Need Advice on Which Software I Need (TOTAL beginner)

[chetwynd]

Hi all,

First, thanks for reading this.

Here's the deal. I'm a 28 year old guy, a business major, good with computers and learning new applications. I'm on the computer all day for the advertising company I work for.

I'm going to be building a house for myself in the next couple of years, and my dad thinks that I should at least draw my own floorplans, and then I guess give them to a real pro to put them into formal plans for the house. He said "Learn AutoCAD and use that." I explained to him that while I don't know much about AutoCAD, I do know that it's extremely complex and it's not something I can just learn overnight.

So, my question for you folks is, what software should I use for this? I imagine I don't need a fully loaded version with functionality that I'd never use. My intention is to learn it myself with books, or some kind of correspondance course or something. I'm open to suggestions on training as well. Ideally someday I'd like to have 3D views of the house I want to build, but maybe I'm getting ahead of myself.

Anyway, I'm totally open to suggestions and advice and I truly appreciate any help you can give me!

Thanks!
Chet
chetwynd@hotmail.com

[f700es]

Hi Chet, welcome to the forum. I would honestly look at a cheaper solution. AutoCAD is expensive! The LT (lite) version costs $900! The full version can run over $3,500. Maybe have a look at TurboCAD Deluxe 11, it only costs around $150. There might be some low-cost CAD apps at your local large computer stores (Best Buy, Circuit City and so on)
Here's my next question - do you have any training in home design? It is not as easy as many may think. You may so don't be insulted by the question. Get some house-plan books and start looking there for ideas. Good luck :)