Chief Architect's newest version of Home and Deck Landscaping (or a title something very close to that) is $80 and does a very good job of allowing one to view in 3-D. (I tried the previous version which was $50.) However, there is a learning curve to it that may not be justified for a single project. I found certain aspects of it taxing and frustrating. One thing I didn't like was using the "library." It seemed unnecessarily confusing, while limited. But the software could produce a decent looking plan and let you walk through areas of it. (That is, after you spend a huge amount of time creating all the things in it. If you wish to create a house or other structures to design around, it can take a LOT of time.) How much you like to struggle with computer frustrations can only be known by you. (I still prefer paper and pencil.)

I use MS-Excel. I adjust the highth and width of the cells to suit me. If I am planning my entire garden (116'x 38'), one cell might represent 3'x3' square. I can then do an individual row in another worksheet in as much detail as I need. I use the borders tool to outline beds or rows and walkways. No software to buy. If you are interested, Email me and I will send you back an example. Jim (who spends the winter planning and replanning his garden trying to figure out how to make room for the seeds he bought knowing he was already out of space)

This kind of software is often limited to an operating system. Contractors often use Windows and architects often use Macs. What is yours? You should ask your contractor to provide a schedule because you will be constantly hounding him for information in order to update the schedule and you don't want to usurp his responsibility for that aspect of the project. For tracking project costs there are many Excel templates available that only cost $25 or so and allow a free trial. It might be difficult to find a good one simply because project management means different things to contractors, architects and owners and there are so many different kinds of projects and delivery methods; for instance, yours is not a common one for home building.

I use paper pencil and crayon. That would take me hours! LOL! Is that really what you do? I thought an architect would at least draw the elevations in CAD. You have given me idea. Maybe I'll draw the elevations in AutoCAD and let my kids color them for me. It will be a great way to involve them in the build and keep them busy for half an hour! You could play around with LP's visualizer. Some of the other siding companies have similar features. Thanks. I'll try the link you provided. Your best resource for this (and other things) is your friendly local architect. You're right. We paid for someone local to design/draw the plans. Unfortunately, we went through the builder, so technically we aren't the architect's client. The builder doesn't seem overly happy to work with me on this! PS: There's absolutely nothing wrong with white b&b and white windows. It's a great opportunity for a stunning front door. I don't completely disagree. I've seen several photos of white on white that I LOVE, but I've seen just as many that are blah! I'm not sure why I love some and not others. If I were certain I'd get the kind I LOVE, I'd do it in a heartbeat! I guess I'll study those photos some more in an attempt to determine what I like/dislike.