Expert: Bob - 10/4/2007

Question
I'm looking for a decent 2D/3D home design software. OK if it's CAD based, as long as it's not too hard to use. I prefer freeware versions, of cours, or at least not too expensive. I have tried Envisioneer Express and Punch but these programs are made for the American Market. Is there anything similar out there which is actually made for the European market? Choosing a standard-size door or window which has just been converted to metric measurements does not work. All standard measuements are originally imperial. I need an 80cm window and can only get converted U.S. standard sizes, and end up with something around 91.2 cm or 79.4 cm. I can't afford to hire carpenters to remodel my entire house bespoke.

Answer
SORRY -- I THOUGHT YOUR RESPONSE WAS INCREDIBLY RUDE AND THOUGHTLESS -- AND YOUR RATING OF 2 FOR POLITENESS WAS MEANSPIRITED AND PETTY

"SORRY I WASTED YOUR TIME" -- SHOULD HAVE BEEN "SORRY, I ASKED A QUESTION YOU WOULD NOT REASONABLY KNOW THE ANSWER TO, AND LEFT OUT THE MOST PERTINENT FACTS, BUT EXPECTED A MAGIC ANSWER ACCORDING TO MY TERMS"

YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF -- I AM ONLY TRYING TO HELP AND BE HONEST
--- AND OF COURSE I AM RIGHT WHEN I SAY IT IS OK TO DRAW 79,4 CM AND LABEL IT 80, CONSIDERING TOLERANCES, SO YOU CAN USE THE SOFTWARE YOU FOUND.
-- SO I   D_I_D  SOLVE YOUR PROBLEM

-- YOU DIDNT EVEN TELL ME YOU WERE IN A COUNTRY WHERE NO ONE CAN AFFORD TO HIRE A PRO
--- HOW WOULD I POSSIBLY KNOW THAT???

AND FROM MY SIDE, I AM ENTIRELY RIGHT TO SUGGEST A PRO

YOU SHOULD BE VERY VERY ASHAMED, AND CHECK YOUR PERPECTIVE.

PEOPLE LIKE YOU MAKE ME FEEL LESS SAFE TO HELP OTHERS.

BOB

Sorry, you have made some assumptions about me that make
your question a bit difficult. I am going to presume you are in GB due to your good English.
--- why would I know about European software?
--- why would I know about amateur softaware, for homeowner use  (its like asking an auto mechanic which "fix it yourself at home" book to purchase)
--- do I believe in giving advice to homeowners to do my profession, or do I believe you should hire a pro?

OF COURSE I VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU HIRE A LOCAL PRO TO DO THE DESIGN AND DRAWING!!!!  Most homeowners make errors that cost more than a designer fee.  If you are remodelling an entire house, you are sure to make several costly errors, unless you are professional.  I often am hired, then find the first thing is the mistakes already made.

But --- to find software ---please look at local sources, such as websites and stores, which review such software. The pro stuff has metric-created windows, as well as Imperial, in the US version -- since they are used all over the world.

And -- I am totally lost as to why you cant just draw a window at 79.4 and label it 80.(reducing the wall measurement by 0.3 on each side) --- I dont know if you are using frame construction, brick, etc, but construction is generally not accurate to more than .3 cm at very best, and window openings are cut too large, then the window is installed, with the excess space taken by  wooden shims or blocking. (for example)

I hope this helps

BOB