Best home design software?

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: Zebo
I used chief architect for years in 13 homes I've built
http://www.chiefarchitect.com/

Awesome, thanks! Is it worth investing in for a one-off home? It's about 10x as expensive as the local brands.

 

[Sluggo]

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: Zebo
I used chief architect for years in 13 homes I've built
http://www.chiefarchitect.com/

Awesome, thanks! Is it worth investing in for a one-off home? It's about 10x as expensive as the local brands.

There is a free trial for Chief Architect you can download to use, you just cant print off plans.


I have always used Softplan, the "Lite" version as mentioned in another post. Works for our needs. It isn't quite as easy as the tutorial version makes it look, but it only has a learning curve of a few hours.

 

[Zebo]

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: Zebo
I used chief architect for years in 13 homes I've built
http://www.chiefarchitect.com/

Awesome, thanks! Is it worth investing in for a one-off home? It's about 10x as expensive as the local brands.

No order plans - you can get 10 sets of prints for about $350. Just the printing of your own design will cost you $150 not to mention software/

I thought you wanted to learn though....

And I would not build a house right now. Period! I am paying over $5000 a month in interest and utilities for 2 McMansions and 1 lot I can not sell at even cost. Market has taken an absolute nose drive. If I didn't have other interests I would be broke like so many builders are.


PS: I like the The Fillmore Design Group out of OKC because it matches well with Midwest architecture - just go google for house plans and find a style for your area. They have AWESOME plans from lots of architects it's just some people want a custom so I learned CA and continued to use it - otherwise packaged plans can not be beat. You're not supposed to copy them though. One house only.

 

[nace186]

google sketch?

 

[Zebo]

Originally posted by: nace186
google sketch?

LOL I've talked to a couple old time builders and they say, back in the day, you could get a permit with a plan drawn on a napkin - how times have changed. Need plumbing, elec, mechanical layout with lines, every endpoint and xy axis. Need plot plans, foundation, frame and about 10 others.