Expert: Bob - 2/28/2011

Question
i currently do not use autocad. i design and hand draft renderings and construction drawings for elaborate custom homes and additions. what program do you feel would suit my needs? i have basic computer skills but have never used autocadd. i would like to be able to put together a complete set of construction drawings. some 3d capability would be nice as would a material take off capability as i sometimes build my own projects. would chief architect lt. be best? i don't want to spend a fortune.  Joe-

Answer
Joe--

To be honest, this question is one heard more often a decade ago. You leave out your age, area,  and the length of your practice, as well as how much longer you wish to work.

If you have the time and ability to invest in learning the right 3D software, your productivity might go up more than double.

"SHOOTING FROM THE HIP" generalized replies
If you are 50ish, you should learn Revit and AutoCAD or just AutoCAD Architecture, in my estimation. Either of these takes some time.
If you are near retirement and not crazy in love with figuring things out on the computer, I might tell you to forget learning the software and hire students to do the CAD drawing.

In some cities, you HAVE to submit AutoCAD files, period!

I looked up prices on Chief Architect -- the lite version is more than AutoCAD LT, but it might do more.

This is a VERY INDIVIDUAL situation -- If I had to give one answer, it would be "Buy AutoCAD LT2012 when it comes out in a month or so, and get someone to give you lessons. You can draw elaborate details by hand on paper, still, or using lines and arcs in AutoCAD." In other words, combine computer drawings for basics, with hand drawn sheets for one-time fancy stuff.

You can also download free trials -- but they do you no good if you dont know how to use them.

I would not recommend any software for which you cannot get training or tutoring easily nearby or at your place. AutoCAD is many time more common.

BOB