3D Home Architect Deluxe 3 (Jewel Case)

Reader Reviews
I purchased three highly recommended PC architect programs to put my ideas onto paper. One was too complex, almost a full CAD program that would have taken months to learn by trial and error. The next was too simple to do any serious planning. Broderbund's Home Architect (previous version with book included) was JUST RIGHT. I didn't need the book which was mostly documentation of the fixtures and models included. I started playing with simple frame designs and tried to replicate parts of my favorite layouts from Home Design books. It took me a few weeks in my spare time to get good enough to do some serious drawing. By the time I finished my plans three months later, I had 3-D views, all the electrical switches & outlets installed to code (automatically), an exact measurement to the sq. ft. and materials list I actually used for estimates. Sharing those estimates with the contractor showed him I knew what the house would cost to build except for labor and helped us settle on a fixed price up front. In fact, my estimate turned out to be better than his. Early in my designing, the materials list showed I couldn't afford the house I wanted so I scaled it down to what I could afford without losing anything important or incurring thousands in loan costs. I took the plans to an architect who basically charged me $400 to re-draw and print out my plans on his plotter. I built the house and the only problem the contractor had was where the architect didn't follow my computerized plan. Next time I'll do it with just this software! It really works. [and now does roof designs] I've enjoyed my home for seven years now and it suits me well because I designed it carefully to meet my needs, my lot and the FL climate. Try several sw packages including this one. Its more intuitive to use than the others and loaded with nice features. Don't settle for a cookie cutter home.