There's lots of 3D program's available. None are 'simple' to use. It's like learning any software. To get the most from it you need to use all the time.

Being indecisive is from lack of experience or knowledge. Even well experienced designers need to step back and stop second guessing themselves. It's not as easy as it looks but it is very rewarding when the stars align and the design works.

Experienced designers still use pen on paper to design initially then move onto a CAD program. Some still do all their drawings on a drawing board.

Thank you.

I'm so worried that I'll wish we did it differently, we're building our 'forever' home. It's the first time we've built as well.

Making sure we've thought of everything!

Cost comes into it, but I still want the high ceilings, lots of storage and spacious rooms!

I have for quite a few years used Chief Architect's Home Designer series of software:

https://www.homedesignersoftware.com

I have found it invaluable in designing, colouring, furnishing, planning interior spaces. It comes in a few levels/varieties and via cheap, tempting upgrades throughout the years I've managed to end up on Architectural. They've a table that compares the features of each so you can decide what you need.
Chief Architect are the developers of actual architecture software for architects, but this is their consumer series of software. It does have a learning curve, but thoroughness comes with that, and they've some simple, initial planning tools to help you, plus lots of online resources, content, video, and even a forum to help you on your way.

However, after I converted to Mac from Windows a few years ago, they didn't have a Mac version (they do now). During that time I bought for the Mac a cheaper, simpler software called Live Interior 3D Pro (they also have non-Pro, but the "Pro" here is strictly marketing for "more features"):

http://belightsoft.com

The software, as indicated, is not as robust as Home Designer, but it is easier to pick up and I found it quite satisfactory for my projects. It integrates well with the Sketchup 3D Warehouse (Sketchup is a 3D software package formerly owned by Google, and the "3D Warehouse" is a library of objects created and uploaded by users. This might not sound much until you search it and, for example, find pretty much every furniture item in the IKEA catalog has been created and uploaded at some stage or another). This is a great help for inserting existing items or new ideas into your rooms that the software doesn't have in its basic catalogue. The Home Designer software can import these Sketchup objects too (they both can import 3D objects in other software formats as well), but Live Interior integrates it better.

Personally I'm using the Home Designer software at the moment (for an external studio, organising a large farm shed-garage-car port combo, trying colours out in interiors, formerly planning our new double-glazed windows with furniture and new sliding doors, et cetera) because I like its robustness (though I curse often when it tries to decide what I'm trying to do and automatically "fixes" something). But if I had to live with Live Interior Pro I'd find that perfectly adequate for my needs.

If you have any questions about this home design software (or even Sketchup) please feel welcome to ask and I'll do my best.

PS. Home Designer also has a "Room Planner" app for the iPhone/iPad. I've not used it, though I have it... I think it has the ability to do a simple plan of a room and then bring it into the Home Designer software, though don't quote me on that.

(edited to turn the links into actual links)

oh and Tap Glance was quite easy to use, took me a couple of hours to get the hang of it.

I'll give it a try!

Thanks so much.

I like floorplanner. Touch limited but for free it's excellent. Just posted a 3d view on my dilemma re kitchen design

Also, I forgot to mention that both Home Designer and Live Interior have free trial versions (so does the Room Planner app) if you want to try them out. Another one I used to see come up was Punch Software though at the time I bought the Home Designer software it was getting some mixed reviews (note though, "mixed" - which mean many folks liked it just fine).

Personally I'm currently looking at qlder's "Tap Glance" iPad software and trying to find badlesmere's "floorplanner" software because I'm a bit of a software hoarder and what if they're better than what I've got?! What then?! :)

Can you change the exterior colour/cladding on all the apps mentioned?

I downloaded a free one and have discovered it's red brick only!

@Jodes, you can on the iPhone/iPad Room Planner app (though I think some materials are in-app extras - cost). On the Home Designer and Live Interiors software you certainly can and there are a lot built-in (and in Home Designer you can create your own with some effort, or customise existing ones).

When designing your home, use brick dimensions. You can download a reference page which has them on it. Why brick dimensions? These relate to standard building product sizes such as plasterboard sheets, a brick, window and door sizes. Even if you're not using brick it is still good practice to use these dimensions. Every room may not be to a brick dimension but most will be.

A standard size window is 1200 high x 1810 wide for example. 1200 high is 5 bricks (with mortar) x 1810 wide is 7.5 bricks wide opening (with mortar).

I use a 3D software package everyday and I still use a pen and paper initially. I jump on the computer once it is somewhere near the mark and then knock up a 3D model. The layout is the most important thing to get right first. The layout relates to views and orientation, furniture position, windows and doors, bathroom and kitchen layout, movement through the house from one room to the next, etc.. This can then be reworked to suit your style of house. Be it a weatherboard clad Federation or a double brick rendered Modernist.

The 'bling' is the last thing that needs work.

Is there actually an app where you can upload a floorplan? We got the plans but our drafts person does not do 3d plans. And I am having trouble visualizing the cladding combinations I am wanting to use.

Most CAD programs can import the floor plan but the expensive part is then having it drawn in 3D and then to show the cladding combinations is not straight forward as they are all similar but different. Unless you had a photo realistic 3D rendering done, you'd be hard pressed to really see the differences. What cladding combo's are you unsure of?

Thank you for the insight jbantick! It may not be worth it for me to start doing that now. We are building a "boxy" house with a very low pitch. I am wanting a combination of Shadowclad panels painted with this rusty paint, modwood 200mm boards in a darker colour and as little render as possible. We are still researching & costing. Do you have any experience with the combinations? I would love to have some Aluclad panels, they look amazing but are possible way out of our price range.

What you've suggested sounds great. Rust paint looks fantastic. Porters Paints make a good one. Go for it!! Not sure on the Alucobond types of panels though. Too 'blingy' for me.

Too many people are conservative and can't make a decision, so end using the bog standard Primrose coloured windows and blonde bricks because it's safe and been done a thousand times before........

Hello

Please make sure you design a floor plan that suits the orientation of your site, works in connection and flow, and creates spaciousness with decent storage, light and volume, and great indoor/outdoor connection.

To be perfectly honest, it won't matter very much what you clad it in or what the roof is doing if you don't achieve this.

I am so saddened to read on this thread that homeowners are having to do certain work to 'take back the reigns' from their designers.

Architects and other professionals can forget that it's your home, your budget, your life. A professional should expand your ideas and add value to your plans and dreams for your home with their expertise. Unfortunately this doesn't always occur.

Perhaps find a designer who can work collaboratively with you in this way. Even if you're building a small budget home, chances are you're still spending a big investment for you. It doesn't cost anymore to build a wall in the right place or the wrong place, and in my experience, the money you spend on the right professional saves you money in the long run.

Invest in some advice upfront so you make a difference in the outcome you achieve. That's what helps you create a home that works and makes your life better,

Regards
Amelia Lee
www.undercoverarchitect.com.au

I so totally agree with Undercover Architect !
Communication is key ! If talking doesn't work with your designer/architect - try email - as its there in black and white - can be re-read and simply writing it focus's the mind as to what you want !!

Re Tap Glance for iPad - we use it to quickly sketch stuff for clients - it's pretty cool and you can import Architect plans to base your drawing on etc - but it IS basic ! So won't do angled /dorma roof area or straight corner kitchen units etc etc - but it's a good tool to play about with things for the small price it costs !

We provide a sketch /consult service using it that can then be imported into your iPad to 'play with further ' if you find getting the walls and doors on difficult ...

We create 3D images of proposed design .
Give us a call should you be interested.
0422442004
www.l8studio.com.au