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I'm looking for software that will be used for the remodeling business. It would also have the capability to draw foundations to the finished roof. This software will have to be very friendly because I pound a better nail than key boarding. All help will be appreciated. Dale
*Budget????frequency of use ??Accuracy required?????Custom details??????
*...i use two or three different programs...Builderworks. ( was GCworks ) ...estimating and proposals..Chief Architect for design....and Quattro Pro for invoicing....(Excell would work just as well.. but i like WordPerfect)Softplan comes well recommended by people here.. but i like Chief.....
*Dear Dale, In general, there's a trade-off between capabilities and ease of use. My partner and I have a wall panel plant and bid jobs ranging from single-family to small-scale commercial (motels, assisted-living centers, office campuses). We use 3D Home Architect 4 (plans ex portablee to Chief Architect) to tweak the design; we use Solid Builder to do the production drawings for the wall framing on the plant floor. I produced my first complete plan (including landscaping) in less than 6 hours after installing it on myC. In 3 requests for etch support, I received understandable, accurate responses to my questions by em-ail in less than 8 hours. Others may recommend other software as being cheaper, easier, or more capable (and they may be right), but I think 3DHA will do what you want without a big investment in bucks or learning curve.
*SoftplanBuy it , you'll like it.If not return it for a full refund.Most of my home design business comes from couples who buy those cheap packages ( you know the ones for sale at Best Buy), only to discover thatthey have so many limitations , so they give me their little 1/8" = 1' - 0" drawing of the floor plan, with all the dimensions rounded to the nearest inch, and have me do them rigth with Softplan.
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