Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: software design programs

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Software
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 25 Dec 2001
Time: 09:01 PM

Comments

We are not aware of any software program for novices which will provide a complete bill of materials for a new home. Furthermore, construction plans are generally very detailed and must account for specific regional codes and soil conditions. The available software packages either allow you to do your own computer aided drafting or they allow you to experiment with various ideas. Only the most sophisticated programs costing thousands of dollars can do what you're asking, and even then you need a "designer" or architect to turn the concepts into a working plan.

For what it's worth, we designed our entire home with Autosketch from Autodesk. At about $120 for the latest Autosketch version 8.0, you can do a lot, but you need to understand the principles of design otherwise you won't get very far. This is just a drafting tool, not a home design package.

Perhaps other visitors will have additional ideas, but you may need the services of a professional building designer or architect.

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