EmailBest Reviewed
Home Design Software
- Easiest to use home design software Better Homes and Gardens Home Designer Suite 8.0 *Est. $100
- Best home design software Punch! Professional Home Design Suite Platinum Version 12 *Est. $100
- Landscaping and deck-design software Better Homes and Gardens Landscaping and Deck Designer 8.0 *Est. $80
- Free software Google SketchUp *Est. $0
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- Easy to use
- Good tools
- Comes with video tutorials
- Includes cost estimators
- Difficult to customize
- Automatic settings are hard to turn off
- Some feel limited by the basic settings
We found the most convincing reviews for the Better Homes and Gardens Home Designer software at Amazon.com and CircuitCity.com, where owners can post reviews. However, we didn't see any expert reviews at PC Magazine or CNet.com.
Reviewers generally agree that the entry-level Better Homes and Gardens Home Designer 8.0 software (*est. $60) is easy to use. The software comes with over 500 sample home plans for guidance in designing a home and its interiors. There's also a library with over 4,000 items for your home, such as windows, doors or cabinets. Reviews also say that the more than 25 videos offering step-by-step instruction are useful. On the downside, the Home Designer software comes with automatic settings that are hard to customize, and users might be frustrated if they want to deviate from standard room types. For those who feel limited by the basic settings of this program, the similarly named Better Homes and Gardens Home Designer Suite 8.0 (*est. $100) is the next step up in this series and offers more features.
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Our Sources
1. Amazon.com
The handful of owners posting at Amazon.com gives the previous version of Better Homes and Gardens Home Designer software good marks. They say that the software is easy to use and comes with helpful video tutorials. Owner complaints focus on the limited graphic and design options, and the limitations of some pre-selected settings.
Review: Better Homes and Gardens Home Designer 8.0 reviews, Contributors to Amazon.com
