Building Design Software.

[Roaringdisaster]

Hi I was registered before - a while ago, I have since forgot my details and switched ISP.
Can any of you guys help. I know this has been asked before - I've searched the forums but I would like, if possible some advice on my query.
I've noticed there are plenty of 'Building Design Software' programs I can download off the internet but I am looking for a UK based program. all the ones I seem to find are USA or Canadian.
Can I use these? I imagine there are fundamental differences with UK and US Building Regulations etc..

Any help or recommendations (UK Sites) would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[WoodYouLike]

Try this forum, various topics about building software there

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

You'll probably have to pay if you want anything decent unless you can get a hooky copy somewhere, Google Sketchup is free and fairly user friendly although not 'design software' for technical stuff although it would probably do if don't want to get too technical. I've seen a few 'efforts' on here done with Sketchup! With regards to UK building regs its not really relevant, its not really what the software can do for you but what you can get out of the software if you see what I mean? AutoCAD is American but in use throughout the world. You can get AutoCAD LT off ebay for around £100 if you're patient and. Depends what you want it for really.

 

[^woody^]

TurboCad (.co.uk) is UK based and often given away on cover disks

But CAD is CAD and all can be set to metric measurements for UK work.

If the software has .dwg file compatibility (ie AutoCAD) then there are lots of blocks and symbol libraries available for UK stuff.

Sketchup is for conceptual 3d modeling and visualisation. It's not intended for, or is the best thing to use for draughting building plans.

None of these CAD packages will tell you about building regs - you have to know these and design to the relevant regulations