Using Software for Home Improvement

Here s the experience of a satisfied user of a major home improvement software package:

When my husband and I started considering remodeling our home, we turned to local designers and contractors for consultation and estimates. Not only was I disappointed to discover the estimates were coming back way over our budget, but that the designers lacked imagination! So we decided to tackle the project on our own.

After a much investigation I decided that Broderbund’s 3D Home Architect Deluxe V3.0 (3DHAD) would best meet our needs. I also purchased a similar software application by This Old House, but never opened it since Broderbund’s product worked so well for us.

3DHAD proved to be an invaluable resource in preparing to tackle the job of remodeling on our own. We were able to, after some gruelling hours measuring and re-measuring, make a complete model of our home and view it from many different perspectives. Then in a separate file we started our adventure and explored countless possibilities, adding on and moving walls and furniture, and discovering lots of alternatives for each remodeling project.

Keywords:

Beware of Home Improvement Shows!

It might spoil your marriage

Attempts to emulate TV fantasy homes could be turning DIY into D.I.V.O.R.C.E, according to a new study from British Gas Web site house.co.uk. Over half of our DIY is now inspired by TV shows, but 80% of families admit to having had arguments over failed makeovers.

Two in three families cite disagreement over color schemes being the likeliest source of a break-up.

The research was conducted to assess consumer attitudes to DIY. House.co.uk features a national directory of ‘trusted tradesman’, provided by HomePro Ltd, the leading online supplier of screened trade professionals.

Calling in a tradesman could help families avoid not just a dispute, but also a massive bill. Householders spend millions fixing their DIY disasters.

Uncertainty over house prices means that 84% are taking tips from TV shows and redecorating instead of moving to another home.

Top Ten Reasons for DIY disputes:

1. Disagreeing over color schemes
2. The person doing the DIY didn t want to do it in the first place
3. Thinking it will be as easy as it looked on a TV show
4. Jobs not being completed
5. Finding the time to do DIY
6. Mess /disruption
7. Stress
8. Costs
9. Lack of basic DIY knowledge
10. Male/female differences of opinion

Keywords: