Hello to all,
I apologize if this is in the wrong category – but – software is just another kind of tool, right?
My husband works for a 3 person business doing all sorts of remodeling/restoration of older houses. He also takes small side jobs, occasionally, which often involve some sort of built in cabinetry or other storage. He’s still doing all of his design work by hand – I know there are many computer programs out there that could really help him.
Can anyone recommend a program that would be good for design/drawing cabinetry and other light construction jobs. Ideally, it would include 3D rendering and, if it were the perfect program, would generate cut lists….
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Melanie Wellington
Replies
Well, I see that's your first posting. Welcome to the forum. Your question gets asked about once a month. See if you can do a search for "cad" or "softplan" and if the search function decides to work, you should hit the jackpot. If you have a specific question about a program, re-post and you'll get plenty of advice.
Do it right, or do it twice.
Thanks!
I was somewhat hesitant to ask, since I figured this must come up, but didn't realize I could search on it. I appreciate the help.
Melanie
Well, maybe you can search, and maybe you can't. Depends on how the search function is feeling today.
Seriously, if you just want general answers, try the search function and read the volumes of responses. If you have a specifiec question, need clarification of a previous message, or if the search doesn't work, don't be afraid to ask.
The responses are going to be along the lines of: how much do you want to spend, what do you want to do with the software, how much time are you willing to dedicate to learning it, etc.
Do it right, or do it twice.
I'm a Softplan ( IMO, One of the best and most powerful) user but from what you describne, he might be happier with Chief Architect and I think they have a working free thirty day trail run. It is supposed to be extremely easy to learn.
I am also intrigued by Vectorworks. That or ACAD light might do the drafting but I think rendering is an extra cost.
Excellence is its own reward!
AutoCad Lite won't do rendering at any cost. I think full AutoCad has an option, but now you're talking real money.Do it right, or do it twice.
AutoCad (full version) will do rendering, however it is primative and it down right sucks. There are decent add ons though. I used Accurender for awhile and it did a nice job plus it works right in autocad. The cost was also reasonable, around 500 or so. I am not sure if you can add on to Autocad lite. If you could it would probably be a good solution for her.
The only problem with cad is that the user must "draft" the cabinets. With Softplan and chief (unless I'm mistaken) the drafting is pretty much done by the software.