TerryDunn

12 hours ago, Chrisb222 said:

 

That's cool. I did that during the crash and loved it, no homeowners to deal with. Now I'm back to design/build contract houses but the headaches! I have thought about returning to spec building, it has a lot of upsides! Good luck

It's the safer way in this climate, contract building. Im older so I don't need as much income and find the risk is better than dealing with customers, Im pretty sure Im being lazy in attitude

Thanks for your input. What area of the country are you in? Im in Michigan

2 hours ago, Chrisb222 said:

 

I don't know, it depends on how much you want to spend and if Premier is a good investment based on your goals with the software

 

I used HomeDesigner Pro for a few months before switching to Premier, and developed quite a few house plans and construction sets with it

 

That would be a similar experience only much cheaper. Then if you decide to upgrade to Premier they credit you the full amount you spent on HDP (or at least did at that time)

 

I will say, one reason I'm stuck with paying SSA is the ability to send clients 3D models of their design they can view at home. Worth every penny

Thanks for the input. I only build spec houses, so I only need floor plans and elevations. Ill check out Home Designer Pro

5 hours ago, parkwest said:

 

Curious, why would you buy a computer with an operating system that wasn't compatible with the software you have? 

 

Makes me think of someone buying jigsaw blades for their circular saw and then wonder why the circular saw doesn't cut anymore.

Thats not what i did at all. The computer was what I had in my office when i was building. it worked just fine. I kept it running for over 15 years. When i moved out of the office and home I continued using it. But my home computer is a Mac. Now Im on my last leg of the old computer but don't want to try and make the software run on the mac. So was thinking of switching.

Morning,

Im a builder and currently use soft plan for drawing. However it is an older version and runs on an old computer on my desk. My main computer is a Mac, and its a pain to have two set ups and im always messing with old computer.

I only use Softplan for floor plans and elevations, nothing else. I have avoided upgrading Softplan because they won't make it for Mac. I don't care to go through the bootcamp.

So what do you think. Is the Chief Architect Premier the way to go? Or is there something else cheaper to accomplish what I need that can run on Mac?

11 minutes ago, crosscutter55 said:

I do not feel interiors is good for builders , it is  more for interior designers . with premier you have it all . With home designer you are limited to the # of pages & details you can do.I have both programs. Download the trial versions . i can not say enough about how good premier is, and if you are a builder you WONT BE SORRY !!! With elevations the need for specfic details arise & premier will let you edit some blocked details for your needs & save those items to your user library for future use .

 

    you can get by with homedesigner it just takes longer to do certain things plus how the 2 diffrent programs work can be frustrating sometimes while you are in the learning stages !!

with premier the layers & layer sets are great for construction documents 

Thanks, kinda what Im looking for is why it is better. Now Im torn as I can just upgrade my soft plan which Im already use to and buy a new computer for less that this cost. Just have two computers sitting in my office

Just now, RL-inc said:

Agreed with Cross above- but your call either way. I just know how valuable Premier has been fro me- never a regret.

Ok, thanks. Im not arguing with you, Im just trying to understand the options. Ill let you know if I have any questions

11 minutes ago, RL-inc said:

I have never used interiors - only Premiere since Ver 9- but if this is your profession I suggest using the full version of Premiere.

It has been an incredible asset in growing my business over the last 10+ years.

And as a builder I am sure you know the value of buying the right tool the first time 

Sure, but if interior does what I need then Im good with that. I can buy a circular saw like say bosch or I can buy Festool, right? Im playing with the free demo

15 hours ago, solver said:

 

7 hours ago, RL-inc said:

I am a builder as well and would suggest stepping up to a full version.

The ability to create full construction docs is well worth the cost.

And for my money, being able to view the entire structure from any angle- with any framing view- so that you are fully confident the design is buildable in the field........ there's the real value.

I agree and think that would be useful....but when you say full version is that Interiors or Premiers? 

Sorry, I saw that it is...got it

is Home Designer made by the same company?

I will look at Home Designer Pro, thanks

Good day,

So I have been using Softplan for years. I have two computers set up (because my son-in-law talked me into a Mac, which I do like) and of course Softplan does not support Mac. So I started to compare CA. My options are buy another computer and upgrade the soft plan, cost of computer and $1500 for upgrade, OR simple use my Mac and switch to CA, which is simple since my Mac is new.

The question: Im a builder, I do not do 3d renderings, I just draw floor plans and elevations type drawings. So can I accomplish that with Interiors? or do I need to get Premier?

I guess the Interior title is making me think its only for interiors...