Virtual Architect Ultimate Home Design with Landscaping and Decks

Dont bother. You can draw 2D sketches to scale using any number of programs that you probably already have. The drop in elements, like tubs and sinks and cabinets etc. are helpful for measuring out a space and laying out elements, but thats about where the usefulness ends. For $100? Not worth it. I also nearly completed a full sketch of one story of a two story remodel when I discovered that this software does not even allow you to integrate custom countertops? What? Yep. Confirmed by tech support. So if you want to design a countertop that isnt going to be exactly the size and shape of your square rectangular cabinets, forget it. You cant visualize it. you also are limited to very clunky 3D views and low rez representations of furniture and floorings. I could probably do better with a pencil.

I suspect this software actually has quite a few features, but good luck figuring out how to use them. This is no documentation and the online help is very limited. It doesnt even have a standard design for a gable roof. There are 40 varieties of hip roofs though. It looks like you can place a hip roof and maybe change it to gable afterwards, but any small change will can give you totally wild roof lines that are probably impossible to build. Also good luck creating a 1 1/2 story type design.

We wanted to enter a floor plan and make adjustments to the dimensions. The product claims to be easy to use, but holy smokes it is complicated. I expected to be able click on a wall and drag it. Or add a wall or a window. Way too many options and is not intuitive.

Overall, a good program. It seems a bit light for designs using attic trusses but was able to work around a solution by assuming that the attic truss was a separate building. It may be that I have not yet mastered all of its capabilities.

arrived promptly and as promised

I downloaded version 10. Program has lots of features, more than I expected, but theres a bit of a learning curve. Trying to figure out things using only the supplied help file is frustrating and often lacking in detail... Would be nice to have technical support with FAQs, maybe a user forum.

apparently it was what he needed -

I purchased this a couple weeks ago. According the the box its EASY! No Design Experience Necessary Bull! When I opened the box to get the CD, a 494 page users Guide fell out. I dont have time to read a 494 page book before I can use this. I have an older copy of Punch Home Design and Landscaping. It is very user friendly, but I bought a new computer and I cant find the disc. I guess Ill just have to buy the newer addition of Punch. Dont waste your money on this product.

Will not with windows 10

I was able to frame out my home and add some elements like electrical outlets but it crashes consistently when I right-click on an element and click properties. Fortunately I can export and do a lot of stuff in PS