Most architectural firms would provide a 3D visual service for additional fees.

When we were thinking of building about a decade ago, I bought some software and started playing around with it. It didn't take me long to realize I didn't have the knowledge to design a house properly - I couldn't figure out how to work with the terrain the house was going to be built on (steep, sloping block), I didn't know enough about the local building codes (height restrictions, bush fire protection measures) and I wasn't very good at figuring out how to take best advantage of orientation and views. My draft designs were bog standard and boring. We ended up finding a designer whose work we liked, and told him what we wanted - a 3 bedroom house, generous rooms, no wasted space, lots of storage, maximum natural lighting, energy-efficient orientation, open space living area, efficient (but not necessarily large) kitchen, decent deck. He produced a plan (and a little cardboard model) which pretty much exactly met our needs - we only had to make a few minor changes - and that was that. I think what I'm trying to say is that it's a good idea for you to know and explain what your needs and requirements are, but let the designer figure out how best to achieve them. That's what he's being paid for. By all means, give him plenty of input, but don't restrict him to tinkering with your design; let him produce his own.

Hi I use a combination of 3 different programs depending on the need and who it is for. Each can be used to do complete drawings depending on your needs and time. I only use Sketchup to illustrate a 3d for clients so they have a visual. It has its limitations though as major changes can be quite laborious. I use Chief Architect only to nut out multiple layout options as you can simply click and drag to draw a wall that you have pre-defined the properties of eg brick veneer exterior, stud internal etc. If you have a room dimension you want to increase, you simply highlight the wall you want to move, click on the dimension that has popped up and change it. The surrounding walls alter to adapt to the new wall location so it is quick and easy. I don't use it for detail work as being an American program a lot of the options and specs don't apply unless you get Australian add ons... For detailed CAD drawings I use Autosketch 10 and TurboCad 20. Being old school (2D) I use Autosketch mostly for over 90% of my drawing as with about 7 or 8 tools you can pretty much draw anything and it does detailed construction drawings the way I prefer. Being only 2D you have to think 3D and draw the elevations etc in 2D but I enjoy that as it helps think through how something is going to be put together. Cheers

also of grown up status i would recommend my vintage 3D Home Architect version 4 but i'm not sure it's still available as the on line help no longer works..good luck with your search but i would be happy to convert your plans to get you started