I downloaded both. Liked the 3d feature of home design however hard to get measurements right. Magic plan was easy to enter measurements but no 3d. Thanks guys very useful.

There is something to be said for actually having to "make yourself" to work through/resolving the building slowly and manually "old school", without 3D "tools" as it forces you to really understand how it works simultaneously spatially and structurally. Visualising in 3D from 2D is a skill and if people don't have it naturally it can be developed, but if it doesn't exist you can't just expect a computer program to "sort that bit out" for you and continue on your merry way no dramas. Nope. The problem with the 3D thing is that sometimes it does "auto" stuff, & works it all out so quickly that it "conditions" the operator away from really having to slow down and think properly/deeply about what's happening. Again, this comes back to the (design) process being misunderstood and all messed up. 3D is a fantastic tool, great/wonderful for visualisation DOWN THE TRACK, however when it comes to the fundamentals of architecture & plan resolution and particularly residential/small scale, all you need is a measuring tape, pencil, scale ruler and some paper. Sure CAD makes it quicker and more accurate in this day & age and I admit I now design directly from/in CAD. But I use it like a pencil and it's essentially a more accurate "sketch" process translated into digital but still deeply deals with the fundamental function/zoning/scale/cost/context balance that allows the formal resolution to occur/progress at and in appoprriate time. There is WAY too much focus nowadays on "what it looks like" BEFORE the most critical stuff is understood, established and sorted. What is being lost and standardised/categorised with this era of visual focus is EXPERIENCE of space, which ultimately is what architecture is all about. It's a welding of science and art that is an art form within itself. When design is approached with a basic typological or cut&paste/elemental manner, that is only reinforced with computer programs, particularly in inexperienced hands, critical elements of space are not as effectively addressed and opportunities are missed or misunderstood. Not a good thing. "Form follows function" (thanks Frankie) and arguably the great examples of the craft of residential space were created without computers and have proven to stand the test of time. We may be able to do things quicker these days, but it doesn't necessarily equate to better nor enduring results. Not surprising really. End of rant ;) BTW The helicopter idea's not bad Retro ;)

Hi all, I just thought I would make people aware of the MY BUILD app which is designed for anyone who is building or undertaking any kind of home improvement project. The app is full of features from a virtual filing cabinet for all of your documents and allows customisable files, a pin board space where you can save all of your inspiration photos and construction photos, a budget area to help keep your finances on track, a space to save room/area sizes so you know everything will fit where it needs to, a calendar which lists your appointments in a clear and easy to read format (this can also sync. with your main calendar if you choose and finally a notes section where you can keep all your relevant notes, minutes, ideas and thoughts....with photos attached if that's what you need. My Build has been available in Australia since January and is now available in North America, UK, Ireland and New Zealand - there is a free version. Check out the web site www.mybuildapp.com.au to find out more or search My Build in the App Store or Google Play. Thanks for reading.

there have been many different floor plan programs recommended before on HOUZZ but you need to understand what you want and how much space is needed (always include scale sized furniture in your plans) before you can make any program work best..if you post a rough hand drawn sketch of your ideal house on a site plan showing the dimensions of your proposed rooms, the width and length of your block, directions of north and any special features including a wish list of what you would like to include i'd be happy to make a rough plan for you and there are numerous other HOUZZERS who will offer excellent advice