This article is to merely give you ideas and present options for your consideration. We don’t recommend or endorse any particular company, brand, or software.
It’s time to call an architect or professional designer when you are redoing the entire house, completely redesigning a kitchen, or building a house from scratch.
Architects will vary on price, largely depending on where you live and the project you want done. According to Danny Lipford, a home improvement expert, “If you want the architect to manage the project, solicit bids, choose the contractor and subcontractors, control money and oversee work, she will charge 5 to 10 percent of the gross construction cost.”
However, if you want to work on a smaller scale and/or do the design work yourself, there are several new software options to choose from, and they range from free to very pricey, so shop wisely. They also range from novice-friendly to pro, so again, shop wisely and read over the details before you choose the one that is right for you.
Let’s start in my favorite section: free and easy.
Design Workshop. “The complete freeware Design Workshop Lite software package provides all you need to build your own 3D models for home design and visualization of architecture, landscapes, exhibits, or any kind of spatial design.” The makers of Design Workshop also offer free tutorials and user guide.
Google Sketch Up is another freebie. “Developed for the conceptual stages of design, this powerful yet easy-to-learn software allows for quick and easy 3D form creation, the result is an interface that supports a dynamic, creative exploration of 3D form, material and light.” Google Sketch Up offers a user’s guide, video tutorials, examples, reference charts, and a layout guide.
Punch Home Design is made to be fun for both the beginner designer and the more experienced. This one, however, is NOT FREE. Punch Home Design offers many different products, but the “5 in 1 Home Design” seems to cover everything, including landscaping, exterior and interior design, and a furniture workshop. On the website this product costs $39.99.
The software options get a bit pricier from here, but they are well worth looking into. Once you have designed your initial project, these software’s can be fun to play around with and once you get started, you can find many more projects to work on. If you are trying to remodel your living space, play around with the software to design a new look for your bedroom, or even your yard. Not only will you be giving your house a professional look that will be sure to impress, you will also be raising its long term value.
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