Redesigning or designing a new home can be an intimidating project. However, help is out there to make it easier and more enjoyable. If you are the kind of person who likes to DIY, then before you start remodeling, you need to buy home designer software.  It not only helps you create a better finished product, but it allows you to see problems before you buy even one piece of material. Have you ever done a remodeling project and been unsatisfied with it when you were finished? Wished you would have added more space here or less space over there? A simple piece software for home design will help you get it right the first time.  The Home Designer Suite 2012 is one such application that will get you up and running in the design or redesign of your home.

 

What makes this a great tool for your design project? 

You would have no qualms about going out and buying a miter saw or some other tool to complete your project would you? A great piece of home design software will be just as critical as using a power saw. Most importantly, the design program will help you see the new layout in both 2D and 3D before you begin the physical work. This puts the project in your control. The tools included in the software help you build everything from the roof to the stairs. You will know before you knock down one wall or rip out one piece of siding what the end result should look like.

If starting a new design from scratch sounds like too big of a project, there are also sample plans that you can use to get started. Then play around and customize them for your own individuality and style. This software for home design can also be used for kitchen and bath remodeling and even landscaping. The sample plans are great to use when you first start using the software. You can become familiar with the program really quickly this way.

If you have not used a design software application before, the Home Designer 2012 makes it easy to use. It offers the House Wizard and lots of other tutorials that help you navigate the application to help you get comfortable in designing your project. The help system also gives you information on the various materials and other things that you need to know about, including other building projects. The point-and-click feature allows you to change walls, change day to night views and generate shadows as well as a host of other specific details that are based on what you actually want. Another great thing about this program is that you have the flexibility to design in the 2D or 3D views. Other programs require you to design in 2D, then switch to 3D for review.

You can apply colors and materials using the Material Painter and choose textures for your process. Using only the materials in this programs database is pretty unlikely. Because of this, the developers have given you the capability to enter the specifications for your own materials when you can’t find them in the database. But if you don’t know exactly what materials you will be using to start, there are thousands of drag-and-drop objects to give you the real feel to your project.

The Home Designer isn’t only used for interior redecorating and remodeling, it can also be used for exterior features as well. As mentioned earlier, you can even use it to design decks and create a landscaping layout. Whether you want a multi-level deck or just one level, you can design the project and see how they both look. There is even an encyclopedia feature that details information on the various plants that you can use for the landscaping. Pathways made from stone and lined with trees or flowers are just a click away.

Not to dismiss the importance of site planning and estimating the cost, this program will generate a spreadsheet that details all aspects of your project. This is done by a category breakdown so that you see where your money is being spent.

What new things does the Home Designer Suite 2012 version bring to the table?

• First, there are more than ninety new tutorials.
• The catalog download feature has been enhanced and will automatically restart when you re-open the application.
• You have AutoCAD 2012 compatibility now and this includes the export of 2D DXF files.
• The details for the doors have been improved with new edit tools in 3D and better door display.
• Better lighting control, corner cabinet software and wall editing are just a few of the improvements with the actual features of the home.
• There has also been an improvement of navigation for the Library Tree reorganization. Bonus catalogs are now separated into different categories for you to easily navigate.

What can you compare the Home Designer Suite to in your quest for the best home design software?

You might be looking for some free home designer software. You can find plenty of free programs out there, but the reality is that once you spend any amount of time working with these programs, you will realize why they are free. They just don’t live up to your expectations. Many are clunky to navigate or just don’t work well.

The Home Design Studio Pro from Punch Software is designed specifically for Mac users. If you are a Mac user, this is a product for your consideration. This product also offers home design software that will help get your project up and running. The rendering technology helps with automatic alignment for precise drawing. It creates a list of your design steps as you move forward. The tools and features will add detail to your design.

How much Detail can You Get out of the Home Design Software?

 

From custom doors and windows to the trim on your cabinets, you can be specific in what you want. The Interior Library holds thousands of choices in paint, floor covering, furniture and other things that you need to build your design. These options include products from top manufacturers.

Another feature that you will enjoy is the growth tool. This allows you a future glimpse of your landscaping in the coming seasons or years. You get a realistic view of what it will be like months or years from the moment of completion. Another commonly used feature is the Decorator Palette where you can consider different colors and styles. You can create different areas of outdoor space when doing your landscaping. The flexibility to see a variation of styles and looks cannot be underestimated.

A good piece of software for home design is a necessary tool for anyone looking to design a new home, remodel your existing home, do some redecorating, and/or installing landscaping. You will find that you can be more accurate when estimating a budget, buying materials, and completing your project when you are able to work with a solid plan.

If you aren’t sure which home design software program is the best one for you, check out this chart that highlights the differences in each product.