Can anyone make a recommendation on a good home-remodeling software program? Does such a thing even exist? I’m thinking of something like what is available on www.bobvila.com, but better: you can put the dimensions of your room, the windows, doors, etc., in and then make a 3-D model into which you can add different fixtures, furniture, floor coverings, cabinet faces, etc. I’d like it to be compatible with both Win95/98 and 2000 if possible, but would settle for one or the other. The Bob Vila thing is okay but I figure if there’s a similar commercial software available, it’s probably a lot better than what Bob offers for free. Any ideas?
Hiya,
I’m starting yet another remodel. All I seem to do is work on the house.
A few years ago my father gave me 3D home Architect by Broderbund (never heard of them). The copyright on the thing is 1994. I think he got it for free.
This particular program won’t give you engineering quality plans but it sure does give you a good idea of how things will look when you are done.
You can create a plan view and do 3D walk through and create material lists (I would not necessarily trust that, but it’s a good start). You can even change the wall and carpet color and add furniture and appliances. It really helps you visualize things.
It is very easy for me to use. But I must add a caviat. I have done a lot of remodel and building and am a programmer well versed in these types of programs.
I bet you could find something similar for $50 or less.
Sorry I can’t recommend something specific. But for something that is 8 years old and free, this one is pretty impressive. I’m sure just about anything today would blow your socks off.
Personally, being the Official Bob Vila of the US Air Force, one would think I know all sorts of software for this stuff. There is nothing further from the truth. I can’t recommend specific titles, but I do know that it is out there. I don’t recall specific names but there are software products on the market that will give you a general idea.
Go to a Staples/Office Max place, or even a Home Depot. Even if you go to a general contractor or architectural firm, they might be able to let you know what’s out there.
I personally use AutoCad at work. It’s more of a drafting/surveying program, but you can do layouts and floorplans of buildings and facilities. I wouldn’t recommend it though: It costs well over $1,200 for the individual user.
Honestly, I think the best way to design an interior or exterior is to hit the bricks and go to some paint, hardware, and home improvement stores. Take a look at what they have. If you think you can install it, you probably can . . .
Tripler
From a lowly paint store stockboy to combat engineer.
So, do you use one of those $20,000 hammers we keep hearing about? 
Broderbund still makes the program. I used to have an older version (I think 3), but I recently rebuild my PC and I can’t find the CD.
Excellent program, if what you’re looking for is a general idea of what a room might look like after remodeling.
You people. . .
Yer all giving us a bad name. The hammer costs $12.62 at the local hardware store. It’s the training in the correct use of the hammer that costs the other $19,987.38.
Tripler
Figure in SIOH of 5.7%, and an area cost factor of 1.1% . . .