Anyone with a dream and a computer can draw floor plans, house elevations, and 3D pictures using these easy home design software programs. All of these programs are affordable, and some are even free. Which is best? For tips in choosing, see: How to Select Home Design Software.
Updated: October 26, 2009
1. IMSI TurboFLOORPLAN Instant Architect
Photo: Jackie Craven
IMSI TurboFLOORPLAN Instant Architect Version 12 offers instant gratification for the beginner. This home design software program doesn't have all the "bells and whistles," but includes more than enough options to create floor plans, cost estimates, landscape designs, and masterful 3D illustrations. Plus, Instant Architect is budget-priced.
2. IMSI TurboFLOORPLAN Home & Landscape Pro
Photo: Jackie Craven
Home & Landscape Pro from IMSI TurboFLOORPLAN Version 12 is a souped-up version of their Instant Architect software. It has out-of-the-box simplicity for beginners, but also offers powerful CAD tools and many extra features for advanced users. The ease and adaptability of Home & Landscape Pro make it an especially good buy.
3. Better Homes and Gardens Home Designer Suite
Photo: PriceGrabber
Better Homes and Gardens Home Designer Suite 8.0 has been replaced by Chief Architect Home Designer Suite 9.0, but you can still order the 8.0 version online. Either version packs a lot of power with a huge library of sample plans and photo galleries. If you've never used graphics software before, plan to spend time learning how to use the program. Fortunately, the Better Homes and Gardens Home Designer Suite comes with tutorial videos.
4. Punch! Home Design Suite
This is one of the least expensive of the many home design programs offered by the Punch! Software company. You can plan your electrical and plumbing systems, design doors and windows, create custom trim, and more. Punch! home design programs are available for the PC and the MAC.
5. DesignWorkshop Lite (FREE)
The cost-free DesignWorkshop Lite software program lets you build your own 3D models of buildings, landscapes, exhibits, or any kind of spatial design. For a small price, you can also order complete documentation, tutorials, and additional example building models. DesignWorkshop Lite has a dual platform for both Macintosh and Windows operating systems.6. Google SketchUp (FREE)
Download the free SketchUp program from Google and you can draw 3D images of your building project. After you've created your 3D image, you can print it out or upload it to a "3D Warehouse" to share with others. The Warehouse also has drawings you can add to your own 3D picture.What if you only want to draw a simple floor plan?
If all you want to do is draw a simple floor plan, without fancy 3D views, you might not need the high powered software listed above. Instead, check out these easy, free online drawing tools.
