Like I had said in a previous thread, I am thinking of designing my own house. I have some software that is really old, and it can only do room layouts. I would really like to get to see the whole finished house. I would also like it if the software has the ability to find large mistakes or architectural impossibilities. Eventually I will get someone (Architect?) to look over the plans, but I just want to put as much personal work as possible in it.

My father is an Architect and he uses AutoCAD to design plans. I think it's a rather expensive Program but I'm sure you can find a Free Download somewhere on the Net. Make sure you check with your town hall on all the Safty standards in your area. Good luck.

AutoCad is not for the faint of heart. I would select a more "user friendly" program for my first time out.

There are some very powerful ones out there that will do what you want, Anthony, and they won't cost you as much as AutoCad. AutoCad is a broad-based program, with add-ons for specific types of drawings.

The type of program you need is project specific and therefore will not cost as much and still be as powerful as you need.

So far the ones that look good (to me) are
3D Home Architect by Broderbund [Link: learningco.com]

and

one of the products from punch (Probably the professional or super) http://www.punchsoftware.com

I agree with Greg, if I knew what I was doing Autocad would be good, but I need a more basic package that will make sure that it does not let me make too many mistakes.

The commercial packages for regular homeowners are pretty good, from companies like Sierra (although Sierra is not necessarily the best). They usually cost under $60, and include all kinds of extras. Best thing to do is look at all the features on the backs of the boxes and decides what's most important to you, since the definition of "best" is relative. They all have some goofy drawbacks that make you wonder what they were thinking.

Look for indications that the program contains walk-throughs, 3D and "realistic" finishes such as kitchen cupboards and counters, furniture, etc. In your case in particular, look for the one or two that stipulate that they are architecturally sound, and allow you to apply true contractor and architectural structural changes to their templates. Several of these packages are useless for real house-building because they offer inflexible "prefab" pieces.

I haven't looked closely at them to see if electrical and plumbing are included, but to me that would be a biggy.

On the other hand, if you are attempting to build a model for your architect, any of them will allow you to put together a pretty good representation which the professional can then use as a clear basis of your desires. And now they also let you print out colour pieces of your drawings that can be built into a real model.

I happen to like the landscaping add-ons, like the 3D deck construction. Included in the best ones is always a contractor's list of supplies, and general pricing, so you can also get an idea of costs for specialty items. I also like the ability of a couple of them to place your house on varous types of land, so you know what the pitfalls of hilly areas can be, and to "grow" your trees and shrubs over time to see where the shade will be, as well as which direction will be best for your front and back yards.

On top of that, Visio (now owned by Microsoft) sells a module that allows you to automate some of the construction design process.

Anthony: last time I got something, it was the Landscaping package. Punch was definitely better than Sierra for that one. Borderbund was way down....

I pretty much tried all the consumer home design packages out there, but settled on 3D Home Designer by Databecker (their website www.databecker.com seems to be down). It has a somewhat tricky interface, but its list of features is very impressive. 3D renderings are quite nice. Also has a great roof editor.

I also liked FloorPlan 3D by www.imsisoft.com. I worked with version 4, which was a bit buggy. They are now at release 6, hopefully that one is more stable.

Arjen: When you posted in the last thread, and I saw your pictures I wanted to ask what you used, now I know. Does it do any type of checking for obvious oversights or mistakes?

Anthony,

I can't quite remember the details, but I do know for sure that it will not advise you of any structural omissions or bad construction. In fact, I think you can build impossible structures with this package :)

Several of the packages I tried (don't remember which) did offer some simple feedback, like walls that did not completely connect. Basic stuff. Not exactly stuff you need.