House Plan

Having an architect draw out the house plans for your upcoming home construction can be very costly. Luckily, you can draw out your own custom house plans for free by using one of the many architectural software programs available in trial form. These effective programs will give you all the tools you need to complete professional-quality drawings at no cost.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 3D Home Architect Program, Free Trial Version
• Computer

1. 1
   
    
   Download a free trial version of an architectural program such as 3D Home Architect (see References). The trial version of 3D Home Architect will give you all the tools necessary to complete your drawing. Once you've downloaded the program, open a new plan file by clicking on the tab "File" at the top of the screen and selecting "New" from the list. The screen will turn white, indicating that the new file is ready to be customized.
   
2. 2
   
    
   Add the walls to the house plan. Click on the tab that looks like a cross-section of a wall. This is the wall tool, and it will allow you to draw out the walls of the house and measure them as you draw, providing exact dimensions. Once the tool is selected, click and drag the exterior walls of your house. Make sure the walls are proportionate by watching the measurements as you draw. Once finished, draw the interior walls to separate different rooms in the house.
   
3. 3
   
    
   Add the windows and doors to the house plan. Click on the tab that looks like an open window. This is the window tool, and when you click on it a separate screen will appear containing different types of windows. Select the window you want to add to your home design, and click on a wall to place the window. To add a door, click on the tab that looks like an open door. Once selected, another screen will appear with door choices. Click on the door you like, and click onto your design where you want the door to go. Repeat this until you have inserted all the doors and windows you want in your house.
   
4. 4
   
    
   Add the plumbing and electrical fixtures. To add plumbing, click on the utilities tool, which looks like a toilet. This will take you to a new screen containing various plumbing items, such as bathtubs, water heaters and sinks. Insert the plumbing items that you want in your house. Next, click on the electrical tool, which looks like an electrical outlet. Then, simply click anywhere on your house design to add outlets.
   
5. 5
   
    
   Add the roof to complete the house. To do this click on the roof tool, which looks like a gable roof. A new screen will appear containing different styles of roofing and different pitches. Choose the roof style and pitch that you prefer, then click "OK." The roof will automatically be placed onto your house design, and your plan will be complete.