Architectural design software - free or cheap

I am building a shed this fall to clean out the garage and make it useful for more than storage and I used Solidworks to do the shed design.

While it worked for the shed and was a good refresher for working with assemblies and other tools in Solidworks, it's not the most efficient tool for the job. I had to create models of all the lumber before putting it into assemblies. That was great for creating a stock list, but not the most efficient use of time.

I'm looking to do some bathroom updates and home remodeling over the next year and figure there must be some free or inexpensive tools out there that will make it easier.

I found this thread: GRM home design tools

I figure there's got to be something new in the last 6 years.

I could use Solidworks, but if there's a tool out there that won't require me to create models of the toilet, sink, and tub to do that layout it will be easier.

Paper is also an opinion, but being able to show SWMBO the layout on screen will be easier.

Thanks, Joe

3D home architect isn't terrible for what you're trying to do, although it may be complicated getting started.

I use it, autocad, and sketchup all to varying degrees when I'm trying to design things.

I just did some googling and it turns out 3d home architect has been discontinued. I have the install files though so no problem getting them to you.

It's got all kinds of shapes and items in in, like toilets, lighting, wiring, appliances. I haven't done much with outdoor, but you can pick and choose wall types and materials, should be able to make what you need.

You can get the full AutoDesk everything for free.

http://www.autodesk.com/education/home

I teach students with AutoCAD, RevIt, and Inventor. TONS of tutorials online to help you through anything your heart desires.

For 2d drafting, try DraftSight.

Draftsight works great

Link

Whoever owns it now (formerly Google) Sketchup is basically designed for that. It has tons of models of toilets and fixtures available for download. It has a bit of a learning curve but it's fairly straightforward once you get used to it.

Thanks for all the the commendations. I'm trying to see if a small increase in bathroom size will let me fit a shower and tub if they are placed properly.

I think I'll start with sketchup since it has fixtures i can use for basic layouts.

If that doesn't go smoothly then I'll move check out some of the other suggestions.

My suggestion with SketchUp is to make each wall a group. That way they behave like objects instead of like rubber stretched over a coat hanger.

I like SketchUp a lot and the learning curve is low.

I like sketchup a lot and it sounds like exactly what you need.

with the models you import you can also resize/scale them to get them to the dimensions you want to get things to fit. Helpful when planning tight spaces. Super quick to work with especially if you dont need the model to look EXACTLY like what you want to buy/build