Home Design Pro is a great option. There's a guy on YT that compares the differences between Pro & the full CA version. Basically, the biggest drawback is that you have to save different layouts / layers (electrical, framing, etc) as separate files. The total cost for Pro is in the low $600 range, after you buy an upgrade from HS Suite like I have which is very functional. So, I totally disagree with Mason's point. And your local supply house like BFC will have structural engineers on staff who approve you framing package. And part of the fun is learning about span tables, be them I-joist, LVL or simple yellow pine. So if you're going to build your own house, it makes complete sense to make a $600 investment plus the time & effort to learn the general ins & outs. That's the whole point & fun of it all.
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I agree with you. My husband and I are building our own home. It took us 2 months to do our plans ourselves using Chief Architect. $400 vs $1400 for a similar plan with everything we got from the program. Not sure why he even made this video. What we used>local building code book and software.
I've been using chief architect for a little over 3 years. It was a little overwhelming on my first remodel job using it but it more than paid for itself on that first project. I've caught so many issues in 3D land before starting work that it has saved much more than the software cost. The digital walk through for clients is huge for visualization and checking clearances.
You’re totally right, navigating in 3D, especially in perspective framing view, was a huge benefit when doing this custom design. Lots of things you’d never think about in 2D. We plan to use it a lot going forward!
You lucked out by getting access to that architectural software package. It's great you could stay at that level of detail for a protracted time. And yes DO get input from a structural engineer!! Way to go Alex - design renderings sounds very promising.
The reasons I need to design my own home are firstly, because if I don't design it, it won't feel like it's mine; and secondly, nobody else designs houses the way I want my house to be anyway. The various key details are all being done, but not all together. If I want it to happen, I have to do it myself.
We did the same thing, but I used their Home Designer Software Pro version which is way cheaper than the one you used. It's definitely a no brainer to get if you enjoy doing those kinds of things but don't want to fork out $3k. I'd love to step up to the premier. Where we are you still have to hire a structural engineer to do structural drawings whether you buy plans online or not. Fully agree with your assessment!
Home Designer is still quite powerful for what it is! I think it just limits the 2D drawing capabilities. I'm on the student license now but I think eventually I'll just buy Premier and do a few side design jobs to pay for it. In our case we saved on the structural engineering by doing all the drafting and just having them look over it and size beams etc. with a markup of the PDF.
Hi. Greetings from the South of Chile. Im a 50 year old teacher and I didnt know anything about construction or carpentry, but last summer I decided to go into it by building a small house and I just loved it. But apart from the interesting experience I got, I found out I didnt really need neither a construction company nor an architect (only 2 helpers for the heaviest chores), because it wasnt hard actually, only heavy work. The best thing: I spent less money than Id thought. Maybe too much theoretical technical information was not really useful for your experience. Now I know that no carpentry expertice and no technical knowledge are no problem when you find the way for it to work out. Best wishes.
You are probably the most geographically distant comment we've gotten! Sounds like you built yourself an awesome place, glad you were able to get it done an save some money in the process. Our plan is also pretty simple overall, except for building on top of the portal frame (garage door) wall which requires some extra detailing. Thanks for watching!
As a structural engineer, I agree that it is best to use a professional. However, for someone like you (genius) it will be fine. I’ve drawn up many houses for myself over the years. You’ll be glad you did this in the long term. It will be uniquely yours. Keep moving forward.
I bought the cheap version of Chief Architect a few years ago. My goal was to design a general layout for my home project. It took quite a while to get things figured out with the program, but like you, I enjoy the learning process. I am now at the point I need to turn the design over and have many questions answered.
I love architects but in small doses - its important to have a shared 'vision" and aesthetic from the get-go because some can a leeetle, well, pedantic:)
Im assuming that his main point was time in learning curve and time in detail development. What Im seeking advice on is amateur software that i can quickly get to visualizing the space; outside (landscaping), inside and footprint. When I err on side of caution trying to design floorplan, i keep ending up with a 4000 sq/ft house that i know i can't afford.
As a PE in structural engineering, I would absolutely hire a mechanical engineer to consult on the mechanical aspects of a project like this. Do what you know or want to learn, hire well for the rest.
I have three infill lots in Sacramento, and I'm just going to buy plans, and have a builder make code changes as required. However, the wife wants to alter our residence, and I want to get at least an elevation plan to see what it will look like.
Is it just me or can you no longer buy the software? I'm seeing only subscription-based options, which is a bit frustrating. P.S. I'm also a mechanical engineer with some experience with structural engineering in the past. I feel like you were reading my mind this video 😅 I know I may regret designing myself, but the creative freedom & control is very enticing to me. My husband is in construction so I feel like he could help with a lot of those details as well... How do you feel about the "user-friendly" 3D softwares out there for much less $$ & seem to be popular? Seems like it could potentially save me a lot of headaches, but also don't want crappy results bc I skimped on the design software. Thank you!!
To run the software and NOT become frustrated with rendering lag, what computer spec (CPU, RAM, Graphics Card, Laptop or Desktop) did you find necessary?
It does follow best practices as told by standard building code by default, however it doesn't know when it's beyond those limitations or beyond normal materials. For example, it will size rafters and window/door header height (2x6, 2x8, etc.) based on span, but it won't know you can't have a 50' long board.
Yes that's the defeatured version, more geared towards interiors. I can't recall what the limitations are but I don't believe it allows you to create a full plan
