Designing First Garage: Software?

[Thndr]

Hey guys,
Im getting ready to buy my first house, and id like to design the perfect garage, from scale of surfaces to paint scheme etc. Is their any suitable software suite for this task? Im pretty meticulous about planning every aspect of anything I tackle, and I have loads of free time behind a computer screen at work. Looking at some of the awesome garages some of you had I know they were not just pieced together...

Thanks!

 

[Tanshanomi]

Check out Punch Software. Their consumer architectural product line is pretty easy to use and not too pricy.

http://www.punchsoftware.com/

I used their software to teach an architecture unit in my 8th grade art class. The students loved it and had no problem working with the SW.

 

[964haus]

Most people here use google sketchup for testing initial design ideas. It's really quick and easy to learn and it let's you import components for the garage really easy...

M.

 

[socapots]

good question man.
Ive herd alot of people using sketchup.

 

[Super Sport]

Here's the link for sketchup: http://sketchup.google.com/intl/en/

It's pretty awesome for being free! I had a hard time with it at first, but after playing with it for awhile I caught on.

 

[Thndr]

Ive actually used sketchup for scale renderings, never thought about using it for anything more, ill revisit it.

Thanks for all the input!

 

[Zengineer]

For a quick and easy conceptualization, check out the garage planner on Grizzly Tools website.

http://www.grizzly.com/workshopplanner.aspx

 

[karl1672]

I've used this one, pretty easy and free
http://cbstructures.icovia.com/icovia.aspx

 

[socapots]

good links guys.
Thanks.

 

[OldracerJones]

I did my whole plan; foundation, building, electrical, plumbing, and lighting on Microsoft Visio.

 

[Endmout]

I'm in the planning phases of a 32' X 40' myself. I tried Sketchup and I loved the price, but I bought Home Designer 2012 Suite by Chief Architect.

Take a look at the tutorial videos they have online to see what it can do. It does everything from detailed framing, wall coverings, auto staircase, auto roof and foundation build, all kinds of windows, trim, you name it. It has a lot of 3D models of things like water heaters, furnaces, etc. Can import models from Google 3D warehouse and other sites. I have truck, 2 post lift, mower and Seadoo in my plan now. Haven't found the right boat yet.

Now need to draw my house next to garage and lot dimensions with terrain data. Well worth $99 I think.

 

[Tbucit]

X2 on Visio

 

[RonM3]

I have the Punch software. It is easy to use and lets you select different materials and styles. Then you can do a 3d rendering and walk through it. So you not only get your dimensions you can also see what the different materials and colors will look like.