Expert: Nazim Nice - 10/14/2009

Question
Hi there- we have a custom home pretty much ready to go as far as the floorplans...BUT I need a program to change the outside finishes- like from stucco to stone to siding- diff colors- shutters, window choices etc- I have a program but it is VERY hard to use & doesn't allow for "details" like different railings etc I want something that is SIMPLE- like click & drag...help- I'd even be happy with working off of a model provided & just change the outside look of that model even
thanks!!!

Answer
Hi Cheryl,

I have heard of programs like what you are describing but only for changing elements like paint colors.  For more complex things like you are describing perhaps look at Google Sketchup.  It is free, but would require some learning.  There are huge libraries of parts that people have made that you can search from and choose, so for many things you will not have to model them yourself (like windows and doors). But the overall house, or front of the house you will have to model yourself unless you have something you can import.  It is very easy to learn and I suspect after modeling your house, or part of it, you will get the hang of it.

Other than that, I'm not aware of any other options that aren't going to be complicated for you.  

Good luck & check out Google Sketchup.

Nazim Nice
Principal / Architect
http://www.motion-space.com
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