Simple floor plan hardware? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Jason W · 12-31-2007, 12:59 PM

I'm looking for an ultra simple program for doing floor plans. I've had Auto cad LT in another computer but it's a little more than I need. I don't need layers, 3D, or anything else that I need to navigate around, just floor plans. I'd like to get some training in other hardware at some point in the future, but I'm wearing enough hats for now.

Any recommendations or is LT the way to go?
[I already own LT]

Thanks

SelfContract · 12-31-2007, 01:05 PM

Use Autodesk Architect SW 2007/2008 version (from AutoDesk, Inc.) , or Chief Architect SW 2007 version (from another company that I forget the company name this SW from?) ..maybe expensive but top-notch design with material lists/plans/designs, 3D-views, lighting effects, rotate views/plans, & cost estimator included, etc.

**Cole** · 12-31-2007, 01:45 PM

Sketchup / Free Version

http://www.contractortalk.com/f44/new-board-285/

Jason W · 12-31-2007, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cole

Sketchup / Free Version

http://www.contractortalk.com/f44/new-board-285/

Can these be made to pdf's? Seems I remember having to download it on the other computer so I could open the Sketchup file. Sure would be nice if my customers didn't have to do the download to read it.

Good idea though, I just downloaded it and will start the tutorials tomorrow.

Thanks Cole

**Cole** · 12-31-2007, 02:54 PM

Jason,
You will export the file as a .jpg file which any customer should be able to open.

I have posted some other sketchup work I have done in past threads, you can search and see what the program can do!

If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

deGroot · 12-31-2007, 03:14 PM

I luv Softplan . com), been using it for over 15 years. 100's of built-in walls (2x4 brick, 2x6 partition, etc.) they have free tech.sup and training classes available.

once you do the plans, use the autoroof, the 3d, elevations, cross-section and material list is ready too.

savant · 01-04-2008, 07:56 PM

Jason, If you want to just draw rectangles, either LT or sketch-up is fine. Shetchup is an easy 3d program, but not super accurate. I think that your coming practice w/ sketchup will be good exercise for using LT in the future. All drawing programs have many common features, and with familiarity w/sketchup, you'll understand LT better. AutoCAD programs are not very friendly, but accurate, accepts lots of plugins, and compatible w/ other drawing formats. Not to mention native compatibility w/ plotting equipment. Most architects use ACAD, so you can send and receive files w/ no problem if you use it. The accuracy of ACAD allows you to proof your concepts, and see what fits and what doesn't.

collabsoft · 01-14-2008, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason W

I'm looking for an ultra simple program for doing floor plans. I've had Auto cad LT in another computer but it's a little more than I need. I don't need layers, 3D, or anything else that I need to navigate around, just floor plans. I'd like to get some training in other hardware at some point in the future, but I'm wearing enough hats for now.

Any recommendations or is LT the way to go?
[I already own LT]

Thanks

You can have a look at floorplanner.com
For simple approach to the floor plan - it's great

PacNWStructures · 01-18-2008, 12:23 AM

Softplan sounds like a good program, except for the fact that the lite version is $1000 and the pro version is $3000

. Sounds like a lot of money for basic floorplan software.

Big Dog Dan · 01-21-2008, 02:16 PM

Hi Guys
Sorry to intrude,but can anyone direct me to a thread about walk through cad for homeowners. I thought I could find a topic on it easy,but I must not know how to search.
I wonder how I think I will be able to do simple cad

Anyway it is for my client, so maybe he can train me.
just kidding

Thanks for any help

HallisseyDesign · 03-07-2008, 11:28 PM

There is no way to walk through cad- I have been using the program for 5 years now and learn new stuff everyday. It is a lot of self motivating to keep getting better and faster on cad. Hope you have a couple of free long nights to kinda figure it out. Remember shortcut keys are your friend!!!!

Dustball · 03-07-2008, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason W

Can these be made to pdf's? Seems I remember having to download it on the other computer so I could open the Sketchup file. Sure would be nice if my customers didn't have to do the download to read it.

Good idea though, I just downloaded it and will start the tutorials tomorrow.

Thanks Cole

If you have Adobe Acrobat, you can create a PDF by using the print function and selecting the Adobe PDF "printer".

nmidsinr · 03-22-2008, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dustball

If you have Adobe Acrobat, you can create a PDF by using the print function and selecting the Adobe PDF "printer".

This can be done from any software for hundreds of dollars less (free) using CutePDF. Google it, this forum won't let me include the hyperlink.

**framerman** · 03-22-2008, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmidsinr

This can be done from any software for hundreds of dollars less (free) using CutePDF. Google it, this forum won't let me include the hyperlink.

I agree with CutePDF, it's a very good, FREE pdf driver. Most people already have the Acrobat Reader and it's easy for everyone. If you've got a client who isn't into knowing what file extensions open into which program, you may have to resort to JPEG's or PNG's. Many people have their email software setup to block JPEG's because they can contain virus'.

Quote:

Softplan sounds like a good program, except for the fact that the lite version is $1000 and the pro version is $3000 . Sounds like a lot of money for basic floorplan software.

Sorry, but you will not find support from me for this program. I purchased this and it was just horrible. I see they have fixed some things since, but I'd rather gouge my eyes out with spoons than use that program. They do have excellent customer support....when they're open. They just aren't a mainstream, widely supported product like Autodesk, Graphsoft, Bentley or any other well known brands.

My personal plug for what you are doing would be SketchUp. If you are in the range of $1,000, there's a bunch of programs that'll work for you. I would personally bet money on Rhino as the best, cheapest, most supported software out there.