Online Homes Program - Article

In this article we will introduce you to several software options for designing a private house. These designers will allow you to create a graphic sketch of a living space yourself, gradually improving the surrounding area with landscape design elements, “attaching” a bathhouse, garage, gazebo and modeling an interior that fully meets your needs. For those who want to do everything with their own hands to the maximum: both build and design.

Free software for designing a private house will help you become an architect of your own home, with which you can create projects both for each room separately and for the entire site. Let's try to start our virtual construction.

Programs for designing houses

There is no need to tell FORUMHOUSE users how important the working design (with the corresponding drawings and calculations) is when building a private house. Its importance is clear to everyone. But not everyone understands that for construction you need to do an architectural design project for a house.

By mastering 3D house design, creating a virtual 3D model of future individual housing in an online constructor, you decide to build a house with your own hands from start to finish. Moreover, you work out all stages of construction not in reality, but in a computer program, taking into account all the dimensions of the construction project with an accuracy of up to a millimeter. Programs for building houses allow you to identify all the inconsistencies at the design stage. You will be able to design a project and understand in time that somewhere it is necessary to increase the flight of stairs by 100 mm or simply move the window opening slightly to the side in the next room. In practice, everything will be created somewhat differently than was originally intended. But modern software, capable of taking into account the thickness of each plank, will model the object in advance in such a way that after construction you do not have to correct errors by redoing part of the work done.

Today we will present to your attention a description of several free programs for modeling houses, which allow you to create ready-made 3D models of houses and plots, conduct quantitative calculations of building materials, and even draw up construction estimates.

To begin with, let us give you a few tips that will help you when choosing free software:

The lack of a Russian version of the selected software makes it very difficult to study its functionality and further work with the program. Therefore, if you are not familiar with foreign terminology, then be sure to choose a program in Russian;
Before downloading a program, check out its level of complexity and how easy its interface is to use. Try to use reviews from people who have experience with the selected software;
Immediately determine your needs and the need for obtaining 3D images. If you want to see everything in volume, then choose software with the appropriate functionality.

Having detailed, simple instructions and videos for working with the selected software will significantly save time on learning it. Ideally, reference materials should be provided with the downloadable version of the software.

Questions before design starts

It would seem that making a log house and ordering a stove would be easy. But in reality, everything is not so simple. Before starting to prepare a project plan, it is necessary to answer a number of quite important questions:
Location on the site - ideally, you should choose a beautiful place, and if there is a natural or artificial pond, then it is worth building near it. The entrance and windows should face the southern part, this will be an additional source of heat and lighting. The distance from a private house is at least 8 meters according to fire safety standards.
Seasonal use or year-round, which directly affects the choice of building materials.
The maximum number of people placed in the steam room - the parameters of the room, the number and area of shelves are set.
Engineering networks – there is a technical possibility of supplying (sewage, water supply and electricity systems).
The preliminary appearance of the bathhouse and its layout.
The material of the roof and walls, and such a question automatically makes it possible to determine the type of base. By the way, the photo shows an example of the installation of a strip bath base.
Fire safety measures are not just for the future bathhouse, but for all buildings in general.
Stove drawing for a bath room, it can be electric or wood-burning.
Availability of additional buildings - a terrace in the bathhouse can be open or covered, a swimming pool (indoors or outdoors).
Proper organization of hot air circulation inside the steam room.
Calculation of heating the bath (ventilation system in the bath, stove power and thermal capacity of the walls). If the calculation is not done correctly, the duration of heating the bath to the required temperature will increase.

Once you can answer such questions, you can begin the design process.

ArchiCAD is a professional software package for creating virtual models

We will begin our story with a description of the shareware Russified program for creating 3D models ArchiCAD, which has managed to win several awards in the category “Best BIM software for construction.” Precisely from it, because it is very difficult to find a program for the virtual construction of houses with such perfect functionality, which allows you not only to design and construct, but also to count building materials, making simple estimates online.

The concept of “shareware” does not bode well for the user. But in the case of ArchiCAD, this definition does not look so hopeless. After all, anyone can install a fully functional version of this software on their computer, and the program for building a house with extensive capabilities will be available for free use for 30 days. Students and teachers of specialized design educational institutions can receive a free license for a period of one year, and during this time they can design an entire city.

Pan9877FORUMHOUSE user

I downloaded Archicad, registered on the manufacturer’s website and received a 30-day code for the pro version. By registering, you can receive available video lessons for free. Every day they send you a link to the next online video lesson step by step.

There is one more limitation imposed on the house building trial program, but for the demo version it is not significant: you can save and open saved files only on the same computer. After purchasing a license, this restriction can be removed from saved projects (although, in a month you can “squeeze” everything you need out of the program).

Considering that ArchiCAD is a professional program, its functionality is appropriate:

The ability to create architectural and construction solutions in the field of landscape design, as well as in the areas of building houses and designing the interior of a house or apartment with your own hands;
Availability of built-in 3D design technology;
Creation of 2D drawings and 3D models;
The ability to determine the volume of building structures and calculate the consumption of materials for drawing up construction estimates;
Creation of animations and videos that allow you to evaluate what the design of a house and its details look like from different points of view;
In addition, the program allows you not only to design and “build”, but also to take virtual tours of the living quarters of your future home.

NergedoForumHouse User

Archikad is a fairly powerful program for creating houses, focused primarily on creating an interactive architectural model. There are tools for compiling catalogs and tables that take into account the number, volume or any other specified parameter of elements. A technology has been implemented that makes it possible to design the reconstruction of a building. You can make calculations of heating engineering and insolation (though not in accordance with our standards). Calculation of structures is impossible, as is drawing up full estimates with costs and volumes of work.

Working with this online constructor, the designer creates a perfect 3D model of the building. He has the ability to “build” a house on a computer screen, starting from the foundation and ending with the roof and elements of the surrounding landscape. For the virtual construction of a building, tools are used that are an exact embodiment of real objects: walls, windows, external lighting devices, building floors, stairs, etc. Using this program, it is impossible to calculate the load on elements of building structures. But programs that would combine such extensive functionality, in fact, do not exist.

Leo060147 FORUMHOUSE user

The desire to find a program that will do everything for you: come up with a design and calculate all the structures, draw and make an estimate - this is still an unfulfilled desire.

We will return to the issue of software for calculating loads later.

Marketing plan

About 20,000 people live in the area where the Russian bathhouse will be located. This is a residential area of the city with a large number of multi-storey buildings and new buildings. It is assumed that residents of this area will be the main clients of our complex. However, due to the transport accessibility of the complex, visits by clients from other parts of the city are not excluded.

The following methods of advertising our bathhouse are planned:

Posting advertisements, distributing leaflets, flyers informing about the opening of the complex;
Advertising on the Internet, registration on bulletin boards, thematic resources, forums, Yandex Direct contextual advertising.

As for competitors, there are 2 similar complexes with a similar list of services in our area. The study revealed that competitors operate at high prices that do not correspond to the quality of the services provided. However, the flow of customers to these bath complexes is quite high.

Let's calculate the estimated monthly income of a Russian bathhouse.

The bathhouse's revenue will differ depending on what day it is - the highest income is expected on Friday and Saturday. It is assumed that the load on the bathhouse these days will be at least 80%. That is, out of 12 hours of operation of the bathhouse, at least 10 hours will be rented.

Thus, the revenue for these days will be: 600 rubles. * 10 hours * 2 = 12,000 rubles. In the remaining 5 days, the load of the bathhouse will be no more than 40%, that is, 5 hours will be purchased: 600 rubles. * 5 hours * 5 = 15,000 rubles.

Total income per week from renting a bathhouse will be 27,000 rubles. In addition, part of the proceeds will come from additional services - approximately 20% of total revenue or 7,000 rubles per week. In total, the total income per week will be 34,000 rubles, per month – 136,000 rubles.

Google SketchUp is a free program for developing 3D models

Google SketchUp is a professional software designed for modeling, creating three-dimensional models of construction projects, furniture and interiors.

Its main advantage over ArchiCAD is the availability of a completely free version, adapted to the needs of beginning designers, architects and planners. This application has a built-in localization language, so Russian-speaking users can quickly understand the features of its interface. Convenient application. It simplifies the design and construction of a house.

ProsvetUser FORUMHOUSE

SketchUp is a simple, intuitive and convenient program that even a beginner can master in a short time.

Program features:

Creation and editing of 3D projects (we are talking about projects of houses, interiors, the surrounding landscape and all kinds of architectural objects, designing a bathhouse or designing a garage). The program is intuitive, designing for beginners is allowed.
The presence in the designer of simple tools that may be familiar to users from the interface of the simplest graphic editors: “pencil”, “eraser”, etc.
Ability to convert graphic files and created 3D houses into most common graphic formats: PNG, JPG, etc.
An abundance of detailed reference information and tutorials on working with the program.
In addition, the program is capable of generating statistics on the consumption of building materials, practically drawing up a plan for purchasing building materials needed to build a house.

The disadvantages of Google SketchUp include the lack of functionality for designing 2D plans. Its main purpose is 3D modeling and design of houses. There are other programs for creating drawings.

Leo060147 FORUMHOUSE user

If for myself, then I would recommend the free program Sketchup 8. In it you can create any designs with great precision (millimeters) and with any detail. All this can be created in 3D. If you want to draw flat drawings, you can do this in the free version of the NANOCAD program.

Since we're talking about the nanoCAD program, let's briefly talk about its capabilities.

Ways to decorate a terrace

To create a cozy atmosphere, the terrace must be created in such a way that you want to relax on it. According to the method of designing a terrace or veranda, there are:

Fully open Glazed using double glazed windows, wooden frames, panoramic glazing or polycarbonate

Important! You can install removable closing elements that are removed in the summer, allowing you to make the space open. With the ability to close off the space from prying eyes and light breezes with screens or special fabric sheets.. In the photo below you can see bathhouses with a terrace and barbecue and other options for such structures:

In the photo below you can see bathhouses with a terrace and barbecue and other options for such structures:

Free version of nanoCAD

Being the best Russian development focused on automatic design of drawings, the program for creating houses nanoCAD has its own free version, which has quite a wide range of capabilities:

Creation of complete plans and drawings during the design of various construction projects;
Registration of a full package of documents in Russian, included in the detailed construction project;
Ability to work with dwg files, compatible with other applications belonging to the AutoCAD category.

Free development allows you to solve the main problems that arise when designing construction projects and drawings of medium complexity.

Ease of use of online services

The main advantages of online programs are the ability to easily and quickly build full-fledged architectural projects. Services help you select textures and additional elements for walls and ceilings, designate window and door openings, fill the interior space with furniture, and even decorate courtyards.

Online home design allows you to visually plan your future home in the smallest detail.
The user will not need much time to complete the task.
The convenient interface of the services facilitates the rapid correction of deficiencies in the layout.
Most online services are free.
The presence of a 3D option allows you to view the finished project in detail, as if the house had already been built.

Specialized program for interior design – Sweet home 3D

The narrowly focused functionality of the Sweet home 3D program is aimed at users who want to simulate the interior of a room in accordance with their needs, but do not want to learn complex professional software. The program has a Russian-language version and a special service for online design. It features a user-friendly interface and flexible settings.

ELITE83FORUMHOUSE user

I came across such a wonderful design program as sweet home 3D. Yes, this is a program for design, not design, but 90% of the planning can be done in it in a matter of hours, and it has quite full-fledged design functionality!

Key features and functions of the program:

Availability of detailed documentation and training materials in Russian;
Possibility of simultaneous work with a two-dimensional and three-dimensional model of a room;
A huge list of items for designing the environment (furniture, household appliances, doors, etc.) and a wide range of settings (at your discretion, you can change sizes, colors, textures, etc.);
The program allows you to view designs in various modes: “top view”, “virtual visit”, “view from anywhere in the room”, etc.

Option 11

Bathhouse 5 by 6: layout, design features.
Options for 5x6 m bathhouse projects The bathhouse-house with an area of 55.4 m², shown in the figure, will be an excellent solution for those who prioritize reliability, quality and aesthetics. A one-story bathhouse made according to this project will fit perfectly into any landscape of a personal plot.

Bath house with an area of 55.4 m² (Fig. 64)

For its construction, rounded coniferous logs or hand-cut wood, which has useful properties, are used. The total area of the one-story bathhouse is 55.4 m², which allows you to accommodate a large company, where you can not only have a good rest in the spacious and bright living room (14.3 m²), but also take a steam bath in the comfortable steam room (5.5 m²). Nearby there is a washing room (5.7 m²) with a separate bathroom (2.5 m²).

Bath house project (Fig. 65)

The project provides for a utility room (vestibule) and an open terrace (12.1 m²) with a flight of stairs. You can make sure that this project is the most successful architectural solution for a true esthete by examining the building in Fig. 66, 67, 68, 69.

Free program for load calculation - "LIRA-SAPR 2013"

Since the topic of our article is devoted to the design of a private house, let’s talk about a program with which you can calculate the load on building structures. Load calculation is a task for professionals whose experience and qualifications go beyond the novice home designer. To implement it, you need to know the theories of strength of materials and construction calculations. Free programs for calculating loads exist, but not everyone can master them.

Rufus86FORUMHOUSE user

The most understandable calculation systems with a large number of manuals and reference literature are, after all, SCAD and LIRA. They are based on the finite element method, but knowledge of the theory in size - “more or less” is not enough to master them.

The freely distributed version of the LIRA-SAPR 2013 program allows you to solve many problems related to the calculation and design of buildings:

Calculate objects with different numbers of loads.
Create and view design diagrams and models.
Access the designer's help system.
Gain access to program help and training materials.
Create working drawings automatically (stages of CM, QL, etc.)

Stage two - sketches

At the second step, all conditions and desires are taken into account and assembled into a certain model of a house with a certain number of floors and rooms.

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The preliminary design has the character of a sketch and depicts the future of the building from different sides: facade, side, rear and section (transverse and longitudinal).

It also provides a list of materials used, as well as the design features of the house: type of roof, thickness of walls and ceilings.

Before you begin your own home project, it is better to carefully study photos of finished plans to gain ideas and experience.

Material calculation

If designing doesn't interest you, or all you need is to calculate the amount of materials that will be needed to build a house, garage or other structure, then mastering the use of complex software is not at all necessary. To solve such problems, there are many free interactive services (construction calculators) that can be found through any search engine. They will help you plan the purchase of the necessary materials.

You can learn more about the capabilities of simple software for designing building structures by reading the opinions of FORUMHOUSE users in a special section of our website. After reading the lessons on designing houses using the Google SketchUp 8 computer application, you will easily learn how to work in one of the most popular programs for 3D modeling of houses, plots and interiors. A thematic video from FORUMHOUSE will help you understand why a properly designed house allows the future owner to receive a lot of advantages during construction.

Roof

Roof vapor barrier

The cost of construction is affected by the design of the roof. The best option in terms of cost is single-slope, gable. Hip roofing is suitable for attic structures. The terrace is covered with the same roof as the bathhouse, with a single rafter system.

The step between the rafters is made according to the project calculations. For the adjacent, protruding terrace, which is built later, separate rafters and sheathing for the roofing are installed. The area for the extension is planned and fenced off in advance.

The following roofing materials are used: roofing felt, soft tiles, ondulin, corrugated sheets. It all depends on the design features of the project.

Gazebos with barbecue and barbecue - (80+ PHOTOS) Drawings of projects that you can implement with your own hands

Engineering section: drawings of rooms and communications

The engineering section contains diagrams and drawings of electrical supply, water supply, sewerage, ventilation and heating systems. Explanation tables include data on equipment specifications and general calculations. These are separate components of the building located inside the future home.

Project of a 6x8 country house with an attic: (read more)

The plumbing section contains a plan for the location of communications in the basement and on each floor. The sewerage system diagram is carried out in a similar manner. Sometimes these two plans are depicted in one drawing. There is also an axonometric diagram of the installation of cold and hot water supply.

Drawings of electrical supply, water supply, sewerage, ventilation and heating systems are prepared at the engineering stage.

The heating installation section presents floor-by-floor drawings, starting with the basement, and a general heat supply diagram for the entire house. Gas equipment and electrical supply systems are shown in separate drawings with individual layout diagrams of gas and electrical installations.

In order to prevent thunder danger, it is necessary to include the installation of a lightning rod in the modeling of houses, since the absence of such protection can not only lead to destruction, but also pose a threat to the life and health of the inhabitants of the house. The installation of a lightning rod is carried out according to a separate scheme with the involvement of qualified specialists.

Features of drawing up house projects: drawings and plans as the main part of planning

Having decided on the layout of the house, you need to mentally imagine the life of the family in the building, think through all the elements so as not to miss anything. Therefore, there is no need to rush into creating the final layout of the house. The finished drawings and plans of the house must be as perfect as possible so that the final result satisfies all household members, and the constructed home lasts for the maximum number of years without reconstruction or alterations. The final version of the sketch should be discussed at a family council, taking into account all the details, down to the smallest detail.

First of all, the desired number of floors is indicated in the house plan. It can be a spacious one-story house, a compact two-story cottage, or a luxurious two-story mansion with an attic.

The internal layout shown on building drawings should include the following areas:

living rooms;
utility rooms;
common areas;
additional extensions.

A one-story house is divided into zones using partitions, as well as placing rooms of the same functionality in one wing. In two-story cottages, bedrooms, guest and children's rooms are traditionally located on the second floor, and on the first there are utility and service premises for common use.

Constructive section: how to draw drawings and diagrams of individual elements

The structural section is an already detailed part of the project, which contains both general and individual data, various layouts of building elements: foundation, staircase structures, floors, trusses. Also included in this part are detailed drawings of all components, which indicate the specifics of products and materials.

The cross-sectional drawing of the foundation deciphers the dimensions of the strip fortifications of the house, the depth of their occurrence and the materials that are necessary for their construction.

The image of the foundation is presented in the form of the following plans and drawings:

general foundation plan;
longitudinal section diagrams;
cross-sectional drawings.

Certain types of drawings provide a cross-section of floor slabs, their longitudinal and transverse sections at different elevations:

overlap plan at point +0.00;
at + 3.00;
at an altitude of +6.00.

At the constructive stage, layout plans for the foundation, floors, and trusses are made.
Assemblies of structural parts are objects of a special structure, including stairs and flights both outside and inside the premises. Accurate calculations for strength and static strength are also given here.

This section of the project contains in separate tables the characteristics and sequence of use of materials, in particular: