Thanks for the suggestion. Definitely a big learning curve compared to Maxwell. I will be doing a lot of playing around with it. However, basic lighting is already working so that is a plus.

I have a simple quick question. I am looking for the best free rendering software. I have been attempting to use Maxwell free for sketchup, but I get less than great results and lighting (that isn't the sun) just won't work for me.

If it helps, I mostly do home interiors, and some exterior.

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!