Hi Nick,

There’s a myriad of software out there so it’s difficult to advise you on the ‘best’ ones. Here in the Build It office there are two main pieces of software we’ve used that fit neatly into the typical self builder’s budget (ie not much!):

1) Arcon’s ‘Visual Architecture – Self Builder Edition’. This is available for £195 at 3darchitect.co.uk and generates 2D/3D plans and models simultaneously, so you can click between them easily.
2) SketchUp (formerly Google SketchUp) is a great 3D modelling tool. The free version is called ‘SketchUp Make’. The paid-for Pro version has loads more options and is well worth a look, too. You can find out more at Sketchup.com

Other options along the same lines would be Avanquest TurboCAD or the Punch range of Home & Landscape Design programs (the latter is quite US-led, however).

A word of warning – as far as I know, not many of the paid-for products offer demo versions. So be sure to look over specs, brochures etc thoroughly before you buy.

A quick internet search unveils a variety of free options, too, including some online-only types. If you’ve got an afternoon going spare it might be worth trying them out.

Best of luck; let us know how you get on!

Worth mentioning that Build It now has its own 3D software, which is designed to help you streamline the planning and design process.

Find out more at www.self-build.co.uk/3dsoftware