[Alumifab]

Hello:

I have the measurements of my home/rooms, but I want to see it in a blueprint fashion.
Are there any free software tools where if I can punch in the measurements, a very generic blueprint look can be created?

Thank you,
David

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Google Sketch-up is fairly easy,....

 

[MT Stringer]

Ayuh,.... Google Sketch-up is fairly easy,....

+1 What he said.

 

[ddawg16]

Hello:

I have the measurements of my home/rooms, but I want to see it in a blueprint fashion.
Are there any free software tools where if I can punch in the measurements, a very generic blueprint look can be created?

Thank you,
David

It's a bit more complicated than just 'punching in numbers'.

But.....it can be fun. Makes it easy to play 'what if'.

 

[throrope]

Look up draftsight. Free professional grade two dimentional computer aided drafting (CAD) software.

 

[md2lgyk]

While I was able to teach myself AutoCAD because I needed it for my job, I found Sketchup to be difficult approaching incomprehensibility. I'd give a look at the freeware program BabaCAD (www.babacad.com/index.html). It looks and acts the most like AutoCAD of all the free drafting programs I've looked into.

 

[joed]

I don't think Sketchup lets you put in actual numbers in the free version. I think you can only draw the lines to length but you can't input from keyboard how long to make them.

 

[danpik]

+1 for Draftsite. It is basically the same as Autocad and it is free. You do have to register it and I think once per year you have to re-new it. Painless though. We use it here at work now and it seamlessly meshes with Autocad files. There is a bit of a learning curve though if you are not familiar with drawing programs.
Several years ago, there used to be a software package called 3D-Home Architect. I had a copy of it years ago and it was fairly simple to use. it also was not very robust either. Since I am an Autocad/draftsite/solidworks user everything I do is in one of those formats. Someday when I have enough time I am going to "build" my house in solidworks right down to the framing nails and drywall screws

 

[ron45]

I would recommend doing it the old fashion way first, drawing/sketching it.

Also, learning how to envision is a major asset and one that will help you so many different ways.

 

[MushCreek]

I don't think Sketchup lets you put in actual numbers in the free version. I think you can only draw the lines to length but you can't input from keyboard how long to make them.

Sure you can. Draw the line or shape, then type in the dimension and hit 'enter' and it will snap to the dimension. I use the tape measure function to make lines where I want them, then actually draw the lines. I designed my entire house in free Sketch-Up, and used it to print the drawings for the building department. Maybe I'm just used to it, but I'm faster with SketchUp than I am with AutoCad or Solidworks. Of course, they're much more sophisticated (and expensive) than SketchUp.

 

[bmathews]

If you have visio through work you could use that.

 

[MT Stringer]

Sure you can. Draw the line or shape, then type in the dimension and hit 'enter' and it will snap to the dimension. I use the tape measure function to make lines where I want them, then actually draw the lines. I designed my entire house in free Sketch-Up, and used it to print the drawings for the building department. Maybe I'm just used to it, but I'm faster with SketchUp than I am with AutoCad or Solidworks. Of course, they're much more sophisticated (and expensive) than SketchUp.

Yep.
I recreated my storage shed in Sketchup. I built the shed in 2001. :biggrin2:

 

[Msradell]

Yep.
I recreated my storage shed in Sketchup. I built the shed in 2001. :biggrin2:

I've never used sketchup but I'm pretty good with autoCAD. I just played around and drew up your basic shed without knowing the dimensions in about 15 minutes. How long did it take you to do it with sketchup?

 

[MT Stringer]

I've never used sketchup but I'm pretty good with autoCAD. I just played around and drew up your basic shed without knowing the dimensions in about 15 minutes. How long did it take you to do it with sketchup?

I played with this model off and on for several days. A few minutes here, a few there. It was my first attempt at drawing a structure. Previous stuff has been cabinets and smaller projects.

I am still learning Sketchup. But I like it, especially being able to rotate and peek under or inside to see what everything looks like. I think I am hooked. :biggrin2:
Here are pics of the shed before starting some needed repairs (new doors and trim). So far, it has withstood a couple of hurricanes and several tropical storms. :biggrin2:

Note: My sweetie was helping build some new shelving. You can see the truss plates in the background. Plywood and glue and a lot of nails/staples. :smile: