2D/3D basic CAD program for Home Theatre modeling/other usage

[mtbdudex]

Ok;
I've already planned and built most of my basement/home theatre, however being in the final stages of finishing the basement I've decided to not finish the home theatre until at least 4-6 weeks.

What I'd like to do is put it into a simple 2D/3D CAD program, I've done many hand sketches already.

I'm willing to spend $60-$80-ish, ideally would let me quickly draw into 3D/shade/etc so I can decide some final details, and help my wife visualize.
(I learned on the drafting board 25 years ago, so drawing 2D and visualizing 3D is no problem for me, my wife can't do it)

Any recomendations? I've looked at the free google sketch-up and don't like that, honestly did not spend much time with it either.
Back in the day I used to use MacDraw/ClarisDraw/etc.
At work of course I've use commercial 3D programs, but too much horsepower for my home use, and I'd like a home 3D program for other future projects, like backyard deck, seperate 4 car garage/workshop/etc.

Thx for your advice!
(yea, I should have put it into the 3D CAD a few years ago, got so busy with life......)

This is what I want to put into the CAD program:

Plan view of overall basement/HT:

Side view of HT showing projection study (not final yet)
I'll also put the 7.1 paradigm speakers in also for acoustic treatment study viewpoint

Front view of HT room showing projection study (not final yet)

HT room about 2 weeks ago as drywall was in process going up.

View showing DIY riser along back wall

 

[Slumbercub]

80 bucks will get you this:

http://www.belightsoft.com/products/liveinterior/overview.php

$116 gets you this:

http://www.microspot.com/products/interiors/index.htm

Looks like you are going to have quite a set up there.

 

[mtbdudex]

80 bucks will get you this:

http://www.belightsoft.com/products/liveinterior/overview.php

$116 gets you this:

http://www.microspot.com/products/interiors/index.htm

Looks like you are going to have quite a set up there.

I'll download the microspot free demo tonight and check it out, thx.

What is the "scoop" on the Punch line-up?

MacMall has a special thru tomorrow on it:
Punch Software Home Design Studio 90100

And MacWorld gave a good review:
Home Design Studio 11.0

Pros Reasonably priced; full-featured; easy to learn and use; speedy.
Cons Must work with the 3-D library objects provided; little customization possible; some obscure tools and features.
Company Punch Software

Yea, if I don't rush to get the final 5% done it should come out good, the "devil is in the details".
I'm so burned out of planning/design/build/shop/return/buy/build/shop/etc, as all DIY'ers learn on big projects, however the light is at the end of the tunnel.

 

[Mr.Texor]

From the sketches you got, I'll say you need something more like turbocad
http://www.turbocad.com

they have several versions, the cheapest one that does 2d would be good enough. Then, if you really want to do the whole 3d thing, you could get sketch up that is free from google.

http://sketchup.google.com/products.html

I believe the free sketch up will open the files turbocad.


Edit: I just re-read your post. and you were looking for a modeler... I'll say, the free sketch up could potentially do. I know my dad (an architect) uses the non-free one to make 3d models when he needs a fast and easy solution. and I'm pretty sure the free one is enough for what you are looking for....

 

[Sean Dempsey]

These programs all look pretty cool, but is there anything I can use just to do some 2d stuff with auto dimensions and such? I need to draw plans for a built in entertainment center for my house and the framers will need a blueprint type design.

Sketch Up looks great for planning, but I gotta have the dimensions exact and a plan they can go off of. Which is best for getting the 2d dimensions down?

 

[iMouseHD]

What is the "scoop" on the Punch line-up?
.

I have the Home Design studio and have used it to model basement for friends and our Kitchen remodel. It is a nice package but prepare to spend some time working with it, once you get going though it is a nice program but it has a learning curve in my opinion. I did our HT design in Sketch Up and was pleased with the results, did this before we got the Punch.