Q: How accurate are the measurements from RENDR scans?
A: RENDR's accuracy varies depending on the space scanned. For single rooms, the measurements are typically within 1 inch. For larger spaces or multi-room scans, there may be 2-3 inch variances in some areas. Some sources state the accuracy is within 1-3 inches for larger spaces, while others say 1-2 inches for most spaces. Generally, the scans provide highly accurate measurements, typically within 1-2% of actual dimensions. RENDR is described as being as accurate as mobile LiDAR scanning technology can get. It is important to understand what to expect from RENDR and how to use it effectively to achieve this accuracy.
Q: What if the scan is not accurate?
A: The accuracy is 99%+ as long as you follow simple tips. RENDR provides a guide on achieving this accuracy, such as the 'RENDR and My Process' guide. If you encounter issues like crooked walls or large discrepancies, it's often due to user error, like excessive up-and-down motion, "painting" the room, working in dim light, or doubling back unnecessarily. Reviewing the 'Scanning Overview' video is recommended to avoid common mistakes. If you suspect a faulty device, you can reach out to the support team. While the data in the report tab is "locked and loaded", you have the ability to edit the quantities pulled into JobTread after they are there. If a scan missed a fixture, you can edit the quantities in JobTread. Sharing scans with the RENDR team is encouraged so they can investigate accuracy issues.
Q: We need to be accurate to the quarter-inch for our projects. How does RENDR help?
A: While RENDR is as accurate as mobile scanning gets, typically within an inch or 1-3 inches for most spaces, quarter-inch precision usually requires more expensive stationary scanners ($30,000-$40,000). For projects needing precise measurements like custom millwork, a single room scan will be the most accurate, and usually within an inch accurate. Exporting single rooms into 2020 allows you to preserve the exact dimensions captured in the space, often returning highly desirable results. Regardless, RENDR scans still provides a valuable starting point, and you can mark up critical measurements on the PDF export to manipulate in CAD software appropriately. The 'RENDR and My Process' guide discusses how contractors needing ⅛” accuracy use RENDR's 99% accuracy to speed up their sales process, performing the still-important field measure later, after the job is sold.
Q: Can RENDR capture fine details like light switches and bulkheads?
A: RENDR captures the overall room dimensions and layout. It does not include fine details like light switches or bulkheads. For those details, you'll want to make notes and sketches during the initial site visit. While RENDR can sometimes detect and measure soffits and bulkheads, its performance can vary, and it's recommended to take additional measurements and notes for any critical features that RENDR may not capture accurately.
Q: Does RENDR automatically recognize and place objects like plumbing fixtures or furniture?
A: Yes, RENDR automatically captures and places objects such as sinks, toilets, kitchen appliances (stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers), TVs, couches, chairs, desks, and stairs on the floor plan at their real-life location and size. For example, a scanned toilet shows up as a CAD block in Chief Architect, indicating its exact real-life position. RENDR's object recognition is continuously improving.
Q: How does RENDR handle doors and windows?
A: RENDR captures the placement of windows and doors on walls, and you can view their placement and dimensions on the 'Walls' tab in the space details page. When exporting to Chief Architect or 2020, windows come through automatically, and RENDR currently shows doors as cased openings or doorway openings, and does not automatically show door swings.
Q: Can RENDR scan multiple floors or separate rooms?
A: RENDR currently scans one floor at a time. To capture a multi-story space, you need to scan each floor separately and save them as part of the same project. When scanning a single floor with multiple rooms, you do not stop scanning when going from room to room; you simply walk through doorways, and the app maps the entire floor plan in one scan. You can also scan separate individual rooms and sync multiple spaces to a particular job in JobTread, and even export multiple rooms into Chief Architect.
Q: What kind of data does RENDR capture besides the floor plan?
A: Each space scanned is packed with useful information. The 'Walls' tab provides elevations, showing window and door placement and exact wall dimensions. The 'Rooms' tab provides overall room parameters like ceiling height, square footage, perimeter, and other key details. The 'Report' tab compiles general parameters about the space, offering a quick overview of everything at a glance. These parameters are used by integration partners for estimating. RENDR also captures information about detected objects like fixtures and furniture.
Q: What export options are available from RENDR?
A: With RENDR, you can generate a PDF of your space to markup and add notes digitally. You can also export directly to CAD software. Specifically, you can export a 2020 XML file for direct import into 2020. You can also export a DXF file, which is a universal CAD export compatible with many software like Chief Architect, AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp Pro, Pro Kitchen, and Softplan. For Chief Architect, there is an export button. To preserve accuracy when importing into Chief Architect, exporting as a single-line DXF without using "CAD to Walls" and manually tracing walls is recommended for the highest precision. Ensure the export scale matches the scale set in your CAD software.
Q: Can I use RENDR without other design software?
A: Yes, you can use RENDR to collect existing conditions, save photos, reference parameters, and link them to JobTread without using other design software.
Q: Does RENDR work on Android devices?
A: No, RENDR is currently only available on iOS-based devices (iPhone Pros, iPad Pros) using their LiDAR sensor. LiDAR is required to achieve the stated accuracy. Availability on Android devices is not expected in the near future; RENDR is waiting for widespread integration of LiDAR within Android devices.
Q: Can RENDR scan spaces with just studs and no drywall?
A: RENDR can sometimes pick up studded walls, but it works best with finished wall surfaces. There may be inconsistencies in how it picks up framed walls without drywall.
Q: Can RENDR capture angled walls, vaulted ceilings, or exterior elements?
A: RENDR captures the overall shape and dimensions of the space, and can capture areas with varying ceiling heights, providing measurements on each elevation for vaulted ceilings. However, the "CAD to Walls" tool in Chief Architect has limitations in handling complex geometry like angled walls. The upcoming direct integration between RENDR and Chief Architect is expected to improve handling of complex features, including preserving wall heights and window placements. Currently, RENDR is focused on interior spaces and does not capture exterior elements. Future roadmaps may include potential expansion to exterior scanning.
Q: Can I modify the report tab in the RENDR app?
A: No, there is no way to modify the report tab in the RENDR app. The data in the reports tab is "locked and loaded". You can, however, edit quantities within JobTread, Buildxact, and any other third party integrated estimate software after they are pulled in from RENDR parameters.
Q: How does RENDR compare to other scanning systems like Matterport?
A: RENDR offers some key advantages over Matterport. RENDR is faster and more automated than Matterport, allowing you to get plans into Chief Architect much quicker. The scanning process is faster and more automated, leading to proposals being sent out in a fraction of the time. RENDR also provides more detailed room data for estimating and integrates seamlessly with estimating software.