What is the best CAD program for a beginner
Jacqueline French
6 years ago
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PRODr Retro House Calls
6 years ago
siriuskey
6 years agoRelated Discussions
3D Design Programs
Comments (18)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...See MoreHelp needed for our big reno plans
Comments (66)you are super-patient!!! :) :) thank you :) I'm so sorry but I do actually have a couple MORE thoughts!! argh! there are just so many different options.... and this is a bit of an all consuming puzzle to try to solve. here they are: 1) study could become main bathroom - leaving new Bed 4 as per plan since it is bigger & a better size for guests. in this option, some area could be stolen from the study to boost ensuite size - even if it just made the ensuite 1 full metre. Ideally not requiring study window to change. 2) WC could potentially be separate either within this space OR at the back of the old kitchen (allowing for the remaining, longish hall wall to be shorter again) oklouise you may think some of these ideas are not very workable & I'd be so glad for your feedback & comment (and anyone else's comments as well), it's really so incredibly helpful - unbelievably helpful - to have everyone's input. i'd love recommendations on which ideas & options might work best for that balance between function & budget...See MoreDesign software
Comments (1)Try Sketchup, a version is available as a free trial download, and it is designed for beginners. https://www.sketchupaustralia.com.au/sketchup-free-trial/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA-c_iBRChARIsAGCOpB0ohpndTYGFgRORjRqn9bl5otiKxv0KE2YNanQJXWuq7rLVJZiaslcaAvBuEALw_wcB However like any software the results very much depend on the skills and experience of the user. Just because I know how to use Microsoft Word it doesn't mean I can write a best selling novel! The software won't teach you how to design, or what makes good design, or the best way to build, which is why people engage design professionals. Best of luck. Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls...See MoreWhat are the alternatives to bi-fold doors?
Comments (109)Hi @Siriuskey, I don't charge as your designer would for his time so I hope my furniture and colours don't put you off. Firstly I have to tell you...noting you have drawn or suggested has put me off...in fact quite the opposite. I would not have considered an open stair case without seeing your 3D projection. We now WILL head down this direction. So kudos to you for helping me think on this. Just revive the thinking on your stairs, they do take up a lot of passage and study space, cramping it. As much as I might like to move the stairs, I am somewhat restricted for various reasons I have mentioned. I honestly dont think they take up a bunch of room and I think where they are postioned maximses the family spaces. Just looking at your own 3D model for the position of the front door it all looks great. My CAD program is a lot older than your designers but it was top end Nothing at all wrong with your program or your diagrams. They really helped us with a positive direction which our own designer didnt come up with and now agrees with. Once again I would still like you to re think your stairs, this deals with the bi fold doors (why are they glass) and the anomaly of the windows. I really cant do a lot with the stairs or the position of the wall in the corridor for the study. There are a number of considerations around loading which I cant easily combat. Making the staircase open I think really adds a lot of dimension to the space and actually makes it work. We haven't decided on what the bi-folds will look like. My wife happens to like the glass...but we haven't made any solid decisions. Don't forget the Fridge, it's very important Thank you. Yes I wont forget. :)...See More
oklouise
6 years agoUser
6 years agosiriuskey
6 years ago- PRO
User
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoHi Jacqueline
I agree with Dr Retro. Sketchup is very simple and fast to learn. There are lots of youtube vids and it really is about a 30 minute learning curve.
You can import an existing house plan into it and use as a template to get the layout. It's pretty straight forward then to build a 3D model.
Then if you want to see it in 2D from above or cut sections (ie look inside) it has simple tools to create sections from any angle....
We often use it to quickly knock up a concept for clients before it becomes a reality...
The program is free but if you upgrade to the pro you can export plans to Layout. It depends on how far you want to go.
Cheers
Jacqueline French
6 years agooklouise
6 years ago
PROMichael Bell Architects Pty Ltd
4 years agoDevillan
3 years ago
Michael Bell Architects Pty Ltd