Plan drawing software

[kurnal]

I am looking for some simple plan drawing software for small premises to produce floor plans for small premises- something similar to the example in the CLG guidance.
Whilst we have an associate who can produce CAD plans for us, this is not economic for small premises. I want something that anyone can use, is easy and quick to use and has a good set of UK/ European fire safety symbols.

Smartdraw looks promising - any recommendations please?
 

[Graeme]

I know a very economical company who can help you with this.

I use Autocad but from time to time i outsource as it's cheaper because it takes me longer.

www.qdos.biz

[Midland Retty]

Daft as it may sound Prof but you can produce half decent plans quickly in both Microsoft Word and Powerpoint.

[William 29]

Kurnal, I also outsource any CAD work, quite cost effective if you know the right person, rather than spending the time yourself.  You would just need to scan a simple hand drawn plan with the measurements and legends you require, the rest is done for you.  The ones we produce basically look like an old type fire cert with the FR in red etc and you have the option of using BS symbols instead of the old fire cert ones.  Bell me or e mail me for more info, the guy I use is a senior CAD technician with a local FA.

[Tom Sutton]

Kurnal it appears you have three options a CAD provider like Firecad, http://www.firecad.co.uk/index.html or an internet based application which you pay a licence for or a stand alone package check out http://www.floorplan.co.uk/Floor_Plan_Software.htm check out the videos.

For fire safety symbols you have to decide if you are going to use the current standard BS 1635:1990 or the old standard BS 1635:1970 for more details check out http://www.firesafe.org.uk/graphical-symbols-and-abbreviations-for-fire-protection-drawings/

[David Rooney]

You should have a look at the drawing package that comes with open office ..... tis free pretty simple to use and anyone can open it.

[jayjay]

There is a few free cad drawing packages avaialble if you do a google.

I use autoCad for fire plans and I have created my own symbols which are saved and reused.

Fire plans do not need to be to scale so they can be simple to produce. If you have existing plans they can be scanned then loaded into the cad package as a picture or PDF then draw over the scan with the cad software.
Also, if new build most architects use cad and are usually willing to provide copies. I always ask for the "as built" drawings and as installed fire alrm and emergency lighting. I then produce a coloured plan showing all the installed systems, fire separation, fire fighting equipment etc. If plans are provided from an architect they are quite easy and quick to complete. look for a package that can use the file formats .DWG or DXF

[Davo]

I got some plans from the architect once but they were so massive I had to get a friend to hold the other end
Most architects use the latest versions of cad ie 2012 and the drawings might not be compatible with your own software.

Ashampoo do a free trial on their drawing software

http://www.ashampoo.com/uk/gbp/search?search=cad&sa=


davo

[kurnal]

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. It looks like I am spoiled for choice.

[jayjay]

Check this web site there is some free Cad programs not sure if all the links are still working
http://www.structural-engineering.fsnet.co.uk/