PC Home Building software.....HELP!!!

[Steve R]

I'm looking for a PC based program to use mainly on remodels.  I want the program that allows me to build the existing house/area and then modify it with the changes needed.

The result would be:
1) 3D images to let the client see the final product
2) help produce material lists
3) help to estimate costs
4) provide some drawing that the team can use to work from
5) produce existing drawing and proposed drawings for permits and approval.

Maybe I'm asking too much?

I have one tried a product that was given to me HGTV Ultimate Home Design with Landscaping and Decks V 3 [mad]  I could draw on paper faster and construct a model faster and easier.....  I tried for all day one snowy Sunday.... and go nowhere with it. Maybe I don't know the secret handshake to make it work? I'm good with computers and just found it not able to do anything productive.

I have looked on the web at Home Design Software by Chief Architect software. I like what it shows in it's demo video and I have to say I learned more watching the demo videos tonight on there site that I could get from that HGTV program. I just think the HGTV is more a fluff program.

If you use or have used a product that works I want to hear!  If there are programs to stay away from tell me. I'm not looking for what you have read about but what you have actually used or a trusted friend has used.

Thanks for any insight you can offer.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[rookie08]

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

 

[Steve R]

That would not be in my basic needs... but would be a nice option....

Cheers,
Steve

 

[tjbnwi]

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

 

[Steve R]

I use Solid Builder, have since 1999.

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

I looked up solid builder and it says call for price.... can you give me a ballpark #?

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.

I don't see Sketch Up as "my solution"  what are you wanting/thinking you will use it for?

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

Yea, I know that and am willing to put in the time on the right program.  The HGTV...thing... I think has issues... when I tried to put a Gable roof on a box.... all it would to is Hip roofs.  Also I could not get to go to the the right rise run for my house roof of 1.5" to 12"

http://www.digitalcanal.com/

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

Tom

Cheers,
Steve

 

[tjbnwi]

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 R]

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

Tom,

Thanks for the offer let me think what I would need to see...  Just knowing it works goes a long way toward answering my question.  Also $495 is about what the Home Design Software by Chief Architect software cost org.  But the solid build might be more for the first copy.  I will call tomorrow.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[tjbnwi]

Steve,

I sent you a PM.

Tom

 

[ccmviking]

I have one tried a product that was given to me HGTV Ultimate Home Design with Landscaping and Decks V 3 [mad]  I could draw on paper faster and construct a model faster and easier.....  I tried for all day one snowy Sunday.... and go nowhere with it. Maybe I don't know the secret handshake to make it work? I'm good with computers and just found it not able to do anything productive.

Sorry Steve that I don't have an answer for you on what software to use, but when I read this, here is what came to mind.    [wink]

Become a millionair!

 

[Steve R]

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

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

 

[tjbnwi]

It appears as if there are not many here who use what you are looking for, this is a thread from JLC, if you care to join over there you can do a search in the  Business Technology forum;

http://forums.jlconline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50749&highlight=solid+builder

Tom

 

[Steve R]

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

 

[Chuck Kiser]

Steve,

You can download a free trial version of CA here:http://www.chiefarchitect.com/

It is a very powerful program that can do and show the design side and the structural side as well. You are correct about there being multiple 'camps'. Ford and Chevy...... Any of these packages will do a excellent job for most applications. A lot depends on how much money you want to spend and how much time you spend to learn the program

 

[Steve R]

Steve,

You can download a free trial version of CA here:http://www.chiefarchitect.com/

It is a very powerful program that can do and show the design side and the structural side as well. You are correct about there being multiple 'camps'. Ford and Chevy...... Any of these packages will do a excellent job for most applications. A lot depends on how much money you want to spend and how much time you spend to learn the program

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