A-Z of Self Build Guides Self Build House Design Software

Date Published:

23/02/2009

Tricky elements, like glass extensions, become simple with Grand Designs 3D

Grand Designs 3D

Next under scrutiny is Grand Designs 3D, which has three software packages: 1. Self Build & Development (PC DVD-ROM) £195.73; 2. Renovation & Interior (PC DVD-ROM) £48.92; 3. Kitchen & Bathroom (PC CD-ROM) £24.46.

Space permits us only to look at one, so let’s take a gander at Self Build & Development. The blurb tells us: 'Self Build & Development edition allows you to design a complete project including multiple buildings and exterior spaces. Plan in 2D then add furniture and materials to create a dream living space. Finally, visualise your designs in 3D, create photorealistic images and produce architectural drawings.'

You can choose interior details

Professional reviewers at Computer Shopper gave Grand Designs 3D Self Build & Development 4/5. It says: 'Self Build & Development can be intimidating at first glance. It's fairly easy to get started, though, thanks to the three bundled manuals. It took us a couple of hours to work through the basics with the 50-page quick-start guide. Then there's a 140-page guide to common tasks, plus a 320-page reference manual. We found all these resources incredibly useful. They're well written and full of step-by-step guides and screenshots....'

Amazon reviewers give it an average of 3.5/5 based on 35 reviews. Comments range from: 'Complex, yet in-depth software that, with patience, can be rewarding,' through to 'Great product but do you really need it?' via 'Pretty good house design software, but the user interface needs work'. As with most ‘public’ reviews you can find one to suit your point of view. Finding a reliable reviewer is the key to personal satisfaction.

Plus points: Grand Designs 3D Self Build & Development includes Kitchen & Bathroom, Renovation & Interior and Creative Lines.

Reader Offer

To celebrate Grand Designs Live, Eleco Visualisation Software, the publishers of Grand Designs 3D home design software, are offering visitors to 4Homes a 15% discount on their Grand Designs 3D software range. To receive your discount, enter coupon code '4hom1' when prompted during your purchase at www.3darchitect.co.uk

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