Has anybody home architect software from Chief Architect?

James Goepfert
by James Goepfert
I am a home remodeler and I am looking for a good home design/remodeling software?
  5 answers
  • I used their program several years ago. Its ok, and I assume its a bit better now. I also used several other architect types that were over the counter types looking for that magic one that was easy to use and provided somewhat of an example of what the home owner was looking for. Unless your willing to spend a lot of time learning the program, at least in my opinion all were a waste of money. I settled on Exactware software. The program I used was called Exact Remodel. Its a professional estimation program that will allow you to draw out floor plans and entire structures from the ground up. As you do it automatically prices and produces your material lists. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBHntDjvp4Q&list=PLD8913C66A255D26F
  • Ease of use. The fact it generated my estimate for me and the final product is very professional. Check out your other post. I also used in the past the 20-20 program. This is an expensive one, but if your really into kitchens and baths, its the one you need. It works with all the major kitchen cabinet companies products and you can download their product lines into the program to generate an exact list of what you need. Much like going to the design place and have them do the drawing for you.
  • James Goepfert James Goepfert on Apr 23, 2014
    Thank you very much. I will check them out
  • Evey's Creations Evey's Creations on Apr 23, 2014
    My hubby's an architect and he uses AutoCad
    • James Goepfert James Goepfert on Apr 23, 2014
      @Evey's Creations What version of AutoCad does he use. I used to use AutoCad for designing Machinery but it was just an electric drawing board. It didn't have any intelligence it was only 2D.
  • I'm am a Chief Arch user from way back, and yes it can get to be a little much if you're not using all that it does. We out-source most of our design work, so it isn't cost effective for us to continually update. I found an alternative from Chief that allows us to do some of the smaller stuff in-house. Check out HomeDesignerSoftware.com. They have several scaled-down versions. I have been using the Architectural Home Designer and really like it.