Customer Reviews
Too Complicated! 
2008-01-02
Punch Professional Home Design Platinum V12 is simply too complicated for the average user. I consider myself a pretty advanced user of software, and can almost always figure out any software just from using it, but this software is completely unintuitive. My guess is that if you are already well-versed in CAD/CAM programs, you will get along fine with Home Design Platinum. If not, don't waste your time. You will only be frustrated. Go for a more general consumer-oriented design program.
Home Design Platinum - fast, easy and stable 
2007-12-28
This product from Punch! is a very comprehensive package. It has all the tools you need for amateur home design, including 2D and 3D views and walkthroughs. It runs a lot faster than the competitors, even with the 3D views open and has not crashed yet. Setup was quick and it is easy and intuitive to use as most of the tools are fairly obvious (Confession - I have used other product like this so I am not starting with a blank slate).
My one quibble is that the 3D objects are somewhat limited (example: rear projection TVs but no flat panels) but you have the ability to create your own. Overall, for a consumer level design program this rates an A.
Not hard to use at all 2007-12-27
Punch Pro. Home Design Suite Platinum V12, is not hard to use, especially if you have used any type of Autocad, or Home design software in the past.
I laid out my entire basement and second floor addition in about half an hour.... This program is addicting because you want to measure every space you have to make it accurate.
It prints blueprints, and has electrical and plumbing blueprints as well. AWSOME. It has 3D walk and fly over modes that are right on the money.
I took a chance on buying this cause there were many negative reviews on this software. All I can say, if you are willing to spend the time and you feel strongly about your project or addition, this will be well worth it.
This is an advanced piece of software, so if you have any graphics experience or you are technical, this is the one to get.
Another Review - I'll try again 
2007-12-12
Well apparently my last review did not pass muster so here I am again. DO NOT PURCHASE THIS SOFTWARE. After 7 days it is NOT fully functional. Registration is REQUIRED to keep functionality and registration MUST be via internet connection. Why pay full price for a product you cannot use in the privacy of your own home without giving the company our personal information
Punch Home Design 
2007-12-11
I purchased Punch Home Design Platium and have found it to be difficult to use and has very limited basic objects. I previously used 3d Home Architect and it was wonderful but not compatable with Microsoft Vista. Punch Platium is compatable but I would not recomend it. You would be better off using pencil and paper.
Home Design Platinum V12.0 
2008-06-19
Although there is a learning curve in using this software, it comes with all the "bells & whistles"
Should one need further info, there are numerous forums, and manufacturers support.
I am on the way to designing my home
Frank
Looking elsewhere 2008-03-28
I give up. I don't know if it is me, or the program, but I have had it. Clunky user interface, features that simply don't work (try adjusting the viewer elevation with mouse clicks--as described--doesn't work). I cannot figure out how to group objects. You can group them, and cut and paste, but a reasonable approach would be to group and move. Help says you can, but I cannot make it work. Etc.
Last straw--I finally got a decent layout. Saved it; exited the progam. Program asks you if you want to save, even if you just did. I didn't (mistake?). Reopen--half my work is gone.
If you are like I was--ignorant of this class of program and don't know which to buy--try one of the others.
I don't know if the alternatives are better, but this program is a mess.
Sucks! 2008-03-13
This program just sucks! It's exceedingly slow (and I have a fast system), it has numerous bugs and it's a pain to use once you get past the basics. I could never get the material/color selection to work with my Nvidia graphics card and after swapping to an ATI card which it was supposed to work with it still didn't work properly. After suffering with Punch! for a week I wanted to punch the developers! I then went out and bought Home Designer Pro 7.0 which cost over 4X the price. Guess what? It was worth every penny. It is far more accurate (for instance incorporates sheetrock and siding into walls and lets you change these as desired), has more features, is easier to use and doesn't have laundry list of bugs. Trust me; don't buy this software if you intend to use it to design a house that will actually be built. Spend the extra money it will save you a lot of heartache.
Decent program 2008-02-08
This is a good program for the money -- not a professional program - but also not for beginners. It does give you a good sense of what the finished house will look like.
Punch 2008-01-22
Takes a long time to load software. Very difficult to learn & use & looks like a steep learning curve ahead. Perhaps easier for those familar with earlier versions or similar product. Just not intuitive. Tutorials not really useful & software lacks a working example. Must pay extra for training and demo of training isn't for this software.
If you don't have a basic design in mind, you will have problems. Making adjustments (wall resizing, movement of doors or windows, etc.) very "touchy" & difficult to implement.
Better Homes & Garden Home design much easier.
