Easily navigated design software? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

bujaly · 09-13-2007, 04:48 PM

Just shootin from the hip here...
Any suggestion on relatively easy designing software to start with? Maybe even something free, other than Google Sketch-up?
Reason for looking. I have a lady that wants some work done, new walls in a finished basement to create 2 new rooms out of a HUGE one and I'd like to give her something other than what I have already drafted up on graph paper.
Thanks yall!!

PS!! I did use the search tool on this site, but didn't find any threads on what I was looking for..

**Cole** · 09-13-2007, 04:59 PM

Why not sketchup?

bujaly · 09-13-2007, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cole

Why not sketchup?

Well, not saying no to it, but can you give me a few pointers on that program?
I do have it installed on my PC...

KillerToiletSpider · 09-13-2007, 05:14 PM

I'd use auto cad, because I already have it and use it for chassis business.

**framerman** · 09-13-2007, 07:33 PM

sketchup should be good for what you are doing there. have you tried the online video tutorials? they should get you going good there for what you're doing.

reveivl · 09-13-2007, 08:17 PM

I've drawn on autocad for years and like it if you want plans and elevations. However, a great many people can't 'see' plans, so I learned Sketchup and now, for a fee, draw three dimensional pictures of what their project will look like. People love it!

finehomes · 09-13-2007, 08:25 PM

I use softplan. Its great and much easier to learn than autocad. Within the first couple of hours of playing with it I was drawing my first floorplan. You'll spend at least $1,000 though...and that is for the LITE version. Nearly $3,000 for the full version. Sketchup is a good tool for something that you'll just use occasionally for simple drawings to show clients. If you need full working drawings, blueprints, etc....you need something like softplan, autocad, chief architect, etc. You can check out softplan at www.softplan.com

Sam

reveivl · 09-13-2007, 09:27 PM

I agree with finehomes on that. I got a sample of softplan once, and liked it, but balked at the cost. I did like the materials take off that it was capable of, though heard differing reports on how accurate it was. Sketchup is great for chatting to customers with a picture or two in front of you, I have never used it for material take offs or submissions to the Building Department.

MattCoops · 09-13-2007, 09:39 PM

Sketchup is great for 3d modeling.
And check out Kerkythea for rendering the model to make it look realistic.

Michaeljp86 · 09-13-2007, 10:06 PM

I bought a building program off ebay, supposed to be for building a new house, addition, or a remodel. Its supposed to give you a list of all you need and a setimate. What a piece of crap, dont buy anything off ebay.

**Cole** · 09-13-2007, 10:23 PM

With any kind of design software.

You get what you pay for.

TheBuildingFirm · 09-13-2007, 10:31 PM

Although the price of Chief Architect is steep at round $3000 I have found it to be a great investment. When selling a job I always try to sell design services, which include drawings and 3d photos. After doing only a few jobs with Chief Architect I was able to recoup my initial investment.

bujaly · 09-13-2007, 10:40 PM

Since a few of you have mentioned Sketch-up, I might just have to do so. I did watch and learn a great deal off the tutorials, so I'm gonna sit here and play around right now.
I'll letcha know how it goes.

**Cole** · 09-13-2007, 10:41 PM

It is very simple to use when you get the hang of it.

bujaly · 09-13-2007, 10:45 PM

Cole, where and IF, do I find items directly related to the "house"? Is there any, and can you give me a pointer or two. I'm not a moron when it comes to figuring out programs and software, but sure would like some help.. Thanks!

mickeyco · 09-13-2007, 10:52 PM

Microsoft Paint:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHL6R8_LO2c

bujaly · 09-13-2007, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bujaly

Cole, where and IF, do I find items directly related to the "house"? Is there any, and can you give me a pointer or two. I'm not a moron when it comes to figuring out programs and software, but sure would like some help.. Thanks!

Not sure what kind of items you are referring to are.

You can search some of my old posts to find some sketchup images.

WTF?? I didn't write that stuff in red...
What in the world???
It sayd u were the last one to edit this Cole.. Did you somehow do that?

**framerman** · 09-14-2007, 09:08 AM

muahahahaha Cole is EVIL!

I had softplan and even though it's been a few releases since I've used it, I found mine to be a big piece o' crap and I still think it is. Takeoffs, yes, but you really need a good understanding of how the program works for you to get accurate takeoffs.

I personally use Revit and I know Cole uses ArchiCAD. Both are very similar programs and both will run you big bucks.

SketchUp has some home building models that are for free and also a great add on package that has just about anything you'd ever need for symbols and such. SketchUp is well supported by the community and has helpful people who are willing to upload things they have done to contribute.

bujaly · 09-14-2007, 09:20 AM

Framerman??
Why is Cole evil?

"SketchUp has some home building models that are for free and also a great add on package that has just about anything you'd ever need for symbols and such. SketchUp is well supported by the community and has helpful people who are willing to upload things they have done to contribute."

I did download some models, but didn't know really what to do after..
Where can i find a package to download for the symbols?

**Cole** · 09-14-2007, 09:50 AM

Sorry, I meant to quote not edit!

Not sure what kind of items you are referring to are.

You can search some of my old posts to find some sketchup images.