I've just started with SU and had the same problem - but the following link to solutions was taken from another post

http://support.google.com/sketchup/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=36261

Really interested to see Sketchup used, outside of the usual areas of architecture/landscape design.

Had a quick flick to your web link to see how advanced you are taking this down the BIM route - where Autodesk are currently focused

Hi Nicole

I'm just starting out with SketchUp - I'm a space planner and have spent most of my years doing 2D CAD, it pays the bills. I'm also currently learning 3D AutoCAD at night classes, but I'm enjoying SU, supported by the brilliant starter book "SketchUp for Dummies"

My dilemma is how much modelling do I do, compared with using 3D Warehouse ? I guess for speed I'll end up using 3D Warehouse a lot to start with but I intend learn from components that I import, so that I could model, most NOT all (due to complexity) myself.

Hello SketchUcation

Been using 2D CAD for space planning (mainly commercial offices) for too many years. This year I have started learning AutoCAD 3D but SketchUp seems more intuitive for 3D, faster (more fun too) and provide some great output - so I'm looking forward to start modelling soon.

Have the excellent "sketchup for dummies" to kickstart my journey.

Once I've got the hand of basic modelling will want to move onto rendering - but not sure of which book to go for "Rendering Sketchup (Danial Tal)" or "Architectural Design with Sketchup (Alexander Schreyer)", to take from Beginner to Intermediate level.

Appreciate help !!