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Build your own 3D configurator or subscribe? An honest comparison

If you want a 3D configurator for patio roofs on your website, you face a fundamental question: custom development by an agency, or a ready-made solution on subscription? This article puts both options in context and gives you a checklist for making your choice.

TerraVue3D editorial team7 min read

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What a good patio roof configurator needs to do

A configurator is more than a 3D model with a colour picker. To help your sales, it has to reflect the logic of your products: size limits and increments, rafter spacing that grows with the width, side walls that only suit certain mounting types, wedges on sloping sides. Add to that realistic materials – glass, multiwall sheets, powder coating – and controls that work on a phone.

And in the end, what counts is what reaches you: an enquiry with all the details you need to price the job.

Custom development and ready-made solution compared

Custom developmentReady-made solution (subscription)
Initial investmentHigh: concept, 3D models, programming, testingLow: setup with your data
Time to launchUsually several monthsA few days to weeks
Running costsHosting, maintenance, adapting to new browsers and devicesFixed monthly fee including updates
CustomisationMaximumHigh within the platform (brand, range, rules)
RiskYours: budget, deadlines, dependency on the agencyLow: test first, cancellable
Further developmentEvery new feature is commissioned separatelyNew features arrive automatically

When custom development makes sense

Custom development can make sense if you are a manufacturer with a very specialised system, your configurator needs deep integration with ERP, production or a dealer portal, and you have your own team for ongoing maintenance. In that case, plan not just the project but the years that follow: browsers, devices and 3D technology change constantly.

When a ready-made solution is the better choice

For most installers and dealers, a ready-made, customisable solution is more economical: it is ready to use immediately, is continuously developed and costs a predictable monthly amount. What matters is that it reflects your range and your brand – otherwise it looks out of place on your website.

Checklist: what to look for when choosing

  • Your range, your rules

    Can colours, size limits, increments, roofing and wall types be restricted to what you offer?

  • Mobile first

    Test the configurator on an average smartphone, not the latest one. Does it stay smooth?

  • Realistic materials

    Does glass look like glass? Can multiwall sheets and powder coatings be told apart?

  • Enquiry with all the details

    What actually reaches you? Ideally the configuration, contact details, photos and an image of the design.

  • White label

    Do your logo and colour appear – or the supplier’s brand?

  • Integration

    Does the configurator work with your website system, and who embeds it?

  • Data protection

    Where is data processed, is there a data processing agreement, and are photos handled sparingly?

  • Contract

    Term, notice period, pricing structure: are there feature tiers or surcharges?

Your own configurator, before the contract starts

We set up a demo with your products, colours and logo – free and without obligation.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to develop your own 3D configurator?

That depends heavily on the scope. With concept, 3D models, product logic, design and testing, you should expect custom development to take months rather than weeks.

Can I start with a ready-made solution and switch later?

Yes. A subscription without a long term keeps that option open. You gain time and experience of which features your customers actually use.

Request a demo

Tell us briefly what you sell. We will get back to you within one working day – with a date for your personal demo.

Prefer to write directly? vertrieb@terravue3d.de
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