Replies

1. 
   bake_ | Feb 16, 2002 08:40am | #1

   *
   Sounds like it could be 3D home Architect?

   Cheers
   bake

1. 
   Rich_Regan | Feb 16, 2002 03:37pm | #2

   *I use Floor Plans Plus. Pretty easy to learn.

1. 
   Ormond | Feb 16, 2002 07:31pm | #3

   *Thanks, I'll check it out.Ormond

1. 
   Eric_Svendson | Feb 17, 2002 05:16pm | #4

   *The software you want is 3DHome Architect Deluxe 3.0The latest version of their software is 4.0 but, IMHO, not nearly as much of a value as the earlier version nor as fast. Version 3.0 is usually available on e-bay for about $15-20. I started using this software a few years ago and have referred to the instruction manual only twice - its that easy and that powerful - a "junior" version of Chief Architect that sells for around $1400.Do a search on FHB's home page on "cad software" and lots pops up.

1. 
   Jim_Pappas | Feb 18, 2002 12:46pm | #5

   *I use 3DHome Architect Deluxe 4.0. I worked on the originial set of plans on my computer, and then email'd the file to my designer. She inputs everything in autocad. We would communicate back and forth every day, and as we made changes, I would keep my version of the plans in sync with the faxes that she would send me each night. If I thought of an idea, I would enter it into the my cad program, and fax her a picture of the changes.It worked great and we had a basis for discussion as we worked on the design in parallel.Jim Pappas

2. 
   charles_magers | Feb 25, 2002 11:22pm | #6

   *Do you know if this software, version 3.0, works with Windows 2000 pro operating system? The information I get says no...Thanks Chuck Magers

3. 
   xJohn_Sprung | Feb 25, 2002 11:55pm | #7

   *I started with the cheap TurboCAD, which was a mistake, and had to upgrade to AutoCad LT. If you need to exchange files with anybody, there's no substitute for a real AutoCad product. The .DWG file format is very complex, and AutoDesk doesn't release a spec, so all other programs have to reverse engineer it, and they all have fairly severe bugs. If you look around computer fairs, you can pick up a new legit copy of LT for about $350. If you're going to build your first house, no matter how hard you try, you can't begin to imagine how much of your time and effort you're going to spend working with your CAD program. This is one place where the money for the professional tool is well worth it.-- J.S.

2. 
   Ormond | Feb 25, 2002 11:55pm | #8

   *
   I read a short article, I thought in Fine Homebuilding, and cannot find it. It was about a cheap (under $100) software package for designing floor plans. It claimed to have a short learning curve. I am looking for a product like that to do a rough draft of a new home I am planning to build for myself. I would take the software draft to an architect to get real plans. Anyone know of something like this.