If your house has tile, fiber cement, or steel roofing materials, it has a layer of 25x45 mm spacing battens. This layer also serves as the fastener for membrane materials. It ensures proper ventilation and water drainage in case any water penetrates your roofing material.
Learn to install roof battens
Calculate the total number and meters of battens needed for your new roof and get started with battening your new roof. Skip the planning and view all batten dimensions in SketchUp before you or your contractors begin construction.
Complete overview
Regardless of which model you choose, with a complete SketchUp house model, you will get an overview of your roofing material. Learn how to lay tiles, roofing felt, or perhaps install fiber cement roofing sheets.
Tile Roof
Get a durable and aesthetically pleasing roof. Our SketchUp models give you a clear understanding of how to easily lay the tiles correctly.
Roofing Felt
With a bitumen roof burned onto a base of boards, you get an easy and durable roof that, with proper maintenance, can last 50+ years.
Corrugated Sheets
If you’re looking for quick installation and minimal costs, a fiber cement roof is the right choice for you. With our SketchUp models, you can easily see how to install the panels piece by piece.
Understand your roof ridge
The finishing of the top of the roof is an important detail. Complete your tile roof with a professional ridge. Finish your roof construction with style and sell your home quickly once the construction is complete.
finishing details
Finish your bitumen roofs with aluminum profiles that provide a clean finish and direct water correctly down the facade of buildings without overhangs.
constructive wood protection
Protect your new building with an eave that extends the lifespan of the facade. Learn constructive principles for wood protection and build a roof that gives your building an extra shield. Buildings without eaves are also durable, but buildings with eaves have proven longer lifespans.
finishing boards
See exactly how to install your bargeboards and finish your new construction with a professional finish. View everything in SketchUp and have all measurements ready down to the last millimeter.
Gutter System
Gutters
Explore your model’s gutter system, see lengths and dimensions and prepare your material list.
Gutter Brackets
Exact placement of gutter brackets for your new roof. Be prepared for routing in roof battens if necessary.
Wall Bracket
All our models also include outlet pieces, end caps, pipe holders, bends, and other necessary components for your DIY gutter system.
Deck Construction
With a Diysketch model, you have access to complete details for your deck construction, board by board. This ensures:
- Precise alignment and spacing
- Step-by-step construction guides
- Learn how to build a deck
FAQs: Exterior BIM with Diysketch House Designs
Can I learn to build my own facade construction?
Yes, with a complete SketchUp house model, you can easily see the details of your facade and learn how to build your own – access the essential details and see everything the way you want to.
Can I calculate the exact number of boards I need for my new facade?
Yes, in SketchUp, you can hide each board individually and calculate exactly how many boards you need, down to the last piece. Additionally, you can see how the boards should be cut, installed on ventilation strips, and finished off with an aluminum drip edge.
How detailed is the roof?
All our house models have fully detailed roof structures, so you can see every little detail, from the number of roof tiles to how the corrugated sheet roof is installed. You can even see how to install your aluminum roof edge to the roofing membrane.
How easy is it to install doors and windows?
It’s quick and easy to learn how to install your own doors and windows in the real world. Simply look at the SketchUp model and hide and unhide the elements one by one. You can also create scenes that show the construction step by step. It’s completely up to you, and unlike Revit, you can easily see all the details without needing extensive knowledge of 3D programs.
What is the difference between a fixed wind barrier and a wind barrier made of strip goods?
The difference is significant. When you use a fixed material like fiber cement or OSB boards, more commonly in USA, you add extra strength to your house. If you use strip goods, you’ll need to brace your house, either by adding diagonal bracing in the timber frame or using bracing bands.
What is not included in the exterior details?
Things like fastening (screws, for example) are not shown in the 3D model. Your new house project doesn’t include specific brackets either. These are elements we haven’t seen as essential, as they can be easily figured out with common sense when it comes to assembling the construction. This approach also allows you to buy a 3D house project at a lower price, compared to if we had included what we consider “common sense” details.
House Plans & 3D Blueprints
See our available house designs and find one that suits your style.