hamcol88

With regard to this, given that I want to use the program to visualize the space, would you be able to expand on this? Specifically, what the challenge is and does it affect the 3D visualization aspect, and also just a quick reference to what tools I can learn about to mitigate?

Hi there and thanks so much for your input, it is helpful. I should clarify that my primary goal for using the program is "tinkering". When the time comes, probably not for at least two years, I will engage professionals for the final design. With the building being overall fairly straightforward, I really just want to play around and be able to visualize some of my ideas so that I can communicate them to a professional more clearly when the time comes, and also to ask the right questions along the way. I fully accept that there are professionals who will be far better at design than I am, and I know I should listen to them. I would really just like a tool to help me communicate my ideas when the time comes, and to help visualize some design aspects.

Hi Everyone, I am interested in renting Chief Architect Home Design Pro to try it out and tinker with a future home design, but as someone with zero training or experience in architecture, engineering, building, etc., I am not sure if it is practical. Apologies if I have missed a similar question already posted on this forum, but I wasn't able to find anything similar. I am currently in dream stage and saving money for a future small home on a budget build in the woods. It will be a pretty simple a-frame, roughly 1200 square feet. For reference, the interior layout of this is really similar to what I am envisioning: Cozy A-Frame Getaway Minutes from Nelson Ledges - Cabins for Rent in Southington, Ohio, United States - Airbnb I am trying to determine rough costs to make a realistic budget and determine if things like a basement, a potential second story loft dormer situation for a small bathroom and closet, covering all surfaces with knotty pine paneling , and a deck will be within my budget. So to try to start answering these questions, I would like to get some rough initial design options. I also just want to have some fun playing around with the materials for fireplaces, walls, etc. in the kind of space I am envisioning. My questions for you are: 1. Is the learning curve unrealistic for someone with absolutely zero training? I work a demanding full-time job, however I am willing to put in a reasonable amount of time learning how to use the program, but would like to generally know what I'm doing without being constantly stuck within a month or so. Is this unrealistic? 2. I have read on this forum that the program does not lend itself to modelling a-frames. Given that I am 100% committed to building an a-frame, would this program not be practical for my purposes? I do want to play around with window placement on the angled roof/wall, and it sounds like that is a pain. 3. Are there templates you can download/purchase for a basic a-frame house that can then be tinkered with? I haven't found anything like this. 4. Is modelling something like the a-frame linked above something that anyone can do with a bit of dedication, or is this something only a professional could do? ( Cozy A-Frame Getaway Minutes from Nelson Ledges - Cabins for Rent in Southington, Ohio, United States - Airbnb ) I really appreciate any input that you all may have, and thank you for your time! Emily