Garage design software?

[Shmeefer]

Has anybody used any software to design/layout their garage? My wife and I just moved into a 2-year old house that is basically a blank canvas. We're planning on doing: a sprinkler system, landscaping, deck, detached workshop, finishing the basement and a few mods to the house. We're going to be doing this over several years so we have time to plan and I'd like to start the planning process (I'm an **** enginerd about the planning). I searched here and saw no mention of any design software. I've been checking various review on Amazon and others but nothing is jumping out. There are a lot of programs that will allow you to draw a pretty 3D picture, but it seems you have to spend >$1000 to get something that will print permit-worthy blueprints. I was thinking more like $100 for Better Homes & Gardens Designer Suite or the like. Thanks for the assistance.

 

[JMURiz]

Use SketchUp, it's a free tool (at least a version is free) and with enough practice you can do about anything. Just search on the net for it.

Personally I used AutoCAD on mine, but that's because my fiancee works in interior architecture.

 

[1320stang]

There's a website called Emachineshop (I believe) that has free cad software, I haven't used it as I have AutoCAD but I've heard about guys using it for drawing up plans. Emachineshop is basically an online machine shop, you can draw something up and get a quote for 1 or 100 of what you have drawn. I've never used them before but have downloaded the software.

 

[Shmeefer]

I use SolidWorks at my job, but that would require modeling up each individual stud, brick, truss, etc. to get an accurate model and that's just not what SW is good for. The design programs I've seen are much more suited to doing those sorts of things. I'll check out the SketchUP, that looked promising.

 

[medic583]

I've tried a few different ones over the years... but this suite still has to be one of my favourites for ease of learning, and ease of use.

3D Home Architect® Home and Landscape Design Suite Version 8

Here are a few others that ya may be interested in although I've never had luck with the IMSI series (bang my head on the wall with things that should be easy like the 3D home ones).

IMSI Garage Designer

IMSI Instant Shed & Shop Design V15

Home Depot Do-It-Yourself Garage Designer

 

[bochnak]

I use SolidWorks at my job, but that would require modeling up each individual stud, brick, truss, etc. to get an accurate model and that's just not what SW is good for. The design programs I've seen are much more suited to doing those sorts of things. I'll check out the SketchUP, that looked promising.

I began to use SolidWorks to redesign my kitchen for my upcoming remodel. I plan on also checking out Sketch-up.

 

[bigdav160]

I use Punch software. I'm not sure if it will do full blueprints but it's been good enough for me.

It's pretty cheap and the interface is easy to use.

http://www.punchsoftware.com/full_store.html

 

[V-10 Killer]

I have an older version of the 3D Home Architect, and it's great, but it (the older version) doesn't do roofs. The newer one probably does.

 

[0100]

So wait a minute... Which program out of these suggested "will print permit-worthy blueprints"?

because this is what I need.

 

[medic583]

will print permit-worthy blueprints

From what I understand... blueprints come from a specific type of machine... not a program.

3D Home Architect, CAD, Solidworks, etc... drawings can be printed out, enlarged... and taken in to your local building inspector... but it is still up to you or your architect to verify that everything is up to code (i.e. spacing of framing members, types of sheeting, etc...) or they will turn ya down.

 

[RPH]

If you need "blue prints" per say the can be made at an engineering printing house in most major towns. Just search under blueprints or check the yellow pages. We got rid of the blue print machine due to the Ammonia that was required to transfer the print. Now day's we just use the plotter.