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OT Design software recommendations for remodel

16 years ago

Apologies for being OT & crossposting. But there's more traffic in this forum, and you all are so design savvy that I'll probably get a better answer here:

We're replacing/redesigning our windows, re-siding & re-roofing our house next spring. Are there some good software programs where I can scan a picture of our house & play with the siding/roofing/window designs? I'd also like to do interior layouts so I can see how the windows look from the inside and how the furniture needs to be rearranged.

Of course, it will also be loads of fun to design kitchens to my heart's content :)

Thanks for your recommendations.

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Comments (3)

norwega
16 years ago
I don't know if this is what you're looking for...

http://sketchup.google.com/index.html
awm03
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks, norwega, but I was looking for something with a jpeg import feature. Looks like the choice is between Punch & Better Homes & Gardens Design Suite.
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If you have a little patience for a little bit of a steep learning curve, and you think well in 3D, then I think Google SketchUp is the best thing going - and it's free! Watch the online video tutorials. Once you get the basic concepts you can go to work. It's a generic 3D modeler, but is particularly well suited for architecture. You really are virtually unlimited in what you can model. I've modeled our entire Kitchen/Family Room with vaulted ceilings running in two directions down to the fraction of an inch, and have used to plan our upcoming remodel.
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Okay, I know I'm not Oceanna, but I saw this and thought I'd throw in my 2 cents, for what it's worth. I only do web/graphic design as a hobby, but I recently started doing digital scrapbooking as well, so I'm familiar with several graphics programs, though I do have to admit, I don't know about Artrage. The first program I started with was Paint Shop Pro, and learned to do a lot with it. Then I was finally able to get a copy of Photoshop 7, which I still have. I have upgraded my Paint Shop Pro to 9 (because, apparently, Jasc, the maker, sold to Corel, and it's changed a lot). I love bothing both. I find some things better in one program than in another, and vice versa. My first version of Paint Shop Pro was purchased for about 80 bucks. My newest version was like 40 (on eBay). You might be able to find it on eBay. Another option is PhotoShop Elements (PSE). It doesn't contain all the fancy stuff on the fullblown Photoshop, but still useful features. I know a lot of scanners and printers come with it nowadays (so you may not need to purchase it). Also, I don't know if PSE works with a Wacom. Anyway, thought I'd share. (Although, for the record, I would love a copy of CS, but I can dream..... ^_^)
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My suggestions as a tech guy & TKO type: Better Homes & Gardens Home Designer for designing spaces. It has a small learning curve and costs money, but it's flexible enough and more user friendly than other options. Pinterest.com to manage ideas / inspirations / products. Addicting. Simple. Genius. Excel Spreadsheets can not be beat for managing other information. A tab for vendor contacts and notes, a tab for budget, a tab for appliance comparison shopping, etc.
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Hi Guys, I'm using sweethome3d to generate floorplans and 3D visualizations of our space. It's free and it's java based so it will run on windows/mac and linux (which sketchup doesn't support, so this was key for me). It's not perfect and you have to go through a lot of hoops to do complicated things (slanted roofs with skylights specifically!), but if you screw with it enough you can do some pretty powerful things. Their lighting model isn't ideal (really? No diffuse and specular surfaces at the same time!?), but it's fairly easy to use. here's some shots of the layout I did with it (arrows and text were added after in another program) And the current work in progress rendering of the new space: Here is a link that might be useful: SweetHome3D
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blindstar
16 years ago
I own both SketchUp and Punch. Both can import jpeg, Sketchup can import a variety of formats including AutoCad files (dwg, dfx). I stared using Punch before SketchUp was available. Punch is designed for modeling residential construction. I found Punch quick to learn, easy to use and much faster to create simple models. Its limitations show up when you start adding complexity. It really bogs down if you load complex topography. It is the usual trade off between ease of use and flexibility. There are higher end versions to this type of tool, such a Chief Architect, that I expect overcome most of the limitations, but I donÂt have any experience with them.

Sketchup is a general purpose modeling tool. I used it to design our home, but I also use to design furniture, fireworks and most anything where I want to communicate an 3 dimenional image. SketchUp required a much greater investment of time to learn the program, but once you do it is amazing. Most manufactures provide 3D models of their products in AutoCad format. Because SketchUp can import AutoCad files you can, for example, download 3D models of sinks from the Kohler web site and place them into your virtual kitchen. Many companies also provide SetchUp components (native SketchUp format) versions of their products, for example Pittsburg Corning provides models of their glass blocks. You can "build" glass block wall in your design and be sure that a contractor can build the same wall in the real world. As I am sure you can tell, I really like SketchUp. If you are going to be doing a lot of design work I think the investment in time to learn it is well worth the time spent.

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