Any free building plan software (for Dummies)

This is for a simple 2 room addition in my basement. It would be nice to have a Building Sketch template so I could fill in name, address, area calculations, etc.
This is for a simple 2 room addition in my basement. It would be nice to have a Building Sketch template so I could fill in name, address, area calculations, etc.
The end of this program will likely lead to higher energy bills and fewer business opportunities for the American people.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial NowDig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.
Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox
Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.
Start Your Free TrialGet complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.
Already a member? Log in
Replies
two options
google sketch up is online for free. Short of that, buy some paper and and pencil. Neither won't break the bank.
Librecad is free
Librecad is a free open source cad program. I use it for simple tasks, but it is very capable. I did find it exasperating to learn, there is no manual or help within the program, but there is a lot of information online. Some functions are not intuitive such as copy and move.
Maybe I only think in 2 dimensions, but I never could draw anything in sketchup. I think librecad would be better for producing floorplans, and sketchup would be better for visualization.