Online home-building software?

[golden]

I was wondering if you folks know of a free program that allows you to build rooms/buildings. We're looking for something rather detailed. If you know of something, please post it. Thank you!

[artificer]

Haven't checked any of these out but...

Free Home Design Software Download

Michael

[speedfunk]

I used sketchup . Google has bought it and has a free and a pro version. It's a simple to use rendering program that has ALOT of uses. I use it for almost anything I design.

[ErinP]

Not free, but not particularly pricey either: Plan 3D
I've fiddled with Sketchup, but didn't find it nearly as user-friendly as Plan 3D. (Then again, SketchUp is for more than just houses)

[hotzcatz]

If you are actually going to build something, then a book by Ortho Press titled "Basic Home Building" is a great resource. Not exactly a computer program, but a worthwhile book nonetheless.

If you are building a house, then a book by Sarah Susanka called "The Not So Big House" is well worth reading, too.

Drafting and drawing blueprints for houses is what I do for a living and these are two books I've found real informative. As for drafting programs, AutoCAD is not the program you want to learn if you are only going to build one building. It is great if you are designing loads of buildings or an entire town, but for one building it is too difficult to learn.

[NickyBlade]

Another vote for Google Sketchup! You can get as detailed as you'd like and can also download other user made objects at no cost. Great program and community.