design drawing software

[mikemnf]

I am looking for something that probably doesn't exist. I would like to be able to play around with floor plans to build a cottage before getting an architect to draw up the real plans. What I would like to do would be to simply draw a box either the size of the exterior wall, then click the wall and designate it to be say 8" thick, and the program will draw the other side of the wall, and calculate the dimensions for the inside, and the outside. Next I would like to be able to click a point for the start of an interior wall and the end of the wall, designate it's thickness, and, poof, the wall appears with dimensions calculated. Next I would like to indicate the dimensions of a window, or door, and click where it would be located and poof, new dimensions would appear. I'm sure you get the drift. Easy to work with, but not too profesional.

Does anything exist at a reasonable price? What's reasonable? I don't even know, but if there is something out there I guess I''ll find out and then make the decision as to wheter or not I can afford reasonable.

Mike

[Nuclear Krusader]

Wow, this reminds me so much of Sierra Home Architect, which has been discontinued. But I used that one for "playing around" with layouts and stuff.

Have you tried googling for "home design software"?

I found this whilst searching for Sierra's old product: http://home-design-software-review.t...com/index.html

[David M]

I remember the Sierra Software from years ago...no wonder they no longer sell it. I tried it and it was frustrating as hell, I was probably asking too much from it like asking for the proper roof pitch or to not have interior walls which stick out through exterior walls or blocky furniture which looks like it belongs in Barbie's Playhouse.

I did quite a bit of research on this kind of software in the past when I was considering adding on to my home and redoing the landscaping.

In general, the more detailed the software, the more expensive it is going to be and the greater the learning curve. The professional grade software that architects use runs into the thousands.

This website may be of help for the do-it-yourselfer if you want to get a rough idea. There will be things which this software cannot do because of keep it simple limitations which makes it easy for the non-professional. You pretty much get what you pay for.

Don't be fooled by the pretty picture on the box...there is no way a purchaser of the product is going to get this good of an image.
Home Design Software Review 2011 - TopTenREVIEWS

There is also Punch Software not mentioned in the review. I don't remember which version I bought, it's been a few years.
Punch! Software official site - Home Design, Landscape Design, Interior Design, and Mac Home Design.

[Nuclear Krusader]

Gah! David, stop following me!

[EzyStvy]

This looks like fun:

Google Sketchup is an easy-to-use 3D modeling software that enables you to create 3D models of houses, buildings and many other objects, using an array of drag and drop tools and materials in a WYSIWYG editing environment. You can design your objects with rectangles, circles, ovals, arcs, lines and freehand drawings, and use a unique push/pull tool to add dimension to 2D objects. The program offers a library of building material patterns (brick, concrete, wood, glass, carpet etc.) and colors that you can use to add a realistic look to your creation. The finished design can be exported to popular image formats, including JPG, TIF, PNG and BMP, or shared via the Google 3D warehouse. Google Sketchup does not require any 3D experience, but you should read the supplied documentation and tutorials to make full use of the software - an interactive tutorial will explain the basic functionality for each selected tool. There is also a Pro version available, that offers export to 3D and raster formats.

Google Sketchup download and reviews from SnapFiles

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by EzyStvy This looks like fun: Google Sketchup is an easy-to-use 3D modeling software that enables you to create 3D models of houses, buildings and many other objects, using an array of drag and drop tools and materials in a WYSIWYG editing environment. You can design your objects with rectangles, circles, ovals, arcs, lines and freehand drawings, and use a unique push/pull tool to add dimension to 2D objects. The program offers a library of building material patterns (brick, concrete, wood, glass, carpet etc.) and colors that you can use to add a realistic look to your creation. The finished design can be exported to popular image formats, including JPG, TIF, PNG and BMP, or shared via the Google 3D warehouse. Google Sketchup does not require any 3D experience, but you should read the supplied documentation and tutorials to make full use of the software - an interactive tutorial will explain the basic functionality for each selected tool. There is also a Pro version available, that offers export to 3D and raster formats. Google Sketchup download and reviews from SnapFiles

2nd Google Sketchup

[David M]

Originally Posted by Nuclear Krusader Gah! David, stop following me!

You should feel honored to have a follower. Maybe start a cult?

[pam123]

Try this free on-line program : Autodesk Homestyler - Free Online Home Design Software

[mikemnf]

Thank you everyone. I checked out each item suggested and read all the reviews linked as well as those I was able to find on my own. Finally I went out and purchased a package from Punch. Thanks for the link David M. I will try to remember to report on how I make out with it.

Mike