Design programs?

[bigbubba]

Any body have any experience with the home design programs? which ones are the best and why?Do they let you build a separate shop as well?I had a program years ago but lost the disk when we moved and i cannot remember what the name of it was.We are looking for property to start building our new home and shop on and we will be building it ourselves(Not the first time).The shop will be dual purpose Personal/Bus. and will have an upstairs 1/2 mancave 1/2 storage.

 

[HotRodKush]

Take a look at one of my recent previous threads - I found an easy to use program that lets you design your own structures. It's not very complex, but it does output plans and lets you view the structure in 3d if that's something that is useful to you.

EDIT: Here it is:
http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=85360

 

[bigbubba]

Thanks,I'm checking it out right now

 

[rasit]

+1 on the Punch software. The best features for me were: the ability to visualize my design, develop blueprints that were acceptable for permit application and material estimate sheets.

 

[Colonial Cobra]

I used 3d home architect for two home additions and two garage builds. I was very pleased with the program. All drawings were accepted by the county for permits with no problems at all.

 

[LennyTheLizard]

I use Chief Architect Home Designer Suite. It's about $100. I've used 3D Home Architect in the past, and I like this program much better. However, there are still some quirks in it that I don't like. For example, I made a layout of our whole property and have both the House and the unattached garage on the layout. But there are some things that it will not allow me to have different on each building. For example, if I put a metal roof on the garage, it also changes the one on the house (although I already had a shingle roof designed). It's great for getting a good visual of what the building / room will look like though, especially when you are considering re-decorating or painting a room or using different type of walls.

 

[irishtom]

I still hand draft my home projects.

 

[kfosburg]

+1 on 3D home archictect. Designed our home (not engineered, just designed), garage and pole barn. Gives nice 3D views and you can place trees and terrain to see what it will all look like when done. I actually liked the old version better for quick stuff and it was cheap and quick.

Karl

 

[bigbubba]

Thanks for the input guys,Going to see what all Office depot has the next chance i get.?Seems like i got my old program at wally world so i might check there too

 

[drmoonshine]

I often have trouble using this programs so I just stick with the pen and paper. I would be interested if you guys have one that is very straightforward and doesn't have to much computer know how involved.

 

[HotRodKush]

I often have trouble using this programs so I just stick with the pen and paper. I would be interested if you guys have one that is very straightforward and doesn't have to much computer know how involved.

The one I posted above is pretty straight-forward. If you want a door, you click the "door" icon, then click where you want it to go. Same with walls, windows, etc. The tutorials are easy to understand too.

 

[z28snksknr]

I've used Punch software as well. Time consuming, but helpful.

 

[DeadSock]

I've used punch ... good for basic stuff. You could get drawings for a deck or perhaps a shed good enough for a building permit, but not much more.

Home Designer Pro is much better (but more $$$). Home Designer Pro is a step below the professional Chief Architect (mucho $$$), but will let you do framing as well as some 2-D CAD. Both are produced by the same company.

Note, Chief Architect (the company) sells many "levels" of software. Their top-tier is "Chief Architect" labeled and is generally for professional designers/architects ($1500 and up). Their "Home Designer" series is generally for non-professionals, and also has different levels ($500 and down).

I'm going to build a new barn/shop in the next year or two and will design with Home Designer Pro. I'm hoping to find an architect that can take my plans, import them into his Chief Architect, tweak, and then produce drawings I'll need for permit. The more I can do, hopefully the lower the architects bill ...

<edit>
not trying to sound like an advertisement, but have been happy with the stuff for a couple of years now, and been very helpful in 3 remodels.
http://www.homedesignersoftware.com/homedesign/
</edit>