Whether you are on your way to building a custom home or simply want to visualize different home ideas before you begin your journey, online home design tools have come a long way over the last few years.
Here are five of the very best tools to help you learn more about what you like (and don’t like) in a custom home:
1. Sketch-Up - 3D Design Software
2. Foyr Neo - Interior Design Software
3. Planner 5D - 2D/3D Design Software
4. Roomstyler 3D - Home Planner Software
5. The Sims
To find out more about each of these awesome home design tools and programs, continue reading below. Or, if you are interested in learning more about designing a custom-built home, contact the experts at L. Patten & Sons today.
Note: These online home design tools work well to get inspiration for your own custom home, but please remember that many designs may not be possible when actually designing a house. In order to get the most accurate design plans, you will need to work closely with an architect and home builder.
1. Sketch-Up - 3D Design Software
Ease Of Use: Moderate - Experienced
Pricing: Free Version & Plans For Personal Use
Average Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
SketchUp is considered one of the best online home design tools available. One of the best things about them is that they offer pricing models for everyone - from a free to use version to tiered pricing starting at $119 per year.
SketchUp’s software, including the free version, allows you to design 3D models of homes and buildings, including all the necessary finishings like doors, windows, roofing, furniture and other furnishings, and exterior landscaping.
Check out the video above to see a great tutorial that shows you how to build a simple home using SketchUp Free.
2. Foyr Neo - Interior Design Software
Ease Of Use: Moderate
Pricing: Free 14 Day Trial Before Purchase Required
Average Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Foyr is the perfect online home design software for those focusing on interior design. While this tool has been created with interior designers in mind, anyone can purchase the program and use it.
If you have any interest in learning more about interior design, or want to try your hand at customizing different designs and layouts for your own home to see what you like, this is a great tool to try out.
Since Foyr Neo is primarily used by professional designers, it is not free to use, so that is something to keep in mind if you do plan to use it beyond the free 14 day trial.
The video above is made from a designer at Foyr Neo, and shows you how to easily design a kitchen using the program.
3. Planner 5D - 2D/3D Design Software
Ease Of Use: Beginner - Moderate
Pricing: Free
Average Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Planner 5D is a wonderful online home design tool that is easy to learn and to use. Their home page specifically notes that this tool was “designed for amateurs” to use and be able to create beautiful custom home designs.
Planner 5D is free, and their YouTube account has tons of tutorials to help you get started. Even if you are a beginner when it comes to design and using this type of software, their tutorials can help you learn how to use the program.
Planner 5D allows you to create both interior and exterior designs, which will help you get great ideas for your own home.
4. Roomstyler 3D - Home Planner Software
Ease Of Use: Beginner
Pricing: Free
Average Rating: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Roomstyler is an interior design tool that is free to use. It features a super easy-to-use drag-and-drop style planner to help you design room(s) in your home.
You can easily select from a number of different room designs, windows, doors, flooring, furniture, and so much more. You can also create landscaped exteriors and outdoor designs.
This program allows you to easily toggle between 2D and 3D views. Check out the video above to learn how to get started for free.
5. The Sims 4
Ease Of Use: Beginner
Pricing: Purchase Required
Average Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
While you may be surprised to see a video game on this list, The Sims has a fairly comprehensive and super easy-to-use design function. Many players of The Sims use it exclusively as a home design tool - and a fun one at that!
There have been interior designers who have actually used The Sims to build models for their own designs. Check out this one article from an interior designer who did just that.
It might seem silly to use a video game like The Sims to get design ideas, but if you check out the video above, you’ll see why that’s not the case. As well, if you enjoy video games, you may prefer using this type of software instead of the previous options listed above.
Inspired By These Online Home Design Programs? Trust L. Patten & Sons to Turn Your Dreams Into a Reality!
Using online home design tools can help you get a feel for what you love - and what you don’t - before you talk to a custom home builder about your own home. While these tools can’t accurately design your new home, it can give you an idea of what you want in a house.
At L. Patten & Sons, we have helped many homeowners get the perfect custom home that they have always dreamed of. We will listen to your ideas and dreams and help turn those dreams into a reality.
We have over 50 years of experience helping homeowners plan and build their dream homes. From cozy beachside cottages to modern industrial houses. We listen to your preferences and help turn those dreams into a reality.
We make it our goal to help all our clients realize their dreams. Quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and complete customer satisfaction are what sets L. Patten and Sons apart in the Collingwood, Clearview, and the Blue Mountains home-building community in Ontario.
Our homeowners can rest assured that their new home will be a source of pride and satisfaction for many years to come. Contact us today to get started.