Does anybody use Home design software. Can anybody tell me the best ones. I have been looking at 3D Home Architect 5 Pro by Broderbund and Architectual Series 18 by Punch. Are these software programs good for laying out your ideas.
Paul.
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You migth try searching this site for info on this. I asked a similar question a few weeks ago and got some helpful tips.
Al Mollitor, Sharon MA
I found that the search is not working again tonight.
You can read ooodl;es at this site,
http://www.jlconline.com/cgi-bin/jlconline.storefront/3eb076fd0005466a271a401e1d29060e/Catalog/1131?
Excellence is its own reward!
Beyond that, You could develope better discussion by mentioning the kind of work you do and anticipate using the software for, and the budget you have available to invest in it.
Regardless whether you buy cheap or expensive CAD you will invest a considerable amt of tiome learning. It is a worthwhile venture.
Excellence is its own reward!
The software programs I mentioned are about $100. I did not want to spend much more than that. I am considering an addition to my house and would like to see my ideas in 3D. I am an elect engr and I know AutoCAD. I have used an older version of a home design program (can't remember the name) was easy to layout the plan and was able to see different views but editing was very limited. These newer programs boast a lot more capabilities.
I saw Chief Architect in action at the JLC live in Milwaukee, which I thought was amazing, but then again it was $1500. I really do think it would get you jobs, its just the glitz the modern consumer is looking for, if it were economically feasible I would be all over it
I'm in the same boat as you, Paul. I just bought "Punch"'s program form Costco yesterday and I wasn't to thrilled with it. It's going back to the store tomorrow.
I have a a home plan in mind for our new house and I am looking for some thing that I can draw and modify easily and not send the next month trying to figure out how everything works. I would like to have some 3D on it but I don't need it to be total realistic. I mainly want to be able to move walls enlarge/decrease rooms to get a floor plan that works without having to start over. Also want something that has a good source of window, door, cabinetry, plumbing, and stair details. I mostly want a program the is accurate and user(novice) friendly.
Any body out there that can point Paul and I in the right direction? Time is of the essence. Thank you in advance, Brian
I use a higher priced program but from all I hear, the broderbund 3D Home Architect is what you guys want at that budget.
Maybe Turbocad - varies from 69 to 350 or so depending on version etc. I think there may be some free downloads of it in 2D with a very limited library of symbols
ACAD lite is around 750 but some guys claiom to finding it as low as 250.
Excellence is its own reward!
I went looking for a 3D drawing program and I found one I really liked - it's called SketchUp. http://www.sketch3d.com/ I found it easy to use but it's not exactly a novice tool. It's a bit pricey ($475) but they have a free download that gives you 8 hours of design time so you can see if you like it. There are also a bunch of screen training "videos" that you can watch that explain how to use it. They have a great system of reference points for drawing in 3D. I created a drawing of a bathroom I'm working on and then scanned in the tile I'm thinking of using and then applied the images as textures to get a sense of how the color would work. I think I saved myself some grief since the colors really didn't work. I was then able to easily try different options.
They have a new version coming out so I'm going to keep my eye on them.
3D Home Architect would work well for what you want to do and meet your budget. One other alternative since you know AutoCAD might be IntelliCAD. IntelliCAD 4 is just being released now and some versions include ACIS solid modeling for about $200. It's very similar to AutoCAD. Most of the commands are the same, it has a command line and you should feel right at home. If you know AutoCAD you should be up and running quickly. Some vendors have a trial version you can try. It has good file compatibility with ACAD up to and including ACAD 2000.
Some IntelliCAD vendors:
http://intellicadms.com/ http://www.cadopia.com http://www.autodsys.com/
Edited 5/2/2003 1:11:16 AM ET by jc
You can go to http://www.5star-shareware.com and try all kinds of stuff for free before you buy.