Design Software

XanadooLTD

What are you guys using as a sucessful design software for bathrooms? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Cole

Sketchup is a great tool for bathrooms!

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panthony

I guess it all depends on what results you are attempting to recieve. Sketchup is an all around program that will give you good renderings...and it's cheap....I think you can still get it for free...good program to learn on. After awhile you may need a little more robust system especially for precision CAD drafting.

Cole

Well I have to agree to an extent. I use ArchiCAD ($4k) and I would not wish it upon anyone without any CAD experience. To most remodelers / contractors sketchup is all they will ever need.

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panthony

Ditto on that!

The first software package I purchase was back in 1989 from Integrated Computer Graphics out of Atlanta (Arris)...it cost me $17,000.00. It was the first software with an intellegent backbone that developed a complete materials package. I also had to become a rocket scientist to operate it. The next package I bought was Argos (Vertex out of Finland) in 1992 and it was $16,800.00...same type rocket stuff but boy could it draw circles around anything at that time.
Now-a-days I've settled with VW for my bread and butter. I believe VW bought out Archicad last year so who knows we may be using the same stuff someday.

Pete A.

Chris Johnson

I am really happy with Softplan - very user friendly, easy to operate - and as detail oriented as needed or not needed

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Chris

rbsremodeling

i would recommend chief architect

easy to learn

produces 3-d renderings

i carry it on my laptop and do quick sketches and layouts on the spot.

can import and export cad drawings and files into most of the time

has a good following and forum so you can get lots of help. People on the forum will answer anything like they do here and usually respond right away.

There are lots of classes and online teachers as well to help with the learning cure

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Txbassboy

Cole,

Do you use the free version of Sketchup? Is it useful enough to bother with?

All Phase

I second Chief Architect. We have been using it for about six months and have had great results.I have found it fairly easy to learn.

Cole

Yes it is very useful. I have the PRO version but the free version is all most people need.

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rickw919

I've been using Chief Architect for 10 years now. IMHO, it is the best option for the non "CAD" trained person. A cheaper solution (same core software as Chief Architect) is Better Homes and Gardens Design software. You can even get it at Costco.
I've used many packages before ( I'm a "recovering Architect) and this one is the most client friendly. You can even download a free viewer so you can email plans to anyone and they can view (not edit) your designs in 2D and 3D.