archicad does anyone know it?

[bingoshelley]

hi ive heard about archicad and was wondering a couple of things can i use it as an owner builder to submit plans to council and if so where can i get the programme from and do you need heaps of computer knowledge to use it thx.

[bitingmidge]

Archicad is a professional software package.

It would cost less to pay a draftsman to do the work than to buy
Archicad, without whatever the learning curve is.

Cheers,

P

[Greg Ward]

achie was a cockroach who couldn't use the capitals bar on a typewriter, so is it cap free?

Greg

[bingoshelley]

hi i found archicad pc on ebay for $40.00 so if it works then it would be heaps cheaper

[scanfor]

Good on you Bingoshelley for having a crack at it.

I use Autocad 2008 to earn a living, but I wouldn't even try to submit plans to council for approval without having a drawing of something very similar to copy or use as a reference.

There are certain ways to show details, and special nomenclature that the council expects to see on drawings, and their absence would raise some doubt in the eyes of the certifier/clerk that is checking the plans.

If you can get hold of the drawings submitted and approved for a similar project, then you could probably piece a reasonable drawing together.

Things to watch are lineweights (how thick they look when printed), text sizes, and basic drawing set-out on the page. The more professional you can make the drawing look, the better the impression it will create.

There will be a BIG learning curve, but if you are prepared to stick with it, you will learn a new skill, and that's a good thing.

[Sir Stinkalot]

I have been using Archicad for 10 years and find it a great program ..... there is a lot to learn however and for a single project it may not be worth it ..... you are likely to end up only using the 2d functions and if that is the case then a dedicated 2d program may be a better option.

As for the drawings to council, sure there are lineweights, text sizes, drawing set out ..... but there is also more importantly ResCode, BCA, zoning requirements, overlays ..... the need for town planning at all? .... the fact that you may only be obtaining a building permit (council / private?) ..... but I am sure that you have that all covered.

[bingoshelley]

thanks guys the program i was looking at was 3d but i may just use a drafty or a 3rd year student at rmit if possible