Home Designer Suite

Awesome ! I bought as I read it was addictive so I figured if it was addictive is was really good. I love this thing! It takes time to get used to how to use the tools and later floors with the correct dimension info. I learned a lot of basic construction just by playing with this software. I had an issue with the 3D functions and after a few chats with the tech support I learned my computers video card needed to be upgraded. The tech sent me a link to get the right upgrade for my computer - he went above and beyond software support and it works without any flaws now. Amazed by this software. Take the time to watch the tutorial videos on line and save often as you experiment with the tools.

3d walk through is great for visualization of the concept. Paint colors, kitchen cabinets, bathrooms, even where a t.v. might look best on a wall. I also like how it doesnt end with the inside. I can layout flower beds, trees, patios, even landscape lights. You can truly get a look at the entire property inside and out.

I dont like giving negative reviews, but I was very disappointed in this product. I am a homeowner doing a remodel that requires submitting drawings to my HOA for review and approval. Im using a bunch of Anderson windows and Chief Architect doesnt tell you that you only have access to the Anderson window library in the premium product about 5 times more expensive. The windows in the library for this product cannot be modified to match the Anderson window profiles and have oversized frames for some types. I contacted their customer service and all they did was quote me list price for their better programs, and a rental for a level that still doesnt have access to the library that I need (Anderson). Bottom line for me: lost time and money with no usable drawings.

Facile dutilisation, donne de bons résultats.

I purchased this product for a remodeling project that would redo a screened porch on our home. On the MacBook, some of the basic user interface operations such as panning and 3D model reorientation are cumbersome or impossible to perform. The program contains architectural jargon that is not easy to interpret by a non-professional. Schedules and layouts that are in Chief Architect appear to be missing In this version (or I have not found them yet). Some automatic operations which appear to be helpful at first become a problem when specific areas of the design are customized then return to the default values.

It is a good program but takes time to learn.

This was a gift for a valued friend who has used the same application on my home computer. I have used the home designer for several years and found it helpful for communicating with our architect and designer when we added a new room to our house. Its powerful enough for the average home owner. While its easy to learn the basics, it is robust enough to make it difficult to learn everything there is to know about its capabilities. Having the entire application suite delivered on a thumb drive makes it easy to give it as a gift.

I have used various iterations of Home Designer in the past and for the price it gives you quite a bit. It does take a bit of time to master, but after that you can literally design a dream house. Chief Architect has several levels. With this level you can design a house with a lot of detail, furnishings, wall coverings, etc. However, you would then hand that off to an architect to create real plans for permitting and construction. Or, you can buy the Pro version ($500) and put even more time into it and create your own plans that will probably be good enough for permitting. OR, you can go with their highest level (Chief Architect) for something like $3200 and permit / build anything. With the $129 version though, you should be able to design and see your idea. It comes with more than enough features, furnishings, wall coverings, etc. to get very close to a real vision of what you are designing. In the past I have used it to plan my interior designs in my past couple of homes, and this time I am using it to design a whole house from scratch that we will build or have built. As I progress with my design, if I decide that I will build most of it, then I will upgrade to the Pro ($500 but $400 when upgrading) version to get the extra features and details required for accurate construction plans. Even this version though will give you a cost list of all of the materials (2x4s etc) to build your design. You really dont need more than this version when you are in the initial design stage. It is loaded with functionality.

As the other reviews say, this software is difficult to learn and use. It is more cumbersome than many other softwares, but that is not the reason for the low score. They do offer many videos and step by step guides on how to use and once you get started learning it, it starts to flow easier. You just need more experience in home building to be able to use this. The reason for the lower review is that everything I read said you can install this software on multiple computers at once, which is true. But what they dont tell you until after you buy it, is that while you can INSTALL it, you can only activate it on one computer at a time. Every time you want to use it on another computer, you have to deactivate the key and activate it on the other computer. If you want to use the software on 2 computers without deactivating, you have to have another key, which will cost you another $100. But no where in their advertising does it say this.

I purchased the 2020 edition and even the Get Started Guide doesnt work! After 35 years in tech support I know that the first thing you do with a new release is MAKE SURE the Get Started Guide works. I am returning mine to the company.