3DHA Versions 1.5, 2.1,  3.0, and  4.0

1.5

Most of the features that make 3D Home Architect such a strong competitor in the Low-Cost Home Design Software arena have been a part of 3DHA from the very start.  Version 1.5 had one BIG difference between it and version 2.1, Roofs.  There was no capability to create roofs in the initial version of this software.  It was designed to allow the user to create a general layout or floor plan.  But it did include the standard 3D views we are use to today.

2.1

 So the BIG change from versions 1.5 to 2.1 was obviously, Roofs.  And 3HDA did a great job in adding a roof builder to their software.  It is, in my opinion, the best low cost roof designer on the market.  The competitors usually advertise Hip and Gable roofs.  Well I have news for them.  Not all houses have just standard Hip or Gable roofs.  Without any trouble at all, 3DHA will make Hips, Gables, Shed, Salt Box, Gambrel, Gull Wing, Half Hips, and Mansard roofs.  And those properties can be mixed and matched with each other to create many different configurations.  All rooms in the house must share the same color scheme. Walls must match walls, floors must match floors. Ceilings and mouldings must also match.

3.0

There was no single BIG breakthru from version 2.1 to 3.0, only many smaller ones.  But it gets tough to make big advances when you are working on an already great product.  The biggest change was probably the introduction of Applied Material View.  This is where you apply a material such as "red brick" or "wood siding" to an object or wall that is more realistic than the flat colors shown in a 3D view.  These materials are actually bitmap files (*.bmp) that give the object it's look.  The downside of Applied Materials View is that, in my opinion, it is NOT very realistic.  There are other software packages on the market that have done a much better job in creating good quality bitmap files and that display those images more efficiently and with a more life-like feel. (Punch! Software products)   I never use Applied Material View as I feel it degrades the image.  So Applied Material View is not why I own version 3.0.  But 3.0 introduced other features that made it worth the $8.50 I paid for it.  Each room (floor, walls, ceiling, and moulding) can be painted with different colors, but all of the walls within a room must be one color. (unless you trick the program)  The library of objects was increased in size and divided into more categories.  Door styles were increased significantly.  An Outdoor library was added that included a variety of shrubs and trees. (in bitmap form)  Also, Ground covering and lot lines were added.  But these items didn't really add much to the program as they could be made from the old soffit object in 2.1.  And the lot lines have to be a rectangle.  3.0 allows you to set your default colors for many of the object types such as walls, facia, furniture, hardware, and many more.  While in Plan Camera mode (3D), you can record a walk-thru of your plan and play it back later. The lessons found on this site are based around version 3.0, for reasons found under v4.0 below.

4.0

I do not own this version, so I will have to describe it's features from what I've read on their web page, comments from others on other web sites, and on the box.  You should go to their web site and read for yourself.  But be careful as producers of programs can market their products in a way that is most advantageous to them, not you!  The Learning Company's website highlights these features as new: 

All in all, 4.0 does not appear to add many features I'm looking for.  If these features are what you have been looking for, then the cost to move up to 4.0 is not a big deal.  But now you know why I'm still using version 3.0.  And the improvements from 2.1 to 3.0 were only worth the price because I was able to get 3.0 for such a low cost.

5.0

This new version is a completely different program with a new and incompatable file structure. It will not read plans from any earlier versions. Look under About 3DHA...->Upgrade Wishes to see my ideas on what features might help make 3HDA a better product. Too bad they didn't ask me!