Home remodeling software?

[Paul Franklin]

Folks,

Having just purchased a new old house, SWMBO and I are planning some remodeling projects...new siding, turning the living room into a Den, turning the old office into first floor laundry, updating kitchen, etc.

I'd like to find a software package that would let us experiment with floor plans, cabinet layouts, visualize different types of siding, etc.

I've looked at a lot of the home design software, and many of them "seem" like they would allow for this. Many, for example, allow you to import digital photos of the outside and then change the siding, etc. They range in price from $20-100+. I don't mind spending that kind of money if it works halfway decently.

But it's impossible to tell how well they do this, and how easy they are to learn and use, so I'm looking for input from folks that have used such a package.

I've used a lot of straight CAD packages, but I really want something optimised and intended for the stuff I listed above. For the interior view especially, I'd want to view in simulated 3D not just plan or elevation views.

Anyone willing to share their experience and/or recommendations?

TIA,

Paul Franklin [e-mail]

(you know what to leave out)

[roger61611]

I had to look up SWMBO - wow !

I got a package several years ago, can't remember what it was called but it blew chunks. There's only a few listed on download.com, the highest-rated one is 3/5 and has warnings from people all over it.

Possibly worthless info here:

[BP]

2 Things: You get what you pay for. A good package is in the hundreds, not the tens, and a professional package goes into 4 digits. And design software is a garbage in - garbage out process. Sounds like you are CAD experienced so you may know what you are doing (garbage in wise). But if you are experienced using something like AutoCAD and now you want to enhance that level of 2-d accuracy with 3-d rendering you will surely be disappointed with the cheaper "homeowner" versions. They are mostly toys. IMHO.

[TP]

I use CAD packages also. AutoCad, UG(NX), SolidWorks. They are good for engineering stuff. When you want something quick for home remodeling use anything other than eng sw... I have been using an old version of 3D Home Architect® Deluxe 4.0. You could probably get find it in a garage sale... Works just fine for the my better half. She can see and change anything quickly.

TP

[MC]

use punch, not the latest version, does great until need a custom object not in the library, simples ones are easy to create, but anything more than simple and have to do with what you got.

If do any of the rendering and walk throughs need a fast computer