You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
looking for free software to design
- Thread starter aero993
- Start date
jeepkj02
Well-known member
I use Google Sketchup sometimes.
bigdav160
Well-known member
Sketchup is great.
As far as the permit. It would be totally up to your local jurisdiction. Some will accept drawings on napkins, others want certified drawings, others require no permit at all.
As far as the permit. It would be totally up to your local jurisdiction. Some will accept drawings on napkins, others want certified drawings, others require no permit at all.
If you are familiar with ACAD, do an internet search for a free cad software package called "intellicad". I have been using an older 2D version for several years. For what I use it for it works just like ACAD lite. The version I have uses the same commands as the older releases of ACAD.
boiler7904
Well-known member
What's your local building department going to require of your permit drawings? BTW, where are you located?
Do they need to signed and sealed by a local architect or engineer? What drawings are they going to require? I'd think a site plan, floor plan, roof framing plan, foundation plan, elevation of each exterior wall, and probably a typical wall section at a minimum. While most of those drawings are easy to generate with CAD, the wall section takes some practice. Don't know what your drafting / construction knowledge is but they can be difficult until you've done it a few times. Electrical drawing / service riser diagram may be a requirement too depending on the location.
As far as free software goes, you usually get what you pay for. The big exception to this Sketchup. Unless you spring for the pro version though, it will have limitations and may not be the best choice for developing all of the drawings you'll need for a permit.
Besides showing all of the pertinent information for the permit, you want to make sure that your drawing(s) have all of the information that you'll need to actually build the garage or have it built by contractors.
Let me know if you've got other questions. I used to do CAD for an architecture firm for about 5 years.
Do they need to signed and sealed by a local architect or engineer? What drawings are they going to require? I'd think a site plan, floor plan, roof framing plan, foundation plan, elevation of each exterior wall, and probably a typical wall section at a minimum. While most of those drawings are easy to generate with CAD, the wall section takes some practice. Don't know what your drafting / construction knowledge is but they can be difficult until you've done it a few times. Electrical drawing / service riser diagram may be a requirement too depending on the location.
As far as free software goes, you usually get what you pay for. The big exception to this Sketchup. Unless you spring for the pro version though, it will have limitations and may not be the best choice for developing all of the drawings you'll need for a permit.
Besides showing all of the pertinent information for the permit, you want to make sure that your drawing(s) have all of the information that you'll need to actually build the garage or have it built by contractors.
Let me know if you've got other questions. I used to do CAD for an architecture firm for about 5 years.
I live in P.G. County in Md. they do not need to be signed and sealed by a local architect or engineer.They want a site plan, floor plan, roof framing plan, foundation plan. They did not request the elevation of each exterior wall. But that was what I was told over the phone. In person, they might want more. I have some plans from 84 lumber, but I want 11 feet walls instead of 8 feet. Also I want a 16 feet door and a 8 feet door, instead of three 8 feet doors.
Anthony
Anthony
ddawg16
Well-known member
You might want to consider just getting some velum, a big board, stencels and just do it by hand. You will spend more time trying to learn how to use the program than if you just draw it......I know I did.
About the only time Cad is usefull is when you have to do it more than once....then you get to start reusing a lot of your work.
About the only time Cad is usefull is when you have to do it more than once....then you get to start reusing a lot of your work.