Soft Builder Vs AutoCad Or Other. Which One Rules?

KNel

To do 3D drawings (complex ones) plus ability to estimate on materials required which software package is the best? Soft Builder? AutoCad? Chief?
Need advice. Which one RULES? and is easy to master yet powerful enough to deliver and is most compatible with other programes? Which one has the market share in Oz? USA? NZ?

hatchet

I haven't used Soft Builder as of yet but currently use both Acad and Chief.

Acad on it's own is going to be pretty difficult to do nice 3d - not impossible - just has a big learning curve with some additional add-ons.

Chief Architect is a pretty simple program to get started in 3d with. With it's generous amount of blocks and materials already installed with the base package. As far as the estimating module it has - with a good couple hours of setup of defaults and such you can get a decent breakout for materials if you understand what the software is outputting. You will then most likely need to modify it just a bit to get real material take-offs. IMO Chief still has a ways to go to have a great take-off module. For instance, it will output that you need 6 - 3'-2" studs for a short wall that was drawn.

__________________
Rich
WIT Construction Co.
Superior MT Contractor

KNel

Tx for reply. Heard loads about Chief. Just chk'ed out demo of Solid Builder v17 and it looks almost too easy. Concerned cos someone in another forum said stay away from Solid Builder.
You not the first to say AutoCad is difficult wrt 3D.
tx

rbsremodeling

I have not used solid builder, but I use Chief architect and think it a very good program. Their use to be a demo of chief that you could down load and try it that my help. Does softplan have a demo for you to compare the two of them?

__________________

KentWhitten

For the best 3d graphics and ability to generate realistic materials list, Revit and ArchiCAD. I have not had the pleasure of using Chief Architect but have heard it's a nice program so it may be better just for the cost factor. The two I listed are expensive.

AutoCAD is expensive also. It does take awhile, but if you get good at it, then you can at least collaborate with 90% of the architects out there...if you want to

3d for AutoCAD is ACA2008 or the old version is called architectural desktop.

Revit and ArchiCAD is what the call BIM (Building Information Modeling) and I would guess Chief Architect may be included in there.

If you want an inexpensive 3d like AutoCAD, instead of paying 4000+, you could spend 350 on progeCAD which gives you an option when installing to make it look exactly like AutoCAD.

Another one you want to try hands down is Rhino 3d. That is definitely no doubt in my mind, the best bang for the buck. I don't know if it has takeoff capabilities though. I would assume someone has made a plug-in for it just for this reason.

All of these I believe have free trial versions for download. I would suggest playing around with them all and see what fits your needs.

__________________
If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place ~Lao Tzu

Custom Cabinetry - Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Kennebunkport, Yarmouth, Falmouth, Cumberland, Ogunquit, Maine

Salmon Falls Cabinetry

KentWhitten

I personally would stay away from SoftPlan. I bought it and it was the worst money I ever spent.

__________________
If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place ~Lao Tzu

Custom Cabinetry - Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Kennebunkport, Yarmouth, Falmouth, Cumberland, Ogunquit, Maine

Salmon Falls Cabinetry

orson

I agree, I do not like SoftPlan. Anyone try Digital Canal? They have a slick looking 3d design program and integrated but seperate estimating module. Looks like pretty good stuff.

http://www.digitalcanal.com/

I just realized it is the "solid builder" module that was already mentioned

KentWhitten

I re-read that and I'd like to add to that. It's going to be tough to find one that rulz without it being difficult to master. The really good ones have a seemingly endless amount of things it can do, like AutoCAD. I am still learning with Revit after a straight 2 years of using it, but it rulz. I am certain ArchiCAD is the same way.

Don't forget about ADT, now that rules and will take you the rest of your life to master.

Or CATIA, if you want something the most expensive architects use.

As far as compatibility, anything Autodesk will in general be relatively compatible, like AutoCAD and Viz/Max.

Most will export to the dxf file exchange format which is all you will need, but HOW it exports will be the challenge.

__________________
If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place ~Lao Tzu

Custom Cabinetry - Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Kennebunkport, Yarmouth, Falmouth, Cumberland, Ogunquit, Maine

Salmon Falls Cabinetry

JenRan

I'm curious. I tried a demo of Softplan and it looked pretty good. What did you find wrong with it? I just need for new home construction.

J.Regan-Pelley

SoftPlan is just ok.
We us a combination of Xactimate and RevIt. Xactimate is the industry standard in the insurance industry around here.

Static Design

I use AutoCad, sketch up, and kerkythea. I have made some amazing rendering in rhino 3d but it has a huge learning curve and I just don't like the format: I have been playing around with Revit, right after I graduated the college adoted the program so I gotta stay up with the technologies: never used soft builder.