Can some1 recommend a good Architectural Software?

[sheruken]

The heading probably came out wrong to you. Let me explain it to you in a nutshell. I am renovating my place. I have a good vision about how I want things to be, in My head. I want to be able to explain my contractor etc, on how I want things. So does anyone know a good 3D HomeDesign software which I can use?

I do have some experience in 2D animation and some basic 3D application use, but I am not a pro at it. So all in all, a decent software that can basically get the job, decently done..

Thank you.

[davide]

Isn't CAD a good program?

Don't know much about CAD, but that's the program my friend in Sydney uses for her architect studies.

[Skaala]

^yep, AutoCAD is a good program. We use it at work, for designing boats. I use it as well for drawing floor plans and exterior expansion for our cabin.

[Dubai]

I know that SketchUp (http://www.sketchup.com) is easy to use. Give it a try

I am an architect,and I use Form-Z (http://www.formz.com) & ArchiCAD (http://www.graphisoft.com) for modeling and drafting.

[TT]

My dad is architect and ArchiCAD is VERY good, but also not easy to master if you want a quick job done

[sheruken]

Thank you all, for the response. I tried a few "demos" recommended by you, and most of em all are too professional for someone like me, who doesnt even know e of engineering. I did find one a few pages after google-ing, its called "Chief Architect", its simple to use yet amazingly deep and professional. I loved Google Sketchup too, but thats mainly for exterior designing, which is fun, but not what I am looking for. I just want to make a layout similar to my "apartment" give doors and windows and put all the necesarry things at the right places. Even though Chief Architect is pretty good, its too expensive and importing it to India will cost me 2ice the price due to, all the duty and stuff..

Anyway, thanks for all the help. I'll check out ArchiCad, which I havent checked out yet.

Although if someone does stumble upon a good simple, easy to use, unexpensive software that I can buy off the internet, please let me know.