Sketch up - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

copusbuilder · 04-13-2009, 11:58 AM

Where to begin....
I have been watching the Sketchup videos and bought the "dummies" book.
The question I have is, just how good is Sketchup as a design type program.

I want to be able to design basic homes and additions etc. If I spend time learning this program is it what I need? I have seen it done and it looks impressive but am I better putting my efforts into another program?

I know you can import from other programs etc etc.

To sum it up....this ain't my cup of tea

Any feedback appreciated!

rbsremodeling · 04-13-2009, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by copusbuilder

Where to begin....
I have been watching the Sketchup videos and bought the "dummies" book.
The question I have is, just how good is Sketchup as a design type program.

I want to be able to design basic homes and additions etc. If I spend time learning this program is it what I need? I have seen it done and it looks impressive but am I better putting my efforts into another program?

I know you can import from other programs etc etc.

To sum it up....this ain't my cup of tea

Any feedback appreciated!

For permit drawings I will say it won't fly. For concept drawings and renderings Sketch-up will work.

Cole uses it he can give his opinion

copusbuilder · 04-13-2009, 12:17 PM

Yeh, that's how it seems to me. I like the conceptual aspect of it but I have touched the tip of the iceberg as far as learning.
I just hate to spend a bunch of time and regret it....

**Cole** · 04-13-2009, 12:51 PM

You will not forget learning the software, trust me on that. I can sit down with someone and use sketchup to come to a design idea that I had in minutes. Faster then I can on paper and much better looking.

rbsremodeling · 04-13-2009, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cole

You will not forget learning the software, trust me on that. I can sit down with someone and use sketchup to come to a design idea that I had in minutes. Faster then I can on paper and much better looking.

Cole do you use sketch up for permit drawings or conceptuals?

copusbuilder · 04-13-2009, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cole

You will not forget learning the software, trust me on that. I can sit down with someone and use sketchup to come to a design idea that I had in minutes. Faster then I can on paper and much better looking.

I have worked on some deco fence designs (basic_ that gave the customer good visualization.

**Cole** · 04-13-2009, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbsremodeling

Cole do you use sketch up for permit drawings or conceptuals?

Just conceptual, I use ArchiCAD for permit drawings, which is really handy because I can import Sketchup files into it.

ScipioAfricanus · 04-13-2009, 01:52 PM

Archicad...REALLY NICE program, you can not do better than Archicad. It will do the 3D stuff as you are doing the plan in 2D.
It has great rendering ability and great construction doc creating. It even comes in a light version for doing just residential and really light commercial stuff.

The program I use and really love is Chief Architect. You can download a trial version from the Chief web site and check it out. It imports SKP (Sketchup) files directly.

Or check out Better Homes and Gardens Home Designer Pro from Chief Architect also, it's a very watered down version of Chief.

Revit is a great program that unfortunately comes from Autodesk (greedy bass turds), very expensive though and high learning curve.

SoftPlan sounds like a good program but I never could get past the "Demo" CD they sent me. You can't really try out the program with it.

Envisioneer is less expensive than the others but to me looks a bit cheesy for professional documents.

Andy.

**framerman** · 04-13-2009, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScipioAfricanus

Archicad...REALLY NICE program, you can not do better than Archicad. It will do the 3D stuff as you are doing the plan in 2D.
It has great rendering ability and great construction doc creating. It even comes in a light version for doing just residential and really light commercial stuff.

The program I use and really love is Chief Architect. You can download a trial version from the Chief web site and check it out. It imports SKP (Sketchup) files directly.

Or check out Better Homes and Gardens Home Designer Pro from Chief Architect also, it's a very watered down version of Chief.

Revit is a great program that unfortunately comes from Autodesk (greedy bass turds), very expensive though and high learning curve.

SoftPlan sounds like a good program but I never could get past the "Demo" CD they sent me. You can't really try out the program with it.

Envisioneer is less expensive than the others but to me looks a bit cheesy for professional documents.

Andy.

I agree with ALMOST all of what Andy says

I prefer Revit, but ArchiCAD is just as good. 6 and one half dozen the other.

I think you could possibly do CD's, but SketchUp isn't really made for that IMO>

SoftPlan I have tried personally and I would caution against it for the very reason Andy says, they do not allow you to try it out for 30 days FIRST. They give you some cheapo movie to watch on a CD.

Kind of depends on how much money you want to spend. If you think $4K or $5K is no problem, then Revit or ArchiCAD. $1K I would take up Andys suggestion. Not sure how much CA costs.

Edit - I believe Revit comes with AutoCAD also, or ACA, can't remember. So, I'm pretty sure you get 2 programs.

Revit features

ArchiCAD features

Chief Architect features

copusbuilder · 04-13-2009, 04:18 PM

They do look tempting...I would like the 30 day trial but would need to have time to play with it. I always fear paying a bunch and not being able to work, or not like the program.

I do appreciate the feedback from all and will explore different options! Gracias

ScipioAfricanus · 04-13-2009, 06:25 PM

Get the Chief trial version there is no expiration date, you just can't save or print anything.

Revit can come with AutoCAD and has a 30 day trial period.

Archicad has a trial period but I found it didn't go for any more than 7 days and is weird trying to download and install.

Check them out.

Andy.

copusbuilder · 04-13-2009, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScipioAfricanus

Get the Chief trial version there is no expiration date, you just can't save or print anything.

Revit can come with AutoCAD and has a 30 day trial period.

Archicad has a trial period but I found it didn't go for any more than 7 days and is weird trying to download and install.

Check them out.

Andy.

I don't mind buying if I can use it. I will give it a shot....Thanks

rbsremodeling · 04-13-2009, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by copusbuilder

I don't mind buying if I can use it. I will give it a shot....Thanks

Check out Chief architect. I can not hold a pencil and draw a straight line to save my life. Chief is rock solid for conceptuals and permit drawings.

I have heard good things about Envisioneer as well. That might be worth a look

neolitic · 04-13-2009, 10:53 PM

So, you guys are saying that
even if I do somehow manage
to learn Sketchup, I can't do
a plan view and wall section?

**Cole** · 04-13-2009, 10:56 PM

Oh yes, you can, you just have to know how to achieve it.

neolitic · 04-13-2009, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cole

Oh yes, you can, you just have to know how to achieve it.

I'm sure it will take divine intervention.

I keep reading you all saying it's
no good for permits.
Most of my stuff, all I need is
PV, wall sections, and maybe
a plot plan for drainage approval.

**Cole** · 04-13-2009, 11:22 PM

It can do that and more, you just have to learn how to do it. On small projects, I used it for permits with no problems. (these are not the actual images, I used, but you can see what I am getting at)

neolitic · 04-13-2009, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cole

It can do that and more, you just have to learn how to do it. On small projects, I used it for permits with no problems. ....

That's what I want to hear.

copusbuilder · 04-14-2009, 08:08 AM

I drew my first interior yesterday....The you tube videos are so much better than the book....
My wife was really impressed with the outcome..I wasnt so thrilled but it was a step in the right direction.
I have made some good progress and will forge ahead.

Now sending drawings and posting them like Cole did here....may take another book. lol

MJHimmel · 04-17-2009, 02:46 PM

I just started using Autodesk Project Dragonfly - do you recommend using Sketchup over this?