Log Home Design Software

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Permalink Reply by Dave on September 6, 2008 at 8:45pm

I second that request...I started my floorplan out with a simple 2D program called SmartDraw 2008. I found a free download online and it's a good way to lay down what you are thinking. I recently found Ez-Architect...but haven't had the time to see how it is. I'm no architect so it'll be a learning process.

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Permalink Reply by Dee on September 6, 2008 at 9:35pm

I need this also - thanks Mike for asking. I tried the free SmartDraw also but it is not user friendly - and it is difficult to add in doors, windows, and furniture - and the way they have the dimensions make the drawing hard to read. I had too many problems to make it worth buying. Dee

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Permalink Reply by Glenn V on September 6, 2008 at 11:01pm

I bought Better Homes and Garden Home Designer. It was on sale....It has been fun playing with but doesn't have logs for walls at least that I know of. Lots of extra free downloads and 3D with walkthru , landscaping. There may be better ones out there. I was just on a grab and go shopping and spotted it. I posted one plan I did in building and maintenace called ideas on design.It was Vista approved. http://www.homedesignersoftware.com/

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Permalink Reply by Glenn V on September 6, 2008 at 11:17pm

I hadn't played with it much in the 3D yet and just looked up online and you can at least put log siding on it to give it a log home look.Check out the website and search for log home. It took a little to figure out how to use the basics but after that it is easy to add walls, windows, doors, delete them, change wall lenghts etc dimensions.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Morin on September 7, 2008 at 9:46am

Having decided on a cedar log home, I am not interested in floor plans. I am interested in log home floor plans.

I cannot believe that the log home industry does not have a software program or at least an add-on package that is specific to log homes. The larger manufactures could have a add-on program for their products. I have asked a number of the manufactures and have received no responses. I will continue to search. If I find anything, I will pass it on.

Is anyone aware of a comparison of Ward and Katahdin, both products and company in general?

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Permalink Reply by Karen on November 22, 2008 at 8:33am

I'm also interested in building a cedar log home (under 1500 sq). Have you had any success in comparing Ward and Katahdin.

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Permalink Reply by Dee on September 7, 2008 at 7:45pm

I just found Google SketchUp - there is a free version that appears to be unlimted. No log home (that I could see) - but offers a way to draw a floor plan and see in 3D. I am going to play with and see if it works for me. Has anyone tried this? Dee

http://sketchup.google.com/index.html

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Permalink Reply by Dave on September 7, 2008 at 10:05pm

I have SketchUp too, but haven't spent much time on it yet...let me know how you make out and if it's user friendly. Good luck1

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Permalink Reply by Dee on September 23, 2008 at 10:30pm

I tried SketchUp and it is way too complicated - too long/high of a learning curve. I went back to paper and pencil.

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Permalink Reply by Rob & Kathy Manuel | Barna Log Homes of Northern VA on September 9, 2008 at 2:02pm

Hello Mike,
I have had great success with a Punch! Professional Home Design Platinum, here is the info...
www.punchsoftware.com, © Copyright 2005 Punch! Software, LLC. Punch! Software, the Punch! Software logo, Punch! Master Landscape & Home Design, LiveView, Ultimate Deck, FloorPlan Trace, 3D Custom Workshop, Landscape Estimator, PhotoView, ClearView, PlantFinder and Virtual Ruler are trademarks of Punch! Software LLC. All rights reserved.

When we work with clients that want a custom home I usally start with this program then send it to our design department at Barna or a local architech. I have been pleased with the ease of learning to use it. I even designed our 3000 sq.ft addition that is going to be built onto our 1800's remodeled log office and used it for our appraisal...which was a good one! Hope this helps! Also I see that you are planning to attend the Log Home Show in Chantilly, VA. We will be there so stop by and chat!

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Permalink Reply by Tom Heatherington on September 9, 2008 at 10:17pm

Hey Mike, great question... I see that Rob & Kathy Manuel suggested "Punch" software - good choice. If you want to compare the popular programs, I have identified 5 of the top sellers here. See, Floor Plan Design Software here.

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Permalink Reply by loghomedesignguy on September 25, 2008 at 12:22pm

I design log homes as well as conventional homes as my profession. I use Chief Architect to do this. It is a wonderful software. There are not any log walls as part of the system, but it is easy enough to create 3D objects to use. I have attached a rendering of a log home that I created using this software. When I worked for a national log home manufacturer, we used Archicad Software. They do include log walls as part of their package. I really like the software, but for the average user, it is very difficult. It is also very expensive. I feel that Chief Architect is the way to go.
www.homedesignguy.com

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