Rating: 
Summary: Cool Tool
Review: This software did what I hoped it would and I picked it up pretty fast. The visuals gave me a good picture. I was impressed.
Rating: 
Summary: Very cool 3-D and Easy to use
Review: This is a VERY cool program. It allowed me to trace over a scanned design, create project from basic house layout, or free style. Once I got the hang of how things worked I was building homes in no time. I especially nice feature is the ability to paint the texture of walls, floors, cabinets, furniture, etc from within the 3D view.
Putting up walls can be a bit quirky, but in time you figure it out.
I would recommend this to anyone who needs to get a real view of what their home will look like.
Having experience playing The Sims doesn't hurt either ;-)
Rating: 
Summary: do it yourself_____ (fill in the blank)
Review: As an architect, I can't help but be insulted that one might think making a good building is so easy. I know we all live in houses, but that doesn't mean that 5-8 years of architecture school plus years of practice can be so easily overridden. Why not do-it-yourself medicine, or dentistry? How about law? All those things are just as easily picked up, right? We all have bodies, and teeth (hopefully)and know what's right and just-- don't we?!! There is a lot more to designing and building a good building than meets the eye.
Rating: 
Summary: OK for Simple Folk
Review: This is an adequate program with a few nice bells & whistles, but the lack of a migration path thru project upgrades (from a prior version) or file imports makes this a brand new program for old users. If I need to "re-key" all my data anyway, there are competitive packages offering significantly better features and multiple file handling options. But if you are familiar with prior versions and are newly creating simple plans, this is a good alternative.
Rating:
Summary: Cautious Optimism
Review: The software is easy to use, easy to learn. Newer versions have gotten progressively better at providing "canned" components (i.e. footers, windows, doors, textures). This version is even more customizable than previous versions.The tabbed interface, and selectable toolbars make the interface a lot more functional. I definitely like version 6 better than 3, 4, and 5. HOWEVER, I would offer a SIGNIFICANT word of caution. Broderbund has a habit of leaving its established client base in the dust. I have been using the application for years, and therefore have a large library of floor plans developed (for my own home, future ideas, etc). In previous upgrades, Broderbund has changed file formats, thus making it impossible to bring previous work into newer products. I have written to them pleading for consistency, or at least import/export functionality. They have provided no satisfaction. My most recent email to tech support on version 6 yielded this response: "I understand that you are inquiring about importing a CAD file format into
3D Home Design 6. This program has the ability to export as DXF, 3DS and WRL files, however
is not capable of importing or opening DXF or other file formats. Sorry about the inconvenience." "...inconvenience..." Do they have any clue how much work it is to re-create multiple (dimensionally accurate) designs over AND over again? While it is nice that you can export to DXF format (great for transferring plans to construction engineers, architects, etc...), it is THE PITS that you CANNOT import from a standard file format (like DXF). If you are serious about your design and remodeling work, and plan to use this for more than just a room makeover, you may want to consider how important it is to you to take advantage of upgrade features while having to rebuild your designs in the future. BEFORE you have an established plan base, you may want to consider other products that can import standard formats (i.e. Better Homes and Gardens Home Designer Pro). Check out the reviews on Punch!Professional Home Design Suite Platinum for a better idea of what people think of Broderbund and its' products.
Rating:
Summary: OK for Simple Folk
Review: This is an adequate program with a few nice bells & whistles, but the lack of a migration path thru project upgrades (from a prior version) or file imports makes this a brand new program for old users. If I need to "re-key" all my data anyway, there are competitive packages offering significantly better features and multiple file handling options. But if you are familiar with prior versions and are newly creating simple plans, this is a good alternative.
Rating: 
Summary: Extremely slow rendering and a reminder of....
Review: a software program called Floorplan. I like version 4.0 a heck of alot better. Im glad I only tried the trial version. Im very disappointed with 6.0. the rendering takes forever and the graphics are'nt as good as version 4.0 or as good as Punch architectural series 18. Don't waste your money on the version.
Rating:
Summary: Big disappointment!
Review: After years of using the previous 3D Architects, with great success, I assumed version 6 was, as they offered, an upgrade. Wrong! It's a completely new program without the ability to import files from early versions. A real let down since I often go back to older files for designs. Futhermore, getting support is a joke. You just get the run around with the automated services. This will be the last Broderbund software I buy. After all, if they do it to 3D, why not Print Shop, or one of the others?
Rating:
Summary: Don't Bother
Review: My wife and I are in the beginning stages of a home remodel and addition. We wanted something to kick around a few ideas before going to a professional architect. If you are looking to do the same or something similar, Don't Bother with this program. It loads fine and you can get started right away. But the program will not operate after that. The program is just full of bugs and start up issues. I've unistalled, reinstalled, and repaired all with the same result. Don't waste your time or money!
Rating:
Summary: Very Easy to Use, yet still powerfull
Review: It's not often when I praise a software program. However, this one gets some unwarranted bad rap, so here's by 5 cents:
I don't know why others complain about this software. It is a superb software that is very easy to use (has a guided tutorial AND wizards)and still powerfull enough for any home owner looking to remodel or rebuild his/her house.
I also used ver 3, which was not bad, but this newer ver 6 is a quantum leap in features and easy of use.
The people complaing probably never looked at the tutorial to see how easy and powerfull the program really is. It allows full customization of all building elements.
Highly Recommended!!!
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