Home Plans And Home Designs - Broderbund, Punch, or another software?
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egghead2004
03-06-06, 04:55 PM
We are planning on adding a garage with a breezeway and an apartment above the garage to our 4 year old cape. There are many different software companies, but I need to be able to dp multiple things on this project and I don't mind spending up to $200 on good software.
I need to be able to build a house, deck, landscaping, interior furnishings, exterior lighting, and drivway.
Punch and broderbund each have a program for $50, is there anything else out there worth it? If not what have some here experienced with the two companies mentioned above?
Thanks
I need to be able to build a house, deck, landscaping, interior furnishings, exterior lighting, and drivway.
Punch and broderbund each have a program for $50, is there anything else out there worth it? If not what have some here experienced with the two companies mentioned above?
Thanks
Brian Garrison
03-08-06, 06:16 PM
egghead2004,
I prefer home architect 3d for the small simple cad programs. All of us who use professional software to draw for a living spend a great deal more. It is not only the software but as Doug says "its the experience on what to show on the plans that is the real value". Having templates and components is great but it is the knowledge of how a home goes together that is the real value. I can draw using the less expensive software like those you mention but it is more time consuming than a more expensive program ( I use datacad, Doug Aleshire uses Softplan). If you have the construction background and some knowledge of what goes into a set of plans this is an affordable route. if not you can use the software to put the basic thoughts on paper and then I would hire a local designer.
I hope this helps,
Brian Garrison
I prefer home architect 3d for the small simple cad programs. All of us who use professional software to draw for a living spend a great deal more. It is not only the software but as Doug says "its the experience on what to show on the plans that is the real value". Having templates and components is great but it is the knowledge of how a home goes together that is the real value. I can draw using the less expensive software like those you mention but it is more time consuming than a more expensive program ( I use datacad, Doug Aleshire uses Softplan). If you have the construction background and some knowledge of what goes into a set of plans this is an affordable route. if not you can use the software to put the basic thoughts on paper and then I would hire a local designer.
I hope this helps,
Brian Garrison
frhrwa
05-05-06, 09:54 PM
3D Home Architect is a scaled down version of Chief Architect.. its a great software and really easy to use! I've used it for building my 5 car garage/shop, extensive remodel to my home in the San Juan Islands... drawing up my new home (soon to be built)... I also have the Punch software, but its more complicated for what seems to be the same outcome.. so, I stick with 3D... and you can get it cheaper direct from Broderbund, just call and ask for a deal.. I got the last 7 versions, along with all of there landscape and add on disc's.. to get any better than this, you'll be in the $1000 and up mode.. you won't be unhappy with 3D for sure..