Designing Garage

[radguard9]

I'm currently in the design stage of my new garage, helps pass the time while deployed in Kuwait. It's going to be 40X45X12 with a 20' carport on the side for my fifth wheel. I plan on using scissor trusses for the entire 60' span so the peak of the roof will be centered over the left bay of the garage allowing for a 12X14 overhead.

I have this all on paper but would like to get it on my computer so I can start a material list and play with design easy. I would also like to get a good idea what it will look like once completed.

Can anyone recommend a program that is user friendly that I could either buy or download? I've tried google sketch but it won't let me use overheads the size I want to use, one 12X14 and one 10X10.

Thanks for your help!!! Randy

 

[MajorLeeGassole]

I was going to suggest SketchUp. I don't know if there are size limitations with the free version, so try attaching your file and maybe someone here can overcome the problem.

 

[Leadfoot3232]

doesn't get much better than google sketchup..build your openings the size you want and import door models and scale to approx. size? thats how i would do it anyway..

good luck with the garage and Thank You for your service!!

 

[gtivr4]

You can make anything in Sketchup. Don't have to use predefined materials. If you need a 12x14, make a box 12x14 and the length you need etc. Its a bit of a learning curve, but very powerful, and definitely the way to go.

 

[Flange]

I am not a sketchup expert, I have only played a bit with it but I would be very surprised if there was a size limitation on what you can draw.

For instance, I started doing some plans in it as a trial (I usually use AutoCAD) and being a Brit all of my units were millimetres. I had no problem drawing elements in many thousands of units.

Perhaps you need to try again and I found the tutorial videos helpful.

 

[LeonardY]

First of all. Thanks for your service.

Sketchup doesn't have a size limitation. Try uninstalling and re-installing. I've done some really complicated designs in Sketchup. Neither of the overheads you want to use would be a problem.
You can also join http://forums.sketchucation.com/
They have a lot of experts there.
If you want a more powerful program. I've moved away from Sketchup and I am now using Bonzai3d. It's got a different interface. I can't say one is easier than the other. It's just a different interface. You can download a copy of Bonzai3d but you only have 30 days. the cost of the program is $500.
Good luck on your design.
L