• Windows XP

Highly Recommended

I think what this program offers over the others, are the both the automated and the manual design tools. With the manual tools, you can really create custom details. For example, from a floor plan, you can automatically generate a roof or foundation - which you can then customize.I would recommend watching the tutorial videos. The 3D tools are helpful in visualizing and exploring various design options - which we have done for our bath design. I needed a program that has the features that can model `real' world - this one's it. I got what I paid for and would recommend it.

What a disappointment

I upgraded to Designer Pro after creating my plan in Designer 6.0. I switched mainly because the lesser version does not do roofs well. It was definitely not worth the money. Since it was 5 times more expensive, I expected 5 times more programming tools. Not so. Don't waste your cash. You will still need to hire a professional to complete your plans. Many items do not convert. The program is slower and inaccurate. Roof design is very hard to learn and very inaccurate. You will not get a set of blue prints out of it that it promises. Look elsewhere, this is not the one you want. ^M

Over priced, crippled program with steep learning curve.

If you want a version of this software that is not crippled, Chief Architect will cost you $2000 by the time you pay for the training CDs etc... Both of these programs are quirky and hard to learn. There is a forums for both of these that are a must, as are reading the books and watching the videos. Home Designer Pro 7.0 will let you do most things and will work for a remodeling job. If you want to design a new house, you may want to consider investing in the full blown Chief Architect. These programs would be too hard for many people to use. They may want to consider hiring a professional with the money they would spend on this.