Replies

1. 
   Piffin | Mar 19, 2004 01:52am | #1

   Punch isn't in the same class as SP, Vectorworks or Chief Architect.

   I use SP, Mike Smith uses Chief, and a few others here use vectorworks.

   What kind of detail?

   I work with quite a few interior designers who do their work in Vactorworks but I think I've heard Joe Stoddard say that you have to work a lot harder to get floorplans and elevations out of Vectorworks, compared to SP. SP was easy for me to learn and to use, but I've heard about folks who thought Chief was easier tho not quite as powerful. Each of these three are in the running for professional builders, along with ACAD lite. I don't recall ever hearing anything good about Punch from a pro.

   Use search for past discussions on this or ask more specific questions for better answers and remember that the cost of the software is an investment in a tool, not an expense. investments return profits to the owner when properly applied.

   Your time learning is also an investment, so don't waste it on an 'Enron' program

    

    

   Welcome to the
   Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
    where ...
   Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   curley | Mar 20, 2004 04:24am | #2

   I've read through all  the previous messages. I'm slightly confused. I myself am a DIY'er, but have for years subscribed to Fine Home Building. I recently built a 26' X 32' garage with full foundation, and installed my own 100 amp service. I did the work as a learning experience. I had a really great time. I had only complements from the county inspectors start to finish. (Thanks to FHB). To be honest I might get laid off from my trucking job soon, but I actually might try getting a job with a home contractor. I enjoy it this much. My confusion- If folks are building a simple house (ranch?) not like the custom houses being built today,  why is an architech needed? We are planning to build an addition.  I was planning to use Tauntons's Graphic Guide to Frame Construction to supply the detailed construction plans for our addition.  I thought a set of detailed construction plans provide the "how" I'm going to build not the what I am going to build. So why do I need an architech???

2. 
   marketsgroup | Mar 21, 2004 01:24am | #3

   What about Solid Builder....from Digital Canal? How does it stack up to SP?

1. 
   Piffin | Mar 21, 2004 01:46am | #4

   Don't know about the latest or if I'm confusing programs. I think it is the same that was marketed by Eagle Software. Very pushy salesmpeople, expensive program, non-existant teck help, buggy program, much harder to learn than SP.

   One of the beauties of SP uis that you don't need to learn to think like a programing software geek to user it. You think like a builder. Wanna do ceilings? You hit the ceiling mode button. Floors, Roofs? Same thing.

   It does help with any program to be able to think three dimensionally, especially for anything other than a simple ranch house with equal wal heights and same roof pitches 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

2. 
   ChrisManus | Nov 24, 2004 02:45am | #5

   Hello Bob

   With Vector works You can move from sketch ( simple line /Sketch drawings),into Working Drawing and then into 3D and visa versa,Similarily,you can choose how you want to work. You cant do this with a lot of other packages..There're limitations when you try to do things outside  of the box,You are then forced to use work arounds and things start looking the same. Also professional consultants would prefer Vector works .If you get my gist.We have taken Design /Build to the next level.Estimating Scheduling,and analysis.It has increased and impacted greatly on our work and pofit. If your a DIYer,you  can also use it to design just about anything,including woodworking projects etc

   Choose wisely  & Good luck.

   
   

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   Edited 11/23/2004 6:51 pm ET by Chris Manus

3. 
   Isamemon | Nov 27, 2004 08:11pm | #6

   so Bob,

   Months ago you posted the question, so what program did you get and how do you like it ?

   Still searching, Im a Chief Archi fan and user from way back. Great forum for its users