Home Design Software

[Curly Qsawn]

Are any of the home design software packages worth getting? Most of the reviews don't really tell me much cause I don't understand CAD that much. I'd like to be able to replicate my current house plan as baseline and then experiment with some different additions, entry way designs, changing the deck orientation around, landscaping changes, interior room designs by adding wainscoat and interior trim pieces or try some differnet kitchen designs. And none of the reviews say if you can get construction drawings as a print out or take it to Staples and get it plotted out. But I don't want to have to take a year long course to learn how to use it. Any recommendations?

[smc331]

http://www.homedesignersoftware.com/

I beta tested this...works great - and they keep adding features!

[Stan]

I have that software (BH&G Interior Deisgner) and have been very pleased with it. Think it was $49 at Costco.

[kmk]

I have Architecural Series 4000 from Punch! (punchsoftware.com). It is expensive but very powerful. I started with their lower version and kept upgraded to newer version. (it worked out cheaper...)

http://www.punchsoftware.com/products/as4000.htm

[Curly Qsawn]

Thanks. I'll be reading up on these programs.

[kramer katt]

Curly,
I'll second the vote for Better Homes and Gardens Designer.
I am a professional designer and use mostly Autocad products but to put out
quick down and dirty first ideas especially in 3d the BHG prog. is first rate.
I have tried maybe half dozen under $100 programs over the past 7 years and this was by far the easiest to learn and most versitile. Version 6 has been current for over a year so there might be a new (7) one out soon so you could pick up the 6 for a discount. It is written by the same people who sell Chief Architect a much more expensive and heavy duty program. Many of the same features remain in the "lite" verson sold by BHG.
Almost all of the cheaper programs lack the ability to print larger than 11"x17" for blueprints, I think you need to spend a couple hundred for that and then get into something with more of a learning curve. I don't know much about the Punch series, maybe they can do the blueprints.
kk

[DUD]

Curly You might try 3D Home Architect, I have used it and found it to do what I want it to do. My Brother is an Architect and He has been known to design a project on it over the weekend, give it to his staff on Monday and They go to the final drawing setup. It saves him a lot of time, and easier to read than a cocktail napkin. Bill