This was a great find. And I must give credit where credit is due. Little People Wealth is a great site to find some wonderful offers, like free software in exchange for a review. No problem! There were several software titles to choose from and I requested either HGTV Home & Landscape or HGTV Home Design & Remodeling; I received both. Wow! First I must say that I have no interest whatsoever in this type of software. I requested this because Amanda is interested in Architecture and DH is in home improvement. Besides, this software, like so much software, is for Windows and I am a spoiled brat working on a Mac. There, I said it. DH says I’m a Mac-snob. Not really. I wanted one, I had the money to pay cash, and my old laptop (given to me as a farewell gift by a former employer) had seen better days. Although I would not mind one of those itty bitty pcs.
The software arrived last Thursday (April 2) and DH and Amanda worked with it this past Sunday & Monday. If you are not familiar with this type of program, then be prepared to read the instructions. DH had an older program he used, but is not compatible with Vista, and was able to assess this program as typical for its cost (around $100), but lacking some of the features of this older program. Honestly, I do not know the features not available.
Amanda liked the 2-D aspects of the program, but the 3-D portion was a bit cumbersome and lacking. I did see this part of it and would agree. The 2-D part looks just like an architectural rendering of a blueprint. It clearly shows the rooms, windows, doors, closets, appliances, etc. The 3-D part is supposed to show colors and detail. Unfortunately, the color pallet seems to only have shades of brown, if you can find the pallet. DH never found it, but Amanda was just disappointed in it. Imagine a brown refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher. Not the prettiest site, huh? Made me think of a bad seventies kitchen. All that was missing was some awful brown linoleum and shag carpeting. Eww.
Not sure I would purchase either program at the retail cost, but might at a discounted price. There is an option to import a picture of a room and redecorate, but both felt the timeframe needed to review was too limited. I needed to write the review within a week. I am the worst with these types of programs; I get so frustrated with them. Guess this is why I am not in home improvement, architecture, or home design.
**As of this writing I have not yet written my review. Once I have I will update my post with my actual review. I still need to test the program to give a novice perspective.
