I’m looking for a simple and affordable program to use in preparing simple plans for presentation to customers and inspectors. This would be used for small projects like decks, bathrooms and finished basements. What do you like and recommend?
Al Mollitor, Sharon, MA
Replies
Define afordable.
Some people think that it is a $1, other $5,000.
I have used 3D Home Architect- it's simple-I can even use it WITHOUT my teens helping me and the price was about $ 25 on special some time ago I did a basement renovation fo ra customer and I put in his existing basement and then came up with 3 options for layouts. The program is dead easy. Naturally I gave the 3 options to the customer, they looked at them over a weekend and came up with a variation which I was able to quickly draw for them and proceeded right to contract. They were impressed about the plans ( I think it helped ice the job )and were good customers...
Thanks! This sounds like what I'm looking for. I just ordered a copy of Version 3 through eBay for $7.99 plus shipping. What version do you have? Version 5 seems to be going for $27 or more. Perhaps I'll upgrade if it seems like a program worth sticking with.
At this price, it seems too good to be true, but I figure it has to be better than graph paper and a pencil!
Al Mollitor, Sharon, MA
I agree with 3D Home Architech. I built a 2-1/2 story replica of a historical Charleston Single house with a full basement and an attached garage using it. I was able to get financing and permits using the printouts. It does not give all the details for a good tight contract, but plenty of info if you are contracting yourself.
Version 5 is not an upgrade.
The older version of 3d HA are stripped down version of Chief Architect.
Version 5 was produced by a completely different company. From what I have heard it won't accept drawings done under the older versions. Also all of the Look and Feel is different.
I saw some reviews and some people like for the new features, others hate it.
I got my copy of 3D Home Architect (Deluxe Version 3.0). I'm still very low on the learning curve, but it seems it can be used only for floor plans of ROOMS. Is there a way to use if for decks, porches, cabinets or other objects that are not rooms or houses? If not, can you suggest something?
I can tell 3D HA will be handy when I'm planning a basement, bathroom or other room remodel. For these tasks it seems a great value. Thanks for the tip!
Al Mollitor, Sharon MA
3DHA can be used for homes- just keep "building" your plan until you get a house! If you got the version 3- Design suite comes with landscaping, interiors and a bunch of other stuff- I haven't had a chance to use it for an extensive time therefore I'm on the learning curve as well as yourself!
I might try to suggest that you take some time and play with the program and use the help function if you run stuck
Keep me posted...
I used TurboCad for years, even beta tested versions 6 & 7. Then I upgraded to AutoCad LT, which is vastly superior. You can find it at computer fairs for about $350.
-- J.S.
You got the right program for small projects. I've built houses and remodels with it. I even did a daycare buildout with it. Best of all, go to http://www.countryplans.com and type in 3dha at the search and you'll find lots of help and discussion. It's a favorite over there.