Replies

1. 
   PaulBinCT | Dec 27, 2004 06:30pm | #1

   That's a broad price range.  What do you want it to do?  I use Chief Architect, which is a powerful but pricey program with a fairly steep learning curve.  Have also used Vector Works which is another big name... First thing to decide is what yor want it to do, and what amount of studying you're willing to do.

1. 
   woodenhead | Dec 27, 2004 11:11pm | #5

   i would like to assist people, design their homes before they hire an architech or contractor

1. 
   PaulBinCT | Dec 27, 2004 11:20pm | #6

   Welllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll OK...

   I'm going to take a wild and hopeful guess that you're looking to just do floor plans.  In that case I'd suggest a product by Better Homes and Gardens, I forget the name but it's basically Chief Architect lite (in function, not name) as I recall... otherwise I seem to remember Microsoft having something with a name like "My Home Designer"...

   Good Luck...

2. 
   NickNukeEm | Dec 27, 2004 11:57pm | #7

   At the risk of sounding stupid, what benefit are you going to be able to provide that they won't have to pay for when they do consult the archy?  Not trying to be a jerk, I just don't see the need for a third party.  But hey, if you can find someone willing to spend the cash, sounds good to me.

    I never met a tool I didn't like!

1. 
   woodenhead | Dec 28, 2004 12:35am | #8

   i found where i live there is a lot to be desired when it comes to designing and building houses ps everything i have learned comes from reading fine homebuilding, designed and acted as general contractor on my own house .it was avery rewarding .maybe i just like to design.

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Dec 29, 2004 06:29am | #9

   maybe i just like to design.  There's absolutely nothing wrong with that.  So, if that's the purpose of the software, then there are several options.

   Want 2d only?  That works well, but there's no pizazz (glitter) to the drawings.  So if you want to impress the customers, you should go with 3d.  Chief Architect comes to mind, SoftPlan too.  Since you will not be crfeating construction documents, you don't need the full-blown package.  A lite version of Chief woiuld probably be your best bet for starting out.

    I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.

2. 
   BillHartmann | Dec 27, 2004 07:14pm | #2

   "future homebuilding consultant business"

   What is that?

   Are you looking for DESIGN software or MANAGEMENT software?

3. 
   Piffin | Dec 27, 2004 07:20pm | #3

   Like Bill, I am curious what you will be wanting this software to do. None of it will build homews and I am trying to imagine what specialized software a consultant would want other than MS Office or the Corel word perffect suite

   What is your background and what is a description of this proposed business?

    

    

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1. 
   woodenhead | Dec 27, 2004 11:07pm | #4

   i would like to help people design their homes before they hire an architech or contractor