Architectural Software for home use
 

After much discussion and thought, we will be adding a garage to our property! First, I want to be able to add this garage to our property on-screen to see where the best fit would be. My question is in regard the plethora of architectural software that is available. I would prefer to keep the software cost as low as possible. I have seen several references and articles touting the greatness of 'Chief Architect Home Designer Suite'; however, this may simply be the work of creative review writers.

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3D modeling/walkthrough is required for this project as well as incorporating the existing topography. Note: this software will be used STRICTLY for the visualization of the garage in relation to our house (it will not be used to design/construct the garage). Does anyone here have any first-hand experience with using architectural software? Any recommendations from those that have gone before me would be much appreciated.

Just use Google Sketchup.

I agree. Sounds like you are simply trying to model the property's topography, then locate the garage relative to the house, to figure out views, clearances, perspective, etc. SketchUp is reasonably easy to learn, for that level of modeling. If you want to get down to modeling bead-board wainscoting and little details, then it will get tedious, but doesn't sound like you need that.

Word.

This.

Oceans of articles and forum support. Ask here if want help.

I used sketchup for the design of my 1000sqft detached garage/workshop. Furthermore, I downloaded the trial version of their "Full Version", which includes LayOut, to produce the plans I submitted to the city for permits. It worked great!

I downloaded Google/Trimble Sketchup this morning. I will give it a shot!

Initially, I was a bit skeptical with the recommendations for Sketchup (I had tried it several years' ago back when I was in graduate school but found it to be confusing to draw anything other than rectangular houses). I downloaded Sketchup 8, watched some of the tutorials, and started measuring my house for this project. It was cold and windy and it was going to take a while to get the dimensions that would enable me to achieve the level of detail that I was after. On a whim, I Googled 'Sketchup using pictures' and saw a YouTube video link named 'Sketchup: Modeling with Photo Match' (SketchUp: Modeling with Photo Match - YouTube). I watched this and was in awe. I took four pictures of my house and, starting with one picture, I imported it to Sketchup and started drawing - this method required that I take a SINGLE measurement. About four hours later (and after importing two more pictures), I had our existing house finished!!! I am a believer in Sketchup - this is just way cool and it will work perfectly for the layout that I am after. Thanks for the recommendation.

I'm curious.... how about posting some pics?

dad911,
Here you go...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1353861955.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1353862380.jpg

Here is the finished project! I, too, used Sketchup to submit the drawings to the city. I would HIGHLY recommend using Sketchup to anyone considering any addition to their home. This tool was great to discuss my plans with the contractor as well as explaining things to the Building Inspector during the various inspection phases.

Note: a storm shelter resides in the back section of the garage/shop. The next project to replace the ugly gas tank with an underground unit.

Below is how things were originally:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1369010346.jpg

Front: as designed
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1369009887.jpg

Front: as built
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1369009926.jpg

Rear: as designed
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1369010013.jpg
Rear: as built
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1369010083.jpg

Looks great!

Add some dormers (real or fake) to the main body roof to break it up