House Plan Software (2026): 10 Tools Compared

A house plan is the document everyone else works from: the builder, the planning officer, the kitchen fitter and the person paying for it all. Getting it clear early saves arguments, delays and changes halfway through the build.

House plan tools cover a wide range, from free online planners for homeowners to professional programs that produce working drawings and material lists. The ten below are listed alphabetically and in no particular order, and each description comes from the tool's own website, read this week. If you're still deciding whether to build at all, my look at whether to build or buy a house is a sensible first read.

House plan tools side by side

I checked the free plan column on each tool's own website, as of Oct 2026. Yes means the site names the tool, an account or a plan or version of it as free, or says it's open source. Trial only means a time-limited trial or a small free allowance. Not stated means the pages I read named neither, even where there's a button inviting you to start, so check the tool's own page before you sign up.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
Archicad	BIM software for architects	Practices working in BIM	Not stated
Cedreo	3D home design software for builders	A complete house in hours	Not stated
Chief Architect	Architectural home design software	Professional residential design	Trial only
DreamPlan	Home design software for PC and Mac	A free version for home use	Yes
Envisioneer	3D BIM home design software	Design, estimating and drawings together	Trial only
Floor Plan Creator	Floor plan app across devices	Measuring on site, finishing at a desk	Yes
Plan7Architect	Architectural software for beginners	Self-builds and planning applications	Not stated
Remplanner	Online 2D and 3D planner	Quick online plans by hand	Yes
SoftPlan	Home design software for professionals	Working drawings and material lists	Trial only
Vectorworks	3D design and BIM software	Sketching through to presentation	Not stated

Ten house plan tools to try

Archicad

Best for: Architects and small practices who want house plans produced inside a full BIM workflow, from solo work to team collaboration.

Cedreo

Best for: Home builders and remodelers who want to draw a complete house, interior and exterior, and present it to buyers quickly.

Chief Architect

Best for: Architects, builders, remodelers and kitchen designers who want professional home design software, with an as-built app and a 3D viewer.

DreamPlan

Best for: Homeowners planning a house, deck or interior at home, using the free version for non-commercial projects.

Envisioneer

Best for: Residential designers who want 3D design, estimating and working drawings from one model rather than three tools.

Floor Plan Creator

Best for: Surveyors and homeowners who sketch plans on a phone on location and finish them on a computer, with a 3D view.

Plan7Architect

Best for: Self-builders and renovators who want plans that meet building standards, from the first sketch to the permit drawings.

Remplanner

Best for: Homeowners who want to draw 2D and 3D floor plans online and preview a design before committing to changes.

SoftPlan

Best for: Residential designers and builders who want working drawings, 3D rendering and material lists from the same house model.

Vectorworks

Best for: Designers who want to sketch, model and present a project in one integrated BIM application from start to finish.

Which house plan tool matches your role

• Home builders presenting to buyers: Cedreo.
• A free version for home projects: DreamPlan.
• Design, estimating and drawings from one model: Envisioneer.
• Self-builds through to permit drawings: Plan7Architect.
• Working drawings with material lists: SoftPlan.

Planning permission and building regulations are different

GOV.UK says building regulations approval is different from planning permission, and you might need both. It also says the Building Regulations 2010 cover the construction and extension of buildings, along with many alterations such as new bathrooms, heating systems and replacement windows.

That matters when you draw a plan. A design can be acceptable for planning and still need changes to meet building regulations, from ventilation to fire safety. Check both early, and don't be surprised if your drawings go through a few versions before anyone picks up a spade.

What a usable house plan includes

1. Accurate room sizes and wall thicknesses.
2. Doors, windows and their opening directions.
3. Stairs, chimneys and other fixed structure.
4. Kitchen, bathroom and heating positions.
5. Elevations or 3D views that show the outside.

Homeowner planners, builder tools and architect software

Homeowner planners are quick to learn, and they're great for exploring layouts or explaining an idea to a designer. Many run online or offer a free version for personal use.

Builder tools focus on speed and presentation, so a sales team can show buyers a finished home. Architect software goes deeper, with BIM models, construction documents and coordination with other trades. Choose the level that matches who'll use the drawings next.

If you are shortlisting tools, the list of house design software compares another category.

House plan mistakes that slow a build down

• Drawing without measuring the site. Plans must fit the plot.
• Ignoring wall thickness. Rooms end up smaller than drawn.
• Leaving out services. Pipes and flues need space.
• Skipping professional checks. Structure and regulations need experts.

Each pick in our roundup of AI floor plan generators gets a short best-for line, which makes scanning quick.

Signs your plan is ready for a professional

• Every room has a clear purpose and size.
• Doors, windows and stairs are placed.
• Kitchen and bathrooms sit sensibly.
• You can explain the layout in one minute.

Do you make house plan or home design software? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

My plain advice on house plan software

Use a simple planner to work out what you want, then decide whether you need professional drawings. Most homeowners and self-builders end up handing their plan to an architect or designer, and it's faster and easier when you arrive with a clear layout.

If you're a builder or designer, pick software that produces the drawings and lists your projects need, so you're not redrawing anything. And if part of the plan is a place to work from home, my guide to creating a home office that works is worth a look.

If that raises the next question, see Best AI Tools for Tax Professionals (2026): 10 Compared.

Frequently asked questions

What is house plan software?

Software for drawing a home's layout to scale, with rooms, walls and openings, plus 3D views and drawings to share.

Is there free house plan software?

A few tools on this list name a free version or free use, and others offer a trial, so check the table.

Can I draw my own house plans?

Yes, many tools here suit homeowners, though professional checks are still needed before building.

What software do architects use for house plans?

Many architects use BIM and CAD software, and some professional tools on this list are built for them.

Do I need planning permission and building regulations approval?

You might need both, so check the rules for your project and area early.

Can house plan software produce material lists?

Some professional tools on this list create material lists and working drawings from the same model.