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House design/architectural software subscription - recommendation?

5 replies

RubaiyatOfAnyone · 12/08/2019 23:08

There is a small possibility we could move to a property that is currently small but with the chance to add an extension. Obviously i would get a proper architect to do the real plans, but just whilst we’re kicking around ideas i’d like to be able to mock them up in an architect- style program and print out.

Anyone used anything like this and can recommend? Ideally i’d like a couple of months’ subscription so i can cancel when no longer needed.

I should add that the property is old, so ideally i’d like a program which allows non-standard things like v.narrow staircases or odd size doors, rather than only offering the standard size options.

OP posts:
RubaiyatOfAnyone · 13/08/2019 10:23

Hopeful daytime bump.

OP posts:
whatsthecomingoverthehill · 13/08/2019 10:49

Are you wanting to do it in 3D? Or just 2d plans? Have you got any experience in CAD?

Sketchup is the most well known simple program that you can use for free (online version only, but it will save your model), and can be used to generate models quite quickly. I'm not sure whether you can import things like stairs into it, or whether you have to draw them out manually.

There are various free/open source drawing packages. e.g. FreeCAD, which has an architectural module that includes BIM entities like windows, doors etc. It would probably take a fair bit of time to get used to using it if you don't have much CAD experience, but there are tutorials online.

RubaiyatOfAnyone · 13/08/2019 12:05

Thank you for replying!
Just 2-D, i just want to sketch out the floor plans so i can visualise what i'm aiming for. I have no experience of anything beyond photoshop.
I will have a look at both Sketchup and FreeCAD and see if i can get my head around them, thank you. I think I was vaguely hoping there would be a program for people like me - non-professionals who want to plan things out prior to the real plans.

OP posts:
whatsthecomingoverthehill · 13/08/2019 12:14

OK, there are those sort of packages as well, but I don't know any in particular. A quick search brings up roomsketcher.com or www.edrawsoft.com/floorplan/ but I haven't used them so no idea whether they're any good.

FreeCAD I suspect would be a bit OTT for what you want.

Bb90 · 13/08/2019 12:25

you can download draftsight for free, similar to autocad.
Sketchup is amazing for 3d work, but can be used for 2D aswell if you just want the basics - it is really good for beginners too.

If you need a hand give me a shout (been using cad a loooong time)

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