Architectural Software

[EB.Bldr]

I'm looking for a quality software, windows based, that I can use for creating ideal floor plans for a future detached building.

I had something similar that I baught at O-Depot years ago but it was not user friendly. Any suggestions for something that will allow me to create walls, insert windows and doors, adjust roof pitch, etc and render it in 3D?

TIA

Dave

 

[KenB]

Google Sketchup.

 

[Matchew]

Google Sketchup.

2nd that

 

[EB.Bldr]

Thx I'll check it out.

 

[PAToyota]

As an architect, I was always forced to use AutoCAD at the companies I worked for. Over the years I was slowly able to convince them to allow me to do my schematic design and design development in SketchUp. But at some point I was always forced to change over to AutoCAD in design development and onward into construction documents.

Since going out on my own, and with the improvements to SketchUp these past few years, I am able to do all of my work in SketchUp Pro. The main issue for using Pro is LayOut, which allows me to put together the construction document sheets - sort of like Paper Space in AutoCAD.

 

[digdug18]

sketchup is ok, kinda a PITA to work with really though, I've been using the trial version of "home designer pro", works great.

 

[PAToyota]

sketchup is ok, kinda a PITA to work with really though

Of nearly twenty-five years working with CAD, the current version is the easiest, most capable program I have ever worked with - by that I mean that there are more capable (but harder to learn) and easier to learn (but not as capable) programs out there. And the video tutorials make it a breeze to learn.

 

[digdug18]

Of nearly twenty-five years working with CAD, the current version is the easiest, most capable program I have ever worked with - by that I mean that there are more capable (but harder to learn) and easier to learn (but not as capable) programs out there. And the video tutorials make it a breeze to learn.

Yes, easier then CAD, but what isn't easier then cad. The videos are excellent quality, though some of the functions are there for all computers. I use a laptop, so no 3 button mouse and its not easy for me to use the hotkey mouse functions that are heavily used in sketchup. I also found that some of the building functions are harder to use then they should be, it takes longer to build a wall and a whole house then it needs to be. I like that you can make lots of your own designs, chairs, appliances, etc, but I am just looking to design a garage/house, I don't need to reinvent the wheel.

 

[KELLHAMMER]

Considering Sketchup has a free version and it's abilty to do 3d very very easily. It's gotta be the best bet. Drawing by hand is not a bad choice is the absolute cheapest way to go. Doublecad has a free version that is similar to Autocad LT. Seems like a quite capable program.

 

[metal1313]

i use a combination of cad, sketch-up and revit architceture. its what i was taught in school so im used to it and i have several reference books to go to when i have issues. that said i was able to get a heavily discounted rate on autocad and revit through my school and a past summer job

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Chief Architect, it's not cheap but it is a great program. You can't beat the features and it is a pro level cad program. You can set up wall types to what you need and peel back layers on a house to visualize how it will go together plus it will give you material lists.

I bought it when we designed our house and the wife worked on the plans until she got everything she wanted done. The "3D" iso views are great for people (like her) that have a hard time understanding plan views and how they relate to 3D space.

 

[Cobra5150]

If you want something simple, easy and cheap try 3D Home Architect.
Amazon has an old version for cheap and may do what you want:
3D-Home Architect

 

[tig]

I love using Visio for this.