Drawing with "Lines"

[RyanJS430]

I have been exploring the trial version of the Home Designer Pro version of this software to see if it will meet my needs ...

 

I want to do my own construction drawings for a small, 11' × 14', addition to our house (kitchen). I am aware this program will generate exterior elevations and framing detail/cross sections; however, I would rather just draw them "manually" using the line tool.

 

In the early 2000's I was employed as an architectural draftsman, and my employer used ArchiCAD (I do not recall which version). I like this Home Designer software because it is very similiar to that earlier version of ArchiCAD; however, it seems as though you cannot draw with lines as freely. Offsetting and trimming lines seems impossible and every line drawn seems to snap/connect to specific points along other lines. 

 

My project is a simple one and I feel I can more quickly, and effectively, draw my exterior elevations and the two framing details I need with lines, the old fashion way, verses having to draw my entire house and have the program render the elevations and cross sections. 

 

If anyone understands my question, I would appreciate any feedback or leads to a tutorial, assuming this program can function in that way.

 

Thanks in advance for your time and assistance.

[solver]

You are comparing a $5000 program with a $500 one

 

The CAD tools have many shortcomings, such as no trim.

 

Read about snaps (object, grid etc) and see how they work.

 

There are videos that go over the CAD tools -- have you watched them?

 

Have you considered SketchUp? 

 

You may not need to draw your entire house, just the parts (maybe just walls), that your addition will connect to.

[RyanJS430]

Thanks for the response. 

 

I will look into your suggestions.

 

Good point with your comparison between the two products ... I just figured trimming and offsetting lines was a more basic feature in 2018.

 

Thanks again.