Some portions of this software are easy to use such as laying out a floor plan. Once you get that done and add a roof things start getting weird. If you add a simple deck, the roof line changes. Trying to get it to go back to a simple gable roof will cost you tutorial time. Speaking of tutorials they are very good, BUT plan on spending HOURS of your time watching them and then trying to fix the surprises that happen. There may be an exact sequence that must be followed but I haven't figured it out yet. Getting the stairs to go to the basement hasn't happened yet. I probably need another couple of tutorials. A lot of this software is NOT intuitive. However that being said, I am seeing glimmers of what it can probably do and I hope to master enough to make the investment worthwhile. I'm giving it 3 stars based on its potential.
NOTE: I have been using various Home Design Software since the early 1990's and have built a beautiful ranch house with much less complicated software 17 years ago so I'm not a rooky at this.
Update: 10/20/2023 How things turned out. I never did master the roof (you can see it in the picture) but pressed on to finish my ranch house design. I turned it over to an architect to make up the actual approved plans. I was actually a bit surprised that the software prints were good enough to convert over to plans with a minimum number of questions on the design. I supplied them with screen prints to clarify any unclear areas. (The walk throughs were invaluable to be able to see what the design actually looks like) Then I found a good builder and had it built. It turned out great. This was quite a project for someone in their 70's but overall, I enjoyed the whole designing a house aspect of it and the software did its job so I'm giving it 1 more star.
A few things to consider on your design: I used a 3' 6" wide hallway and staircase; it makes getting around and moving much easier. I also had 3' doors installed on all rooms to be able to use a wheelchair if that becomes a requirement (hopefully not). I added a 7' picture window over the sink with a 3' window on the side. More money but you won't regret it when the turkeys and deer come to play. You'd be surprised how much time you actually spend at the kitchen sink enjoying the view. I also made space for a freezer in my pantry just off of the kitchen, very handy. Plan on a bigger garage (mine is 24' x 27') you'd be surprised how fast that space gets filled and it's also nice to be able to get around your truck if you have one.
Have fun - the finished house will make it all worthwhile.
Chief Architect Home Designer Architectural 2018 - DVD
3.4 | 29 ratings
Price:
Last update: 09-17-2024
About this item
Powerful home design software for DIY home enthusiasts
Tools for home design, remodeling, interior design, kitchen and bath design, landscaping, decks and patios
Visualize projects before starting with 3D models and virtual tours; Cost estimation--know how much it will cost ahead of time
Get started quickly with easy how-to videos that offer step-by-step instructions; includes free technical support
Tools for home design, remodeling, interior design, kitchen and bath design, landscaping, decks and patios
Visualize projects before starting with 3D models and virtual tours; Cost estimation--know how much it will cost ahead of time
Get started quickly with easy how-to videos that offer step-by-step instructions; includes free technical support
From the manufacturer
Home Design
Home Designer Architectural is your all in one home design tool with all the features of Home Designer Suite and Home Designer Interiors.
- Visualize your project before you build with 3D camera tools like Glass House, Doll House, Watercolor, Technical Illustration, and Elevations.
-Export 360 Renderings you can view with Virtual Reality goggles.
- Create accurate floor plans - one click automatic dimensions quickly create all exterior dimensions.
- Choose from built-in style templates - Home Design, Interior Design, Landscaping, Decks, Patios and Pools or create your own custom design.
- Powerful building tools- automatic roof generation, dormers, stairs, automatic framing, foundations, dimensions and terrain.
- Detailed Materials List - know how much your project will cost before you start construction. Use the cut & buy for decking materials.
Remodeling
What will my remodeling project look like and how much will it cost? Home Designer Architectural knows. Save time and money before you remodel.
- Create a new room or addition - add and remove walls, place windows and doors, size your rooms with dimensions.
- Point-and-click to remove wall surfaces, or use 3D Cross-Section Elevation Slider to quickly create a 3D slice of your desired view.
- Adjust wall lengths by selecting dimensions or temporary dimensions that run parallel to the wall.
- Automatically update the foundation plan to align with the 1st floor as the design progresses.
- Virtual Walkthrough – draw your record line to automatically generate a virtual tour of your design.
- Import plans from the Chief Architect Room Planner mobile App.
Kitchens and Baths
Creating your dream kitchen is fun and easy. With the Cabinet Designer tools, you can create thousands of cabinet combinations for base, wall, full height, angled, corner cabinets. Visualize what your project will look like with 3D models and Virtual Tours. Experiment with your interior design ideas using 3D models, virtual tours and advanced design tools. Easily change the size, color and fabric to create just the look and feel you desire.
- Move walls, create new cabinets, add appliances, change colors, materials and more.
- Plan new layout of your bathroom with custom cabinets, sinks, showers and tubs.
- Use the Cabinet Designer tools to create unlimited cabinet styles. Choose your own colors, countertops, moldings and door styles.
- Use the Material Painter to apply and visualize new materials.
- Use the Color Blending tool to stain a translucent color or apply a solid color over the material you place to create unlimited combinations to fit your design requirements.
- Choose from thousands of appliances, sinks, fixtures and kitchen islands.
- Custom Countertop tool and advanced cabinet tools, e.g., crown molding options.
Interior Design
Experiment with your interior design ideas using 3D models, virtual tours and advanced design tools.
- Smart Design Objects, Drag-and-drop from thousands of design objects in the built-in Library organized by category.
- Plan out your space with pre-arranged furniture groupings.
- Choose from thousands of materials, including name-brands to visualize design options.
- Choose from a variety of furniture styles including chairs, tables, sofas and more – easily change the size, color and fabric to create your own style.
- Add accessories to create that perfect look and feel for your rooms.
- Use one of the built-in style templates – each one comes complete with colors, cabinets, flooring, doors and window styles.
- Design for your lifestyle and personality – change colors, add lighting and choose furniture to accent your new room.
- Quickly place and arrange walls, windows, doors, cabinets, choose colors, and accessories. It’s fun to experiment with various options to create different looks like window treatments and shutters.
Top reviews from the United States
noworries99
Frustrating - Plan on spending hours of your time watching tutorials - update - done building
Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2017
noworries99
Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2017
NOTE: I have been using various Home Design Software since the early 1990's and have built a beautiful ranch house with much less complicated software 17 years ago so I'm not a rooky at this.
Update: 10/20/2023 How things turned out. I never did master the roof (you can see it in the picture) but pressed on to finish my ranch house design. I turned it over to an architect to make up the actual approved plans. I was actually a bit surprised that the software prints were good enough to convert over to plans with a minimum number of questions on the design. I supplied them with screen prints to clarify any unclear areas. (The walk throughs were invaluable to be able to see what the design actually looks like) Then I found a good builder and had it built. It turned out great. This was quite a project for someone in their 70's but overall, I enjoyed the whole designing a house aspect of it and the software did its job so I'm giving it 1 more star.
A few things to consider on your design: I used a 3' 6" wide hallway and staircase; it makes getting around and moving much easier. I also had 3' doors installed on all rooms to be able to use a wheelchair if that becomes a requirement (hopefully not). I added a 7' picture window over the sink with a 3' window on the side. More money but you won't regret it when the turkeys and deer come to play. You'd be surprised how much time you actually spend at the kitchen sink enjoying the view. I also made space for a freezer in my pantry just off of the kitchen, very handy. Plan on a bigger garage (mine is 24' x 27') you'd be surprised how fast that space gets filled and it's also nice to be able to get around your truck if you have one.
Have fun - the finished house will make it all worthwhile.
Images in this review
Sam G
Easy to use
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2018Bird
I can't finishing installing without a connection to the internet so this 200 dollar software is doing 0 dollars worth of good to me right now
Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2017
Zofmui
I'd pass on this.
Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2018LyleRoberts
Lame! Super basic program that makes kiddy-school architectural drawing
Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2018Jay Bee
Pretty Nice Software Package For Landscape Design
Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2017
Larry Fox
I think you'll love it
Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2017Amazon Customer
but this program is pretty good. I am still learning all the nuisances ...
Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2018