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.
1. IMSI TurboFLOORPLAN Instant Architect
Photo: Jackie Craven
IMSI TurboFLOORPLAN Instant Architect 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 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 partnered with Chief Architect, Inc to publish home design software that combines CAD tools with more than 1,500 sample plans and photo galleries with home design advice. If you're computer savvy, you'll love all the features and resources bundled in this powerful software. But, if you've never used graphics software before, plan to spend time learning how to use the Better Homes and Gardens Home Designer Suite. Fortunately, the software comes with tutorial videos.
4. Punch! Home Design Series
A single interface incorporates 32 programs with powerful tools, including CAD for 3D home and landscape design. You can plan your electrical and plumbing systems, design doors and windows, create custom trim, and more. Buy the complete software suite, or choose the programs you need the most.
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.
