Best Home Design Software Options

Are you planning a major home renovation and addition? Do you want to have a home custom-built to meet your needs of you and your family? A home design software can help you plan out your new space and see what the finished product will look like.

Since there are numerous options when you're looking for home design software, we have reviewed five of the top products for you. After reading through our reviews, you should be able to find the perfect product to help you design your new home.

Top 5: Home Design Software Review

Recommendation #1

Virtual Architect Ultimate Home Design with Landscaping and Decks 9.0

9.3

Recommendation #2

Chief Architect Home Designer Suite

9.2

Recommendation #3

TurboFloorPlan Home & Landscape 2019 Pro [Mac Download]

9.0

Recommendation #4

DreamPlan Home Design Free

7.8

Virtual Architect Ultimate Home Design with Landscaping and Decks 9.0

Even if you don't have any design experience, you'll love planning your new space using Virtual Architect Ultimate. This product is perfect for building a new home, designing the interior, remodeling or adding additions, or planning out landscaping for your yard.

With this product, you can incorporate digital photos to help you design the rooms in your home. You'll also have access to thousands of 3D graphics through the software. These graphics can help you sketch out your space and plan its design.

You'll be impressed with the high-quality look that this software produces. It uses an enhanced 3D technology that brings the images to life. You'll really be able to see just how your remodeled or renovated space will look.

Planning the exterior of a structure is easy; you'll be able to draw and connect exterior walls, add various types of doors and windows, and you'll even be able to add lighting fixtures to your design. When you're remodeling the interior of a space, you can change fabric or paint colors, add different flooring options, and customize countertops. When redesigning a room, just upload your own digital photos of the space, and you'll be able to work using your existing space as the backdrop.

The interface for this program is wizard-driven. This means that the software will operate smoothly and quickly to provide an enjoyable experience. If you're looking for support using the software or any of the features, you'll appreciate the numerous video tutorials that are offered relating to both technical support and home design concepts.

Pros

  • You can upload digital photos to be used as a backdrop for your redesign
  • The designs look very realistic and will allow you to visualize your space
  • You can draw and connect exterior walls, and easily add windows and doorways

Cons

  • Some other programs offer more sample plans

Chief Architect Home Designer Suite

Home Designer Suite was developed in order to allow individuals to access the same professional tools for your DIY design project. This option offers a variety of automated building tools that are designed to simplify your software experience.

For example, if you make a change to the exterior of the design, the roof will automatically update to cover the top of the home. You'll also be able to choose from numerous roof styles, allowing you to create a custom home.

Some of the other automatic features offered by the software include automatic ceilings, floors, and foundations. You can customize the types of ceilings (cathedral, vaulted, etc.) and their heights. You can also raise or lower floors.

The software will also automatically create the frame for your house as you design it. This will make it much easier for a builder to stick with your design plan as they build your home.

In addition to the automatic features, there are a variety of smart objects. These smart objects automatically connect to other objects or fill in available spaces. Some of the smart objects include cabinets, doors, windows, and stairs.

You'll be able to view 3D renderings of your designs. This will allow you to feel like you are inside a space and look at it from various viewpoints.

Home Designer Suite offers support to help you make the most of the software. There are over 80 videos, webinar classes, a user forum, and free customer support via phone, email, or chat.

Pros

  • You can create 3D renderings of your spaces
  • There are numerous automatic features and smart objects that make the software easier to use
  • You'll have access to a lot of support if you need it

Cons

  • You won't be able to determine the cost of the designs you create using the software

TurboFloorPlan Home & Landscape 2019 Pro [Mac Download]

If you're looking for a software option for home or landscape design, consider TurboFloorPlan Pro 2019. This option is made to be user-friendly, allowing those with no experience to create breathtaking designs.

A key feature that makes this product stand out is that it has cost estimation tools. This will allow you to get an idea for how expensive your creation will be and set a realistic budget for your project.

This program can help you through all the steps of designing and building a new home. You can use it to planning every aspect of your project - from the foundation, to the electrical and plumbing work, the roof, to interior design features such as cabinets and lighting. You can even customize the landscaping for your property.

To help you customize an existing space or floor plan, you can scan in floor plans and trace them. You can design in 2D or 3D mode, allowing you more control depending on what you are working on.

This program comes with a variety of features to help you create your ideal space. You can add in furniture items, design cabinets, change flooring and countertop materials, and so much more. In addition to the numerous 3D objects available in the library, you can also import your own objects into the design library for a truly customized design.

Pros

  • Even novices can create beautiful designs
  • This program can help you through all stages of the design and building process
  • You can import your own images into the 3D library

Cons

  • Learning how to use the software and control your designs may take some time

DreamPlan Home Design Free

Whether you are looking for interior design, home design, or landscaping design, DreamPlan can help you. You can use this product to create floor plans, customize furniture pieces and layouts, and sketch out a design for the landscaping of your yard.

With this software, you can switch the mode between blueprints, 2D-view, and 3D-view. This will allow you take all aspects of the design and space into consideration as you work with the software.

If you have an existing floor plan you would like to use, you will be able to import it using the trace feature of the program. You will be able to layout and design your room using the numerous 3D images of different furniture pieces, appliances, fixtures, and more. Plus, you can customize the wall colors to help you see what your finished product will look like.

This software will also allow you to add more than one story to your buildings and customize decks and roofs. You can also choose from various flooring and tile options as you create your custom spaces.

Pros

  • You can view your design in 2D, 3D, or blueprint view
  • You will be able to customize the walls, floors, and other aspects of your spaces to see what the finished product will look like
  • You can import existing floor plans using the trace feature

Cons

  • This software does not give you access to as many images in the object library as some of the other options

Total 3D Home, Landscape and Deck Premium Suite 12 [Download]

If you're looking for a less expensive option that will still allow you to plan and design your space, consider Total 3D Home, Landscape, & Deck Premium Suite. You can choose to purchase a PC disk or download the program directly to your PC.

With the drag and drop features offered by this program, you'll be able to create custom spaces to make your vision come to life. You can also browse through numerous floor plans available through the program or import your own plan.

After you have your rooms laid out, you'll be able to use Total 3D Home to lay out furniture pieces and customize the finishings. You can use the software to select custom colors, finishes, patterns, and texture for the floors, carpets, cabinets, countertops, windows, and more.

With this program, you'll also be able to design outdoor spaces and landscaping. This will allow you to create a truly customized retreat that you'll love. Some of the outdoor features you'll be able to design include decks, gardens, fences, and driveways.

Pros

  • There are lots of drag and drop features to help you design your space
  • You can customize furniture and finishes to create a beautiful finished product
  • There are lots of options for designing outdoor spaces too

Cons

  • You'll likely need some practice to become proficient using the software

Buying Guide

If you are looking to remodel, renovate, or build a new home, a home design software can help you create exactly what you're looking for. There are many features offered by home design software programs that will help you create the home or space of your dreams. However, before making a purchase, there are a few different features you will want to compare between the different products that are available.

First, consider how easy it is to use the software. Especially if you don't have a background in design or architecture, you'll want to find an option that is user-friendly, while still helping you accomplish your goal of designing your space.

Next, consider the overall appearance of the designs. Do they look realistic? Will they help you visualize what the finished product will look like and allow you to make changes to meet your preferences?

Choosing an option that has an abundance of graphics and design options. This will allow you to incorporate all the design elements you are looking for. It will make building or finishing the real product easier for you or the professionals you hire.

Finally, consider the support that is offered by the software company. Is there a customer service number you can contact if you need assistance with something? Do they offer videos that will help you make the most out of the various features offered by the software?

best home design software

Out of the five products we reviewed, our top pick is Virtual Architect Ultimate. We think you'll love this option for a variety of reasons.

First, the designs you can create with this product look very real and therefore you can see exactly what you're finished product will look like. The software also comes with thousands of 3D graphics that will allow you to customize your space and add features such as paint colors, different types of flooring, exterior walls, windows, doors, and so much more.

Virtual Architect Ultimate Home Design with Landscaping and Decks 9.0

Even if you don't have design experience, you'll find this software easy to use. Plus, it has various videos that offer both technical support and design help.

Finally, we think you'll love this product because it is very versatile. You can use it for remodeling a space, adding an addition, building a new space, or planning out landscaping for your home. There are just so many ways you'll be able to take advantage of this product.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you do with a home design software?

Home design software programs can help you with a variety of different design projects around your house. Each program is different and offers its own features. Some of the things you can do with various programs include creating a floor plan, designing a new home or addition to your current home, remodeling a room in your house, designing a deck, or creating a landscape design for the exterior of your home.

Many programs offer features designed to help you through each aspect of the design process. You can lay the foundation for the space, place walls and doorways, add a roof, choose paint colors, add carpets, and cabinets, and even add furniture to your design.

Most home design software programs have an image library that can help you design your space down to the very last detail. You can choose furniture pieces, plants, and accessories to finalize your design before getting started making the changes.

You can also download the plans as well as a list of materials you (or the person performing the work) will need to bring the design to life.

What should I look for when choosing a home design software?

The first thing you'll need to consider before purchasing a home design software program is your design needs. Think about the answers to these questions to help guide you in choosing a software that will meet your needs.

  • Are you looking to build a new home from scratch?
  • Do you want to re-design your kitchen, bathroom, or another room in your home?
  • Do you want to add a new addition to your home?
  • Would you like to be able to add any outdoor design elements, such as a new deck or landscaping?

Next, consider how user-friendly each software option is. Are the controls and options intuitive, or will you need to do a lot of research in order to learn how to use the program? If you get stuck, is there a customer service number or resource that can help you answer any questions you may have?

You will also want to consider the look of the design renderings created by the software. Think about whether you would like to be able to go on a virtual walkthrough in the space, or if you are ok just viewing a 3D model of your design.

Next, be sure to look for information about the object library for each option. You want to find a product that offers a large object library, since this will give you more options when adding details to your design.

Another thing you'll want to consider is how easy it will be to share your design with others or move the design from the computer into an easy-to-read blueprint to guide you through making the changes. Also consider whether the program has the ability to create a materials list for you or determine the total cost for each design.

You should also consider whether you'll be designing on a PC, Mac, tablet, or some other device. Be sure to select a program that will be compatible with the device you plan to use.

Finally, consider the price of each software option. There is a wide range of prices you'll find with home design software programs. Think about how much you'll likely use the program as well as the scope and size of the project(s) you have planned to help you choose a program that fits your needs and your budget.

Can a home design software help you save money?

Yes, using a home design software can save you money. Architects and professional designers are very expensive, and if you are able to complete all, or at least some, of the steps in the design process you will reduce the amount of money you need to pay these professionals.

Depending on your skill and comfort level, you may even be able to design to your space and make the changes yourself, which could save you even more money.

How long will it take to design a room using a design software?

So many factors will impact how long it will take you to design a space. These include your skill level and experience using the software, the size of the space, and the scale of the renovations you are planning. You could easily scrutinize each aspect of the design process and spend hours choosing cabinets, colors, and other design elements, or you could choose to create a more basic design and work on the details later.

How Can I Design My Own Home?

A home design software can help you create your dream home. You'll need to have some basic information about your new home, such as the size of the lot and how many rooms you'll want to have. After that, the software should be able to help you create a floor plan and design that you'll love.

Is It Cheaper to Buy or Build a Home?

Typically, it will end up costing more money to build a custom home. However, when you build your own home, it will be designed to meet your specific needs and with your tastes in mind. When you buy a preexisting home, you never know when major repairs will need to be completed.

How Can I Save Money While Building a Home?

It is easy to get carried away when you are building your own home. One way to save some money is to make sure you gave a budget and that you stay within it. Another way to save money is to do as much of the work yourself as possible. Instead of paying the builder to install your appliances, take care of that task if you're able to. Maybe paint some of the rooms on your own as well. Finally, don't pay for all the upgrades. Many if the standard material options are durable and high quality, so don't waste money paying for an upgrade right away.

How Much Does a Home Design Software Cost?

The price of home design software programs will vary based on the features. You will find some products that cost less than $20, while other options will cost closer to $100.

REFERENCE & RESOURCES


Official Top 5 Review Team
Official Top 5 Review Team

The Official Top 5 Review team is dedicated to testing and researching the top products available for many different industries. We do the research and testing so that you don't have to! We welcome you to provide your feedback on your experiences with any products that you have experience with.

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