Architects tend to like to have their own creative freedom. The problem is, this creative freedom can cost you extra money when they attempt to interpret your ideas for your home extension, in their own style. If they have to go back and make changes to their design, they're going to bill you for these changes. Now, we're not really capable of designing our own structurally sound extension and simply hand this to our builder, so we have to rely on the professionals. However, there's no reason why you can't design a basic extension yourself and tell your architect that you want him to make sure you design works.

Google SketchUp 7.01 is available in two formats, but basic free version will enable you to create a simple sketch, such as home extension or new kitchen. You simply draw the outer structure and then drop in the components. The latest version includes collaboration features so more than one person can work on your design.

Google SketchUp link.

27 Feb 2009