Framing - DIY Software

[Luremaker]

Here is a free Open Source interior floor plan software called Sweet Home 3D. I am not sure if it it draws the framing but my kids use it for lot's of projects and produce some neat looking stuff with it.

Sweet Home 3D

 

[trialsguy]

Thanks I think I got it figured out. seems I cant find the final plan that I made but this is real close to what we ended up with. the room addition with the wrap around porch, permit people were very satisfied with the plans

I hope you dont mind the photo's kinda off topic. I was very happy with sketch up once I figured out what I was doing.

 

[Catmando]

I have an old version of Turbocad. It is a full 2d drafting program. You have to know the details so that they can be drawn correctly.

I used to have a version of Punch house design. If I recall it has provisions for making walls etc not to standard height, like 10' instead of 8'. With the program that you have look and see if there is a routine for custom inputs. Might be.

 

[texasjohn]

Thanks for the pointer to Sweet Home 3D... have downloaded and viewed the tutorial.... looks awesome, lots of function, easy to use and..oh, yes, free...

 

[CharlieR]

Try Home Designer Suite from Better Homes & Gardens (no kidding it's good) @ about $99.
You may need to change some of the default settings, but when you draw a wall, the wall is complete with all interior and exterior features and a BOM is generated at the same time.
It will also let you view the work in progress in 3D with rotation - really powerful.
Good luck and Happy Holidays.

 

[heitjer]

Thanks Y'all for your posts and suggestions. I started working with sketchup and I must admit that this is a real wonder ones you get going and understand it. The only problem that I have is that it runs under Windows or Mac but I am in Linux. So I have to run it in a Virtual Box which draws a lot of resources.

Anyhow - here is my start. The poles and the metal beams are already existing and I am adding to it at the end. For reference I placed my Travel Trailer in there. I keep you posted.

 

[Ford850]

heitjr,

Another vote for Google 'SketchUp". If you do want to try it, please first follow the tutorials and within a couple of hours you'll be amazed at what you can do. Attached are a couple of .jpgs of a garage/workshop I'm building, as you can see framing is easy and you can also add text and dimensioning, which is absent in my drawings, but I wanted to post before you made a choice.

Ray

raykos,
That is amazing to me! I've tried Sketchup and took the time to go through the tutorials, but never could figure out how to build stud walls, repeating on center, etc.
your drwaing is exactly what I was trying to accomplish. Is there an area of Sketchup that is easier to use for studs, rafters, or general framing? Maybe it's improved since I tried it.
Thanks.

 

[raykos]

Ford850,

I used the 'HelpCenter' and looked up 'Array', which is about the 'Move/Copy' tool. But, if you want to, send me a PM and I can explain it a little bit more.

Ray

 

[Ford850]

Thanks Raykos. I looked at a few of the tutorials and noticed they are much better than when I first tried this years ago. Or it could be that I am more familiar with the basics so it is sinking in this time. Between the Components, Array, and Move/Copy functions, I think I can accomplish what I was hoping to do.

 

[heitjer]

Last night I solved the Linux issue - I have sketchup now running under Linux Ubuntu with wine.

With regards to the studs - there is a nice plugin for sketchup that I found. Go to this website:
Ruby Library Depot

Scroll down to "HouseBuilder.zip" or the "HouseBuilder_extension.zip" and download one. Extract this to the Plugin folder under sketchup.

Then you have the ability go under "Draw > Housebuilder > Wall" and draw a framed wall based on you defaults (i.e. stud spacing). Ones the wall is drawn you can right-click and insert a door or window.

It also provides roof, floor and gable framing options.