1 stars (Helpful only in designing boxes with roofs) - This product was a horrible waste of my money. There is no option for log houses, which I find surprising. This is afterall, far from an alternative building style. It seems as though this product was made for those with little or no creaativity, seeking to create another ugly box like all those that already exist all over the nation. Don't waste your money! 3 stars (Lots of work, little reward) - I was very anxious to recieve this product. I reviewed various products and this seemed to be the one to buy for the price. At this point I'm not disappointed I bought it, just disappointed at some of the limitations. I was looking to do basic, accurate floor plans, i.e. kitchens. With this product you're forced to design a house and then focus on a specific room. I live in an area where there are alot of raised houses. A raised foundation/house on piers is not an option. I will say that it has a nice selection of finishes, though many of them look too similar to tell a difference. Overall, it's a decent product and not a bad buy. 3 stars (Limited Capability-Not for remodeling) - When I read the other reviews on this product, I was a bit surprised at their very positive nature. Then I remembered how I felt when I first tried this program and it all made sense. My guess is that the folks who wrote the positive reviews probably haven't worked with the program for very long or tried to create anything but the most elementary structures. I know I was very impressed at first. That is until I tried to re-create my own home as the starting point for a remodeling project. This program is very intuitive and easy to learn, the problem is that it is also very limited. After you get past the ease of creating floor plans, the next obvious progression is to see the building in 3D. That's where the problems begin. The roof planes are nearly impossible to control. If you are creating anything other than a simple cape ... Chief Architect :: Improvement (1-2-3) :: Interior Design :: House Floor Plans (Planning) :: Layout :: Home Design :: Hobby Hobbies :: Computer software (programs) :: :: Better Homes and Gardens Home Designer
1 stars ( 3D Home Architect Home Design Deluxe 6 ) - Very basic program. Would purchase again if price was $20.00 or less just for the basic house layout. 3 stars (Powerful but not user-friendly) - I have been using this product for about six months to redesign several rooms in our house. It is fairly flexible and powerful and has a good variety of colors, textures, materials, etc. to work with. However, don't believe the "intuitive, easy to use" claims made by the company producing this software. I have run into many problems where the program required me to do something unintuitive, such as raise all of the furniture in a room off the floor by 1 inch in order to be able to put a rug in the room. Also, you cannot "nudge" objects using the arrow keys as you can in almost any graphics program, so exact placement of objects becomes a frustrating game of, "Can I let go of the mouse on this exact pixel?" For the amount I paid (which was $20 more than it should have been because of Fry's' typical refusal to honor the rebate that they themselves advertised), it is not a bad program. But it's sad that there isn't anything out there that's much better. 1 stars (Not a true upgrade from version 4) - This is not a true update from version 4 but a completely new program. If you want the true updated verson try "Better Homes and gardens Home Designer" products by Chief Architect, they were the makers of "3D Home Architect version 4 and earlyer. I purchased 3D Home Architect version 5, and it was very hard to use I can't imagine that this will be better. ... Encore Software :: Improvement (1-2-3) :: Interior Design :: House Floor Plans (Planning) :: Layout :: Home Design :: Landscape (Landscaping) :: Gardening (Gardens) :: Computer softwa :: 3D Home Architect Home Design Deluxe 6
4 stars (Landscape&DeckDesign Software) - Review the tutorials - that's important. Annotate the book because it doesn't include some key commands used in the tutorial Be careful to check dimensions of drawings; it's NOT as sophisticated as CAD and there are distinct limitations. However, there are some handy pre-packaged tools. 1 stars (Over The Top) - This software has been a disappointment. I have intermediate computer skills and yet I find this software to be an unreasonable hassle for doing landscaping projects. What appealed to me was the ability to add landscaping project details to a photograph to help visualize a design scheme. I have worked on this software program far too long with basically no results. The CD tutorial is not that helpful. I bought this product for business purposes. I have real estate that I wish to improve the curbside appearance. This product did not meet my simple expectations. 3 stars (Too Complicated) - I find the program hard to understand and the tutorial moves too fast. I have had the program for almost six months and still cannot use it. ... Chief Architect :: better :: homes :: and :: gardens :: landscaping :: and :: deck :: designer :: chief :: architect :: business :: finance :: business :: finance :: betterhomesandgardenslandscapinganddeckdesign :: Better Homes and Gardens Landscaping and Deck Designer
5 stars (Still a star) - PERENNIAL COMBINATIONS by Colston Burrell is another practical and increasingly beautiful Rodale publication (remember those older Rodale volumes printed on coarse pulp paper?). Although this book was published several years ago, it is still a mega-star as far as I am concerned--printed on slick glossy paper and filled with beautiful and clear photographs. The combinations I used worked for me then and they work now in my more mature garden. Burrell includes many suggestions for the gardener charged with developing an otherwise barren plot into a floriferous spot. Every yard is a collection of ecological zones ranging from dry loose (or compacted) soil to wet mucky bogs. Different combinations of plants work in different circumstances. For example, although I once had a professional gardener tell me Siberian Iris would grow anywhere, that has not been my experience, and Burrell confirms their best showing comes in a relatively damp area (Mine do best in the boggy area where our air conditioning unit drips ceaselessly throughout the summer-check out the lake in the middle of Central Park, Siberian Iris grow all along the shoreline). And speaking of "wet" gardens, Burrell shows ferns, Hosta, flags and various other perennials who either like or can tolerate damp feet combined into a `Garden for Three Seasons.' Burrell covers almost any situation you can encounter in the garden: shade and wet, shade and dry, hot and dry, hot and wet. Have you just removed a dead tree and are puzzled about what to do to disguise the residual stump? Perhaps you want to grow wild flowers and don't know how or where to begin. Or, perhaps you have prairie-like conditions and wonder what to plant. And by the way, you don't have to live on the Great Plains to have prairie-like conditions, a sunny bank will do or, as in my case, where the driveway meets the street. Burrell offers many tips and "secrets for success" with whatever condition you may encounte... Rodale Books :: Gardening & Garden Design :: Planting design :: Perennials :: Landscape Design And Planting :: Gardens :: Gardening&Plants :: Gardening & Horticulture :: Gardening :: :: Perennial Combinations- Stunning Combinations That Make Your Garden Look Fantastic Right from the St
1 stars (Read the Reviews FIRST - ZERO Stars) - I just now read the reviews of this product; unfortunately, I did not read them before I purchased this pathetic program. Basically - false advertising. Does not include anywhere near the number of items indicated on the box and queries to Broderbund indicate the items are no longer available. Save your money - get some crayons! 1 stars (Actually 0 Stars DON'T DO IT!!!!) - I have had Broderbund Home Designer 5.0 for about 4 months now. Three years ago I used 3D Architect Vers. 1.0 to remodel my kitchen and it was great. So, I decided to buy 3D Architect Professional 5.0 to design my Master Suite (converting two BRs and a bath to do it) and remodel my back yard and pool....completely. To begin, all Broderbund architectural products' names are similarly named. I thought the "professional" 5.0 included (and was led to believe by skimming the info on it) the landscape design program. You can even switch to landscape mode but NOTHING happens! After calls to tech support and customer service asking why I can't get to the landscape portion, I (not they) realized I had to buy 3D Home Landscape. So I went to buy it, installed it and went to use the program and still no landscape mode. Long story short...after many frustrating calls and e-mails, I (again me, not they) discovered how the two programs merge together to form one program (if installed in a certain method and order) named yet another program name...3d Home Designer 5.0. Unbelievable! Again, long story short...after limping through a multitude of crashes, letters to tech support and getting answers back e.g., "I don't know, I don't use the program" and countless other frustrating and irritating things, today was the last straw. I opened the program and four months of re-creating my four bedroom tri-level home and yard are gone to waste. As soon as I open the program to do anything, it crashes. I have re-installed and to no avail. BY ALL MEANS, save yourself the frus... Broderbund :: House Floor Plans (Planning) :: Layout :: Home Design :: Landscape (Landscaping) :: Gardening (Gardens) :: Computer software (programs) :: Great Deals (Outlet sto :: 3D Home Landscape 5 Deluxe
3 stars (Ended Up Paying More) - I thought that I'd have a hard time learning this software, since other reviewers commented on its difficulty, but it wasn't that hard to get the hang of it. My intent on purchasing this was to recreate my house and landscape it within the program. I soon learned that wasn't going to happen, since none of the housing plans available to choose from resembled my house, and I couldn't alter the structures in any way. So, I ended up buying 3D Home Architect Home Design Deluxe 6 and recreating my house in that program. I then transfered my house design to the Landscaping software and landscaped it within that program. I should have purchased the suite available with has both the Home Design and Landscaping software combined, but I ended up buying each program individualy and spending more money. Overall, I think it's a fun program to plan a house and garden. I'd give it another star if only I wasn't pissed about having to spend more money on more software just to use this Landscaping program the way I wanted to. 1 stars (Stay away from Broderbund software) - I wish I could give them zero stars. Broderbund pulled support for software I owned only 2 years after it was released. I was unable to install it because it required internet registration which was no longer supported. To solve the problem, they offered to SELL me a different software title. They must have thought I was stupid. They expected me to give them more money??? This company has second rate software and third rate customer service. Do not buy anything from them. 3 stars (Takes LOTS of time.) - Like most people, I was initially very disappointed with this software, and though I am an experienced computer user, could not figure out how to do some simple tasks. I kept at it though, and with practice and a LOT of time was able to create a spectacular plan. I drew my house first as a series of tall fences, then eventually used photographs. I eventually learned how to dr... Broderbund :: Improvement (1-2-3) :: Interior Design :: House Floor Plans (Planning) :: Layout :: Home Design :: Landscape (Landscaping) :: Gardening (Gardens) :: Computer softwa :: 3D Home Architect Landscape Design Deluxe 6
5 stars (Using Better Homes and Gardens Landscaping and Deck Designer) - I am a novice to landscape design. I have in the past used a drafting table, drafting machine, and created a plan view that was almost professional looking thanks to a course I took by mail several years ago. My problem was that I did not have the drawing skills to create an elevation view, and I felt that was a vital missing skill. I had looked at several brands of software (CAD) that would give me the ability to create what my gardens should look like if I were standing looking at them. Some that were too simplified were not able to allow me to get the exact picture I wanted. Others that were even more expensive than this one were not as sophisticated in their look. I did not have the money or the inclination to spend thousands of dollars on programs that were probably meant for professionals. I am a master gardener and I get my satisfaction from designing for schools, retirement centers, and others who are looking for perennial gardens, bird, and butterfly gardens. I am a retired educator and only want to use the program to help me give back to my community. The way I can do this is to help them design a garden. I found this program relatively easy to understand as I first read it. The quick start guide and tutorial is excellent and touches on all that I need to get started. It also has a variety of plant material in the zone that I live in. This is something that I also looked for in the design software. I can also import photos of plants that are not listed in the Better Homes and Garden encyclopedia. This program also lets one know how many plants of a certain kind are needed in a certain area, and how they will look in 0 to 10 years. Although I donate my own time, it is important for an institution to know how much they are going to spend on plant material, mulch, pathway material, etc. This is done in the project cost estimating portion of the p... Chief Architect :: Improvement (1-2-3) :: Interior Design :: House Floor Plans (Planning) :: Layout :: Home Design :: Landscape (Landscaping) :: Gardening (Gardens) :: Computer softwa :: Better Homes and Gardens Landscaping and Deck Designer Bundle
Is spring your favorite time of year or do you just enjoy the beauty of outdoor gardens? These three amazing garden scenes will surely remind you of the joy of gardening. This screensaver will randomly select between the English Garden, the Backyard Pond, and the Garden Fountain scenes and take you through the journey of life. The gardens and flowers will appear to bloom and blossom before your eyes... Freeze com- LLC :: living :: gardens :: freeze :: com :: llc :: desktop :: enhancements :: screensavers :: livinggardens deluxe :: Living Gardens
5 stars (The perfect solution) - Moving into a new house, I had so many projects to make it my own. This product made it all happen. It was easy to start and I had walls drawn and showing in 3D in a few minutes. First, I drew the existing structure. The ability to draw the plan easily and see it in 3D every step of the way made it quite easy. And, I've tried all the competitors. The only product that lets you show the 3D view (with shadows from lights and sun) without grueling waiting and finger tapping is Punch.. its blazing fast. Changing the plan was just as easy! You drag a wall and dimensions display showing you were you are. Move a window or door and you instantly see the results in the 3D view. When I wanted to knock down a dividing wall between the great room and kitchen, it was a couple of mouse clicks and poof, gone. This was huge in determining how open the plan would be and if this part of the remodeling was worth it. When it comes time to landscape, this was way cool. You can customize your yard and its a blast. With a few mouse clicks you can add hills/berms to your yard, I even used the excavation tool and dug a hole for a swimming pool(now if I could just really have it :) The picket fence I added even conformed to the changed landscape. And.. then I added plants. Tons of plants and I even used their tool to select only plants in my area. Then.. to top it off..with a click of the mouse I could grow the entire landscape to see how it would look when the trees grew. As for learning.. you'll love it. You can be drawing in minutes.. but if you need some help there are videos that walk you through how to use each tool. Very cool. 1 stars (Wish I'd Read The Reviews First!) - Like a fool I purchased this software based on the cool pictures on the box and the long list of features. Unfortunately, the pictures turn out to be not actual screenshots, and the features are, as Bart pointed out, little more than limited templates. A couple ca... Punch- Software :: Gardening (Gardens) :: Edit (Editing) :: Multimedia :: Graphics :: Computer software (programs) :: Image Capture Capturing :: Improvement (1-2-3) :: Interior Design :: Punch- Home Design Architectural Series 3000
1 stars (Does not meet expectations) - I was buying this tool to plan and finish my basement. My handicap might be that I am used to CAD systems and had certain expectations. Here is my summary: 1. You can quickly draft an outline and modify the dimensions of the wall by dragging. But even simpler tools allow me to modify the dimensions just by clicking and changing the dimensioning values... cumbersome and not very intuitive 2. The outer wall exists as well as the insulation. Entering a frame with just one side of drywall? No Chance... unless you spend a factor x8 in price and buy the pro version --> Material list becomes pretty useless 3. Plumbing / enter preinstalled plumbing? No chance ... unless you buy the pro version 4. Walls not as high as the room to cover horizontal / vertical plumbing? No chance ... unless... 5. I put the window in the outer wall and added the drywall. In order to see the window I needed to add another window at the same place. Material list becomes useless and so on.... Summary: You must have pretty low expectations when you buy this tool. Or you want to spend $ 450 for the pro version. IMHO the videos are good for complete new construction projects but not for a finishing. The SW is not very intuitve. The only good thing is the pretty good visualization and the 3D rendering. I for my part finished the drawings in another low cost system and will sell this SW very likely again. 1 stars (How can something with such a nice package be so bad?) - If they would put as much effort into a user-friendly software as they did in the fancy-looking package, maybe this would be a product worth buying. I have tried to use this product several times and the truth is it is just not good. What really disappoints me is the reviews I saw from "experts" saying this is one of the best products on the market. Who paid these people off? What I wanted was something that I can take to a home designer or architect as how I would like my house built. So understa... Chief Architect :: better :: homes :: and :: gardens :: home :: designer :: suite :: 6 :: chief :: architect :: home :: education :: hobbies :: betterhomesandgardenshomedesignersuite6 02 october :: 200 :: Better Homes and Gardens Home Designer Suite 6
5 stars (Well worth the purchase price) - I haven't compared this to other products on the market, and am new to home design software. But based on its purchase price, I was expecting far less than this product delivered. In terms of getting a better idea of how your designs will look, this set of programs is simple and very useful. With a highly intuitive PowerPoint-like interface, I was immediately building 3D architectural models, walking through them, and flying over them. Pretty cool. An included deck-design program is also easy to use and allows both 2D and 3D viewing. The program set also includes a bunch of information programs, like plant databases and how-to guides for home projects. Though so much of this is generally available on the internet now, these add-ons were useful and seemed pretty comprehensive. There's also a photo-based landscape design program, which lets you do things like take a photo of your house, import it, and then add plants and hardscape, either from included images or images you import. So why is all this so cheap? My guess is that it's not recently developed. The copyright dates were in the 1999 to 2000 range. But this is a great basic package that blew away my expectations for what I would get at this price. ... Valusoft :: Improvement (1-2-3) :: Interior Design :: House Floor Plans (Planning) :: Layout :: Home Design :: Hobby Hobbies :: Landscape (Landscaping) :: Gardening (Gardens) :: :: Your Custom Home (DVD-Rom)
4 stars (Good for Basic Planning) - I am not an architect, but I enjoy designing houses for fun. For my purposes, this software is good enough (better than I expected, actually) and I have spent happy hours laying out floor plans for various designs. It is true that it is not entirely customizable, by which I mean (as another reviewer pointed out) you cannot customize wall heights easily, have a limited range of roof options, etc., and this can be frustrating. You can still do quite a bit with the specifications dialogues for each object and by fiddling around, and I have been able to do most of what I want, if not perfectly. There are more expensive products out there that give you more flexibilty. However, I am not planning to build from these designs myself, and am not so interested in getting all the specific details into the designs that I develop--probably because I know what I have in mind and can make a note with the text tool on the plan to remind me. What I am interested in is laying out floor plans and seeing how they work. This I can do with this software. You can draw the floorplan by using the house wizard, which has preprogrammed rooms (that can be resized by clicking and dragging) that you select and simply place, like jigsaw puzzle pieces, into your design. Or you can draw walls with your mouse and build your design that way, as if you were drawing it on paper (which is what I prefer). Once you have drawn your floor plan, you can see it in various views. The dollhouse view lets me see a 3D image of any floor of the whole house with the "roof off", as it were, which I really like. There are also glass house and floor camera views. The way it works is you select one of these, click on the floor plan, and draw a line of perspective. The program then converts this view into 3D to give you a view from the inside of that perpective. The glass house view, though not a walk-through per se, gives a pretty good sense of what rooms look lik... Chief Architect :: better :: homes :: and :: gardens :: home :: designer :: deluxe :: chief :: architect :: home :: education :: hobbies :: betterhomesandgardenshomedesignerdeluxe 10 june :: 2005 :: Better Homes and Gardens Home Designer Deluxe
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