New to SketchUp - Introduction and Questions

[zild1221]

Hi everyone. As the title suggests, I am fairly new to SU. I have done simple models (very simple mind you) in the past, but now I'm looking to go further with SU and use its full potential.

I guess it would help if you knew what I am planning on using SU for. My main goal right now is kitchen/bathroom modeling. Next is models and levels for games (mostly racing simulations). Right now for kitchen designs, we use a product called 20/20 http://www.2020technologies.com/ . At this point, we use a really old version. I feel instead of updating, SU can accomplish the same task.
I have a bunch of questions so I will try to keep them as organized as possible for you guys.

First off, are there any guides you would recommend using to start off? I know how to use the basic tools for basic functions, but no more than that really.

What general plugins would you recommend I get to improve my overall experience with SU?

Are there any tools/plugins you would highly recommend for kitchen/bathroom design?

Are there any tools/plugins you would highly recommend for model and level design for games? (Terrain generation and manipulation, things of this nature...)

Is there any easy way to work from a 2d CAD drawing?

What renderer would you recommend most that is beginner friendly, price efficient(free would be nice) and wouldn't be a waste of time learning to use (ie. learning a garbage one and having to relearn a better one later)?

I would appreciate any hints/tips that increase productivity and general ease of use. I hope I'm not asking too much. I just don't want to dive into this blindly and learn bad habits and such.

Thanks in advance!

[peter_shaw]

first, learn the basics by doing simple stuff. just give yourself a task and try to do it. SU is really intuitive. when u hit a brick wall, use the search function on this forum.- also read this thrad http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?f=79&t=12706 and this one http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=17315&p=360018 over and over

here is a thread with .gifs of some good plugins http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?f=323&t=16909&hilit=plugins - but dont use too many plugins before u have the basics down.
here are all plugins in one thread: http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?p=250026

for archviz i mostly use Fredos Round Corner, Joint Push Pull, Selection Toys, CleanUp³. I have many more plugins but rarely need them. but it really depends what u are doing with SU.

terrain generation: sandbox tools

for a rendering beginner, i would recommend free maxwell. u basically just press a button and get a photorealistic rendering.