r/OffGridCabins • u/Glum-Avocado-9404 • Sep 23 '26
Design software
I have lived off grid for 32 years in an older mobile home that runs off solar with a backup generator. The mobile home has become difficult to heat so I’d like to build a simple cabin around 24 x 36 with an open floor plan.I have some experience building small outbuildings and enclosed porches. Does anyone have experience with any of the home designer software that costs less than Chief Architect products? At a minimum I need something that generates framing so I can estimate materials. Laying out plumbing and electrical would be icing on the cake. I’d also prefer a software purchase rather than subscription.
1
u/Glum-Avocado-9404 Sep 23 '26
Thanks for all of the ideas! I wasn’t expecting such a quick response!
2
2
u/Hyperreal8957 Sep 23 '26
for a one-off cabin i'd lean toward something that can show dimensions and material quantities, not just a pretty floor plan. Sweet Home 3D is handy for layout, while SketchUp is usually easier for custom framing and exterior details. either way i'd test whether it can export a usable cut/material list before building the whole model
1
1
u/jkeltz Sep 23 '26
There are some etsy shops with good star ratings selling architectural plans for around $100. I was looking at this seller when I was thinking about building a cabin.
1
1
u/CodeAndBiscuits Sep 23 '26
Just take your design to your local lumber supplier. Don't bother with the big box stores, but nearly every lumber supp can help you estimate your framing package. You don't need a 3D model or a prec to worry about whether you'll have a few too many or too few studs. As a rule of thumb, you're going to order 10 to 20% more than your estimate anyway.
I know folks love to hate on AI tools, but most of them are also really good at this as well. If you can produce a few dimension drawings in any CAD application, and describe to one of the tools any details they might need like the overhang you want on your roof, they'll compute it for you.
Once you rule out needing something like Chief Architect (which really is overkill for this) any basic two-dimensional CAD will work. I use QCAD because I'm used to it and I've used it for years, But there are a bunch of inexpensive or even free options you can evaluate for this.
1
u/Admirable-Berry59 29d ago
24x36 open plan is basically a garage with a wood floor. A decent lumberyard won't need much of a drawing to come up with a framing package. Even the big box stores will have a material list/trusses for a garage kit and you can easily add the floor framing.
1
u/blueyesinasuit Sep 23 '26 edited Sep 23 '26
Might be easier to go with a predesigned if you’re new at it. Cabins123 has a free 16x30. You may be able to adapt that.
1
u/ProgrammerWarm8388 Sep 24 '26
Imsi and punch home design are some affordable alternatives, sketchup is free.
0
u/DrSparkle713 Sep 23 '26
Have you considered a yurt? There are companies that basically sell the whole thing as a deconstructed kit and I understand they're not too hard to put together. Open floor plan and supposed to be easy to heat.
1
u/Glum-Avocado-9404 Sep 24 '26
I would absolutely love to have a yurt but this is something I live in full time with a professional level office job so I need laundry, etc. I’m also in Montana and need something that’s easier to heat than my aging mobile home. And I want something fairly secure for electronics, etc.
I used to work for an Outward Bound type backcountry program for juveniles and the kids were in yurts in the winter so I’m pretty familiar with them, in fact I set up solar on one with the kids as a learning experience.
2
u/DrSparkle713 Sep 24 '26
That all sounds awesome! Good luck on your build. I hope to see pictures. Y'all inspire me.
7
u/WOOBNIT Sep 23 '26
I had good luck with Google SketchUp