Designing a house

[EVOeng]

Evening guys,

I’m in the process of drawing up some plans for a home in my spare time, until now I have either been using the conventional pencil and paper and/or Microsoft Paint, but now I want to draw things to scale and cannot find any software that will help me do this.

Anybody recommend certain software?

I would also like to create 3D models or computer generated images, is this entirely possible?

Thanks in advance.

[dave_s13]

EVOeng said:

Evening guys,

..

I would also like to create 3D models or computer generated images, is this entirely possible?

Thanks in advance.

Of course it is, if you know what you're doing or have the time (lots), patience and aptitude for it.

Google sketchup is free and may be useful.

AutoCad LT - 2d only - Not free*
AutoCad - 3D capable - Not free*
AutoCad Architectural Desktop - 3d and loads of fancy sheeit for drawing buildings - Not free*

If you have no AutoCad experience then bear in mind there is a very steep learning curve, especially when you get into 3D modelling and the like. Not something you can just load up and use, you need a book or a nightclass really.

• evaluation versions may be available if you know where to obtain such things

You need to weigh up whether buying the software and learning how to use it is worth the cost/hassle/time of just employing the services of a CAD monkey.

Edited by dave_s13 on Thursday 17th February 20:28

[Evo141n]

You could try Google Sketch-up
http://sketchup.google.com/intl/en_uk/

Used at work for mainly 3d work, and it's free!

[EVOeng]

Many thanks for your rapid response.
Much appreciated.

[tokyo_mb]

In addition to Google Sketchup, Draftsight (which is a 2D AutoCAD compatible CAD package) is free (for standalone licence). Works on both a PC and a Mac and seems quite good:

http://www.3ds.com/products/draftsight/download-dr...

You can import DWG files into Sketchup which can be useful as a starting point for a 3D model.

Edited by tokyo_mb on Friday 18th February 02:15

[herbialfa]

floorplanner.com

[ribenavrs]

If you can get hold of a copy of Punch Design its a doddle to use if a little American

produced some great results for us

allowed us to create walk-a-rounds and useful to get perspective and views