Can we add a build timeline/chart as well to the requirements?

I use Solid Builder, have since 1999.

You do not mention what your budget is, what you ask for will cost.

I am also a remodeler, it has worked well for me. There is a learning curve.

The way I use mine is to "build" the existing home, area or wall I will be working on. Build the new work. Make invisible the existing. Generate the material list. My estimate report is toggled to only cost out the visible tems. If you need to do work on an existing part, you can split that out and include it in your estimate.

The 3D renderings are photo realistic.

Once you tweak the extensive database, it will produce a material list accurate down to the fasteners. Mine counts the nails necessary to frame a wall, or shingle a roof. The cost is adjustable in the data base.

You can assemble from the working drawings. If you draw as you build, it will produce dead on working drawings.

It will produce prints equal to or superior to any you would get from a designer or architect.

I have yet to find something it will not do. There are times I have to stop and think about how to accomplish something.

I know from other forums and using others programs, Solid Builder will create the most complex roof(s) with the fewest entries. It has the ability to match fascia on irregular pitch roofs. It will also fit in and trim valley plates on a roof layover.  

It allows access to the cad engine that runs the program. There are times I have had to use the engine to accomplish a task. One that comes to mind I needed tapered floor joists to level a floor.

There is a symbol generator incase you need to make an item.

All that said, you do need to put the effort into learning and understand how you interface with it and how it works.  

So you know, I use Auto Cad, and Solid Works. I am learning Sketch Up, the interface trips me up so it has been a struggle.

Again, no matter which program you settle on, there will be a learning curve, at times you will want to throw in the towel.

http://www.digitalcanal.com/

Seeing as I edited this at the link, they have an add on module to time track.

Tom

I do not know what the current cost is. It costs me $495.00 each time I upgrade, it includes a year of tech support. I do not upgrade every year. I have called their tech support less than 10 times since I have been using their program.

I also do not see Sketch Up as a construction program. I find it takes way steps to create normal building items. It also does not see items as a solid so it is easy to create conflicts. Solid Builer models every piece as a solid, so if there is a problem you will know it.

I want to learn Sketch Up for furniture type items. It is easier to share the file.

Your roof would not be a problem for the program. I have drawn very complex roofs.

Describe a project, present as many parameters as you can think of. I'll send you PDF's of what it will do. Without you having the program, the only way I can share the drawings is a PDF.

Tom

Steve,

I sent you a PM.

Tom

Thanks ccmviking!....that was even far more than I could do!!!!

I emailed my business partner and told him "the HGTV program can make a serial killer faster than it can make a house"

Cheers,
Steve

I have spend a bit more than a week playing with demos and demo programs.

Here is what I came down two.

Of the CAD programs, I came come down to two Softplan, and Solid Builder. I have watched the demos of Solid Builder and like what it says it is. Softplan sent a packet with a trial disk. ….well in 10 min. I could do more with that then I could after spending two days with HGTV… I didnt' try Chief as it didn't offer any info about demo or trial.  The more I play with these programs the more I come to see that things are in two camps.

One is design the house space and the look. The second is build it. HGTV, can’t be as bad as it seems but dang I just have not broken the magic code to find the brass ring to make it work. HGTV, Chief Architect and Softplan seem to fall in to the design area, but hands down Softplan is better than HGTV or my perception of Chief.  Solid builder is more a builder program. I’m told I can just add 2x4 and 4x4s to make the wall. As opposed to just being able to draw a 48 foot wall and it makes the studs.(which can also be done in Solid Builder).

The price is a bit lower on Solid Builder…is the quality lacking at the lower price? Can’t tell. What I hear from a few on the forums I have visited is that it is the construction guys program. Open a wall, draws it and the builds what needs to change. I’m hearing that remodelers are using it to Document what was there and what they changed and are then able to give a file to the client with the reality of what is behind the sheet rock…at the end of the project.

I bought my house in 1999 and I’m looking at my house plans from 1965 and I know things got changed from the signed drawings.   Where are the studs….in the wall? … electrical wire…in the wall? ….If I’m going to cut a new doorway.. not sure what I will hit from the paper plans…. I'm hoping that I can going foreword with projects both for myself and for my clients, W will know what was done...and the guy that changes something years from know can know what is behind wall number three....

As I play and learn Solid Builder I will up date the is thread...or make a new one.

Cheers,
Steve

Thanks for the demo link.... When I talked to them.... they didn't offer the link...so they got written off my list as call center selling things.....not a CAD program that supports people.

Just my impression for what they said.

Cheers,
Steve