Monthly Archives: June 2013

Free House Design Software Reviews

Free House Design Software Reviews

Free House Design Software ReviewsReading reviews of house design software before making a purchase — or in this case, using for free — is no doubt a highly important step. From the product’s features up to the user’s actual experience, you’ll find objective or most of the time subjective view on the product in question. Reviews help you make an informed decision so you won’t waste your time, money, and effort. However, since anyone can get online and say whatever they want, good judgment must be exercised at all times when going through someone’s review. Choose those that are professionally written, but weed out those that are self-promoting.

In this article, we take a look at some of the most highly recommended free house or architectural design software based on consumer reviews. These reviews are taken from reputable sources online such as C|Net.

1. Google SketchUp

Bought by Trimble Navigation from Google last year, this software helps you create 3D images of a building, print it out if you want, or upload and share it for everyone to see using a free repository such as 3D Warehouse.

This software is what most professionals would say is perfect for beginners and students. It has impressive features that no other free programs have, and these features are easy to use. For that reason, you don’t have to have an expertise in 3D imaging and design to master this amazing tool.

Free House Design Software Reviews Google SketchUpTrimble Navigation promises that they will still be providing a free version of the SketchUp to consumers.

2. AutoCAD Architecture

Although not really free, this software has a shareware license just like most of the professional programs on the market today. Meaning, you can use this software for a limited duration of time to test its features.

What users love about this software is that it’s a professional program but it’s probably the simplest of its kind. Even if you have beginner to zero AutoCAD skills, this software is not difficult to use in creating 3D images of buildings. For that reason, this is one of the most used tools by architects and engineers today.

When it comes to features and functionalities, you can increase this program’s performance by using plug-ins. It also has a collection of pre-set shapes that you can use anytime, but if you prefer to create your own, this software won’t make things difficult for you.

3. Ashampoo Home Designer

This software is for designing the interior of a house. Just like AutoCAD Architecture, this has a shareware license.

Free House Design Software Reviews Ashampoo Home DesignerPerhaps the best thing about this software is that it is very easy to use that even a person with limited knowledge of design and designing through computers can enjoy. All you have to do is choose from the software’s library of images, click on your choice, and then drop it in the designated area. Use this when you’re planning on remodelling or renovating your house.

The only disadvantage that this product has is that the floor plan is set. You cannot customize it according to your specifications.

A Review Of Free Garage Design Software

A Review Of Free Garage Design Software

Free Garage Design SoftwareMost homeowners take their garage for granted. But you’re not most homeowners, so you put some effort into turning your garage into a highly valuable place for your car, tools, and storage needs.

To transform your garage into how you imagine it to be, it takes a sophisticated computer program to do the job. Gone are the days when you rip pages of your favorite home magazines to make sure that you’re on the same page with your contractor. But with a garage design software, all the elements are organized into one neat pictorial presentation.  Anyone who sees it won’t have a problem interpreting what you want your garage to look like.

But before you get tempted to purchase a software for yourself, be glad to know that there are a few garage design programs that are offered for free. These free items may not be as advanced as their paid counterparts, but they have everything you need. One of the most highly recommended among these free programs is Big Hammer’s Do-It-Yourself Garage Designer Software.

To start using this amazing software, all you have to do is to download the application from their website and install it properly.

What are the pros and cons of this free software?

Free Garage Design Software Do-It-Yourself Garage Designer SoftwareFirst of all, the Do-It-Yourself Garage Designer works only with Internet Explorer. As you know, Internet Explorer’s response time may be slow, but if you prefer other browsers such as Google Chrome or Firefox, this software won’t run.

Second, this program does not support Mac. So if you’re using a Mac OS, you might want to download a utility software called Boot Camp Assistant to create a partition for Windows. Only when you do this can the Do-It-Yourself Garage Designer run.

Aside from that, this program does not support Intel Integrated Video, and if you want to have a memorable 3D experience, you need to upgrade your video cards.

The good news is, the above-stated disadvantages have a quick fix. And once you’ve successfully downloaded and installed the program, you’ll have a fantastic experience design the garage of your dreams.

What are the good things about Big Hammer’s Do-It-Yourself Garage Designer Software?

First, it’s easy to customize your garage design. This program supports a click-and-drag feature, which allows you to design in layers, rotate at certain angles, and quickly change one element into another if you don’t like the outcome.

Free Garage Design Software Big HammerSecond, your design can be easily customized. You can change the height and width of your frames, you can choose from different types and styles of roofing systems, and choose from different types of materials such as lumber or metal. You can do all that by choosing from a built-in design catalog that the program has. And the best part is, price quotes are provided for all the materials you chose.

Third, the software gives you different views and printouts. If you want a 3D view, you got it. If you want a post layout view, just click on the feature and your design follows this view. And when you choose the 3D feature, you can rotate your design at any angle.