Software
Review of: |
 Brøderbund's
(now The Learning
Company, Inc.) 3D Home Architect Deluxe 3.0 claims to enable the user
to create plans for remodeling, additions, or entire homes that architects
and builders can use in executing those plans. The newly revised program
also allows for 3D and multistory walk-throughs of the house, designing
landscapes for the exterior premises, and a searchable database of over
350 customizable floor plans. This program is designed to assist the user
with standard construction techniques - for more specialized construction
you will have to seek other resources.
This is my first experience working with this type of program. After automatically installing the program without a hitch, the program was rather difficult to manipulate without referring to the 288-page manual included with the program which takes the user step-by-step through the entire process of designing a house. The program automatically lines up walls, checks designs for errors, creates accurate dimensions and other details automatically, itemizes a list of materials so that you can estimate costs, prints plans to any scale, and checks plans against building standards and rules of thumb. Another feature of the program is 3D Home Architect Deluxe Tips, a separate module you run as a separate application with over 100 articles from American Home Style magazine as well as 50 video tips from Gerry Connell, the Home Pro. With a little experience, the program can be quite enjoyable and useful. Also included with this software package is a free 224-page book of house plans, useful for developing your own ideas. Minimum requirements are Intel compatible PC running Windows 95 or 98; 100MHz Pentium required (120MHz Pentium recommended); 16MB RAM required (32MB RAM recommended); 800X600 display, 256 colors required; 2X CD-ROM drive required (4X CD-ROM drive recommended); a video card with Direct 3D support required (hardware 3D acceleration recommended); MS Windows pointing device required; printer support, and 62 MB disk space for full installation. This program can be ordered directly from The Learning Company, Inc. and at some of the local retailers for about $50. Currently, there is a $10 rebate if purchased before December 31, 1999 and a $20 rebate if you purchase it along with 3D Home Interiors Deluxe. For its ease of use and number of features, I heartily recommend this software program if you are interested in designing a new home, remodeling or adding on to your present home in the near future. The program offers building details such as decks, arched and rounded windows, arched and ornate doorways, bay, box and bow windows, basements, dormers, cathedral ceilings, ceiling beams, staircases and landings, railings, glass cabinets, sliding, bi-fold, and garage doors, fireplaces, electrical outlets and connectors, gable, gambrel, and hip roofs, foundations, attics, soffits, and metric and standard measurements. Some of the features present in 3D Home Architect that Brøderbund claims are not present in its two competing software programs, Floorplan Plus 3D Deluxe 4.0 and Sierra Complete Home 2.0, are helpful features such as SmartParts technology to guide placement of windows, doors, walls, and cabinets, PlanCheck for instant feedback on your plan, and Video Tips from the Home Pro; dynamically linked 2D and 3D editing and viewing and multistory 3D views; builder's details such as decks and porches, soffits, beveled cabinets, and base and crown molding; exterior surface materials such as brick, shingle, and wood. If you have internet access you can go online to www.TotalHomeNetwork.com to access free contractor and arthitect matching services, downloadable plans, special offers, and more.
504 Redwood Blvd. Novato, CA 94948-6121 can be contacted at (415) 382-4400 or at its Web site Cynthia Burris is an attorney residing and practicing law in Lytle, Texas and can be reached at CynBurris@aol.com. |