3D - 2

How to plan/design my new house?

Is there is any free resource on the internet. I want to architect my new house myself. Any 3D house modelling software out there? architect4hire is right about what he says. I will have to do that ofcourse. But my question was only about finding a software that will helpme visualize my dream house. The rest will ofcourse go to the architect who will tally with my drawing to get me something almost like what I drew. Thanks all anyway.

Public Comments

1. Yes there actually is.Google has this program called Sketch up.ITs really good.The graphics are good.The best program i found atleast.Good luck
2. I am an architect, please hire a professional. The money you save (4-5% of the total cost of construction) by not hiring an architect is nothing compaired to the money you will waste on bad drawings, construction delays, mis comunications, etc, etc, My company is called in almost once a month because we have to fix or correct problems like this. If you don't believe me, just go to your local City hall, find the planning/building counter and ask them what is required. They are most likely going to make you get a licensed architect or engineer anyway. If this really is a new house or major remodel, you will also need a surveyer to do the boundary mapping and any topo that is required. You will need a software that can read his drawings, (most likely autocad dwg format) so you can coordinate his drawings with yours. I am sorry to sound harsh, I just don't want you to waste your money. Anyone who tells you differently is lying to you. I would recommend you look up your local AIA office and they can direct you to a qualified professional. Goodluck to you! (and I was serious about talking to the city or county first, if you have not done that, you need to do that first). Edit: Listen to the people below me, they know what they are talking about. Oh and Sketchup is a good program, I use it myself. Again, Good Luck. I would recommend you try this software. http://www.amazon.com/Better-Homes-Gardens-Home-Designer/dp/B0017QZPNI/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=software&qid=1215105132&sr=1-6 It is not free, sorry, I have not found many free home design software that is very good, but it has the features I think you want and it was made for individuals like yourself who would like to take a crack at the design and pass that along to the architect/builder/engineer etc. Anyway, I hope this helps you.
3. I know hiring someone is not what you would like to do, but please save your self a lot of hassel and hire a professonial. We just recently built a new house and just the stress of picking out options such a cabinet colors and things were about to give everyone a heart attack just because theres so much to do even with a neighborhood development.
4. Download or use the software online that was recommended. But, just know that what you are creating IS a concept of what you would like and not the actual drawings that will be used in the building of your home. The actual drawings must be done by a licensed architect or building company. You CAN submit your drawings to a building company of your choosing and see if they have an architect or engineer on hand to complete your idea. Remember, it is YOUR home, so don't let anyone tell you that something cannot be done. I would, however, recommend getting a copy of the survey of the property so that you can design your home within reason and not have to watch your dream float away. Best of luck!!
5. Sketch up is worth trying, some people get on with it, others don't. I personally use AutoCAD. At first though, try at least sketching your 'dream home' with a simple pencil and paper. You must get a basic idea of what your ideal layout is. Also you must take into account where the sun rises and sets as this will have a bearing on how rooms are located, there are many other factors and knowing the site is very important! Sketchup and similar packages are useable if you have a basic idea of what your intentions are - otherwise you will be spending dozens of hours on a program trying to 'make it do things', when instead you can be visiting the site, taking notes and creating ideas about your new dwelling. Don't forget, there may also be planning restrictions that apply on the site. Although expensive, an Architect is well worth the investment, they will save you time rather than money - although you can save a little by producing at least a sketch idea of what you would like, even a text brief - i.e. number of bedrooms, bathrooms, etc. Good luck and don't try to be too cheap, it will not pay off in the long run.