Grand Designs 3D Renovation & Interior Comments

Hmm, interesting. Personally, I don't see much use for this to the average DIYer (well, at least not this version). Surely it'd much easier - not to mention cheaper - to jot a few things down on some paper? If you want something that dresses it up and renders fancy lighting (not that it looks particularly fancy anyway) then you might as well play The Sims. The whole thing stinks of a rushed, half-assed commercial cash-in.

Having said that, it does sound like the full version would be of benefit to more serious types, not that I can speak from any experience.

Could it be, the rare software review?

You guys really need to review more software!

@smc8788, I'm not sure it might be useful, if you have a designers head but are not a trained housing designer, then passing your creations over to him to finish to make sure it has all current housing regulations etc, could save a lot of time & money.

Could I use this version to design my living room : ie render what it would look like to have a 42" plasma on a pull out wall mount, and larger 5.1 speakers but 'hidden' by sitting on purpose made bookshelves, and a cabinet designed to house/hide all my AV gear?

If I could show my wife a convincing rendered mock-up I could speed this project along, and start ordering some decent AV kit!

Given that you see so many Macs in Grand Designs, its very disappointing that they didn't go for a Mac version of this or some similar software. At best it seems a poorly considered cash-in, when people can get the free version of SketchUp for both platforms. As someone who runs an architectural practice, I welcome Clients giving me 3d sketches - the rest I'd rather sort myself rather than having to undo what they think they've done - building structures and building regulations are complicated - buying a piece of software doesn't overcome that!

Aye, SketchUp is a brilliant piece of free software. I use it on occasion for a bit of case modding.

I suppose I can see the use in throwing down some ideas to see what they might look like, but I doubt its usefulness as a serious design tool. I'm sure there must be better options out there for that kind of thing; this just seems like a highly simplified piece of software with rather limited options for people that don't want to pay out for a fully fledged design program. But then I could be wrong - I haven't even used it after all!