House plan software?

[TheoPetro]

Were thinking of building a new house and we want to do it kind of cheep. I had thought we could use one of the blueprints off of one of those "10000 home plans" programs. That seemed pretty cheep for that many blueprints. So I was wondering if they let you print the blueprints so I can just hand them to the GC and go from there, or if the program just let you look at the prints and then when you find one you like you have to pay for it.

Just looking for opinions on these and if there worth the $120 or if there just a gimmick.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Some higher end ones will let you print the blueprints from a standard plan, or you can modify their base plans.

How you intend on printing the blueprints is another matter.

My daughter used a package to develop design ideas that you then gave to the GC for her house.

 

[bruceb]

Most builders will sell you a copy of the Blueprints they use ... then if you want, either their
architect or yours can customize the floor layout. Then you can submit it to a builder to have
bids on getting it built.You do not want to try and Design it yourself, unless you are qualified.
There are many things that go into home design, such as Foundation, Wiring, Plumbing, Framing,
Drains, Venting, Heating & AC, Fire / Smoke Alarms, Local Buiilding Codes, Wetlands

 

[TheoPetro]

we have a plotter here at the shop that I would print the blueprints off of. We are basically going to be the GC and sub out everything we cant do. So we just need to be able to get a plan to be approved but we dont have the tools to draw them up ourselves. We want to avoid involving an architect.

 

[EagleKeeper]

You should be able to start with the plans from some of the mid range packages.

Look at the info on the box before purchasing in terms of how many plans are available to start working from and can you utilize them?

If needed, contact the S/W maker for info before purchase.

 

[Kromis]

You could always play the Sims 2 if you want a less detailed and complicated plan!

 

[TheoPetro]

Originally posted by: Kromis
You could always play the Sims 2 if you want a less detailed and complicated plan!

haha the sick thing is that thought crossed my mind