Chief Architect® Professional worth $2600?
My interior designer wife is now working with her contractor / remodeler brother and business is picking up. She’s dabbled with various CAD programs in the past but never found one she liked. She just downloaded the trial version of Chief Architect® Professional and thinks it is the one she wants to use. The Professional version is $2600. The same company makes a DIY version for about $450. I notice they make a Professional Lite version, cost unknown, that is also of interest.
I looked in the archives here and didn’t see any comments comparing the two versions, and wondered if anyone has experience with both or either version, and offer some advice as to how the Professional version adds $2000 of value and usefulness over the DIY version.
They do decks, ramps, handicap access remodeling, and would like the abiltiy to do interior and exterior renderings and 3D.
Replies
I used the DIY version for a number of years before switching over to CA full version. Both provided suitable renderings to show clients what they could expect and was definitely a factor in closing the deal. Ultimately, CA has better rendering when you factor in radiosity capabilities (shadows and reflections). On one last project, my clients live full time in China and with the free CA viewer they keep up to date with the changes with no problems. Also, I kept engineering costs down as well because all that was needed was to markup my plans. My engineer lived 3 hrs away and one quick site visit was all that was needed. Everything else was email. If you are providing plans then CA is is what you'll want.
I found the DIY (Better Homes and Gardens, btw) at a deep discount but when I upgraded I received full credit towards CA X3. It's really a no lose scenario in that respect.
Another program that I wouldn't overlook is Google Sketchup. I find that it is better suited for many of the really custom aspects of a job especially when it comes to interiors. Sketchup Pro comes with layout and other features that are very useful. Watch a video online to check it out. At $495 it's a good deal too.
I'm now considering GS Pro instead of upgrading to CA X4.
Good luck with new business, I'm sure whichever way you decide to go, it'll work out great.