Features & Tools:  

While the price for this home design suite is relatively low, Punch’s features and tools haven’t been reduced. And it’s not just that this software has the right features, it’s how well they’re implemented into the design that makes them so useful. We really liked the way Home & Landscape Design’s tabbed interface worked: all the common elements for building anything from foundations and walls to ventilation and plumbing fixtures were placed in plain sight.

Also, if you don’t like the looks of that dishwasher or cabinet set, you can change their appearance with Punch’s 3D Custom Workshop. You can easily change the color, texture, and even the size of anything in their extensive object library. If you don’t like any of the stock objects, create your own!

Another great feature exclusive to Home & Landscape Design is RealModel. RealModel prints your design onto paper or cardstock, complete with instructions, and labels to clearly identify each element so you can build an actual model of your home. Seeing it on your screen is one thing, but putting it together like a model kit is great for presentations, or just getting spousal approval.

Support & Documentation:  

New this year are a slew of video tutorials to help get you started and show you how to use the various design tools Home & Landscape Design provides. If you're the paper manual reading type, the User's Guide is as thick and comprehensive as ever, detailing everything from setting up the foundation to creating your own furniture objects. You can access the same material within the program's help system, and their technical support email and phone numbers are clearly listed in their website’s Support section. There is even an active online community at forums.punchsoftware.com.

Ease of Use:  

Punch! Home & Landscape Design is much easier to use this year, thanks to improved interface design. Even experienced computer users can get intimidated, which is why Home & Landscape Design has so many help options, especially the video tutorials. One video tutorial even shows how you can design a house in less than a minute!

The extensive feature set, coupled with top-notch tools, intuitive design, and a large library of objects put Punch’s Home & Landscape Design at the top this year. This is a great product to aid in home remodeling, home design, and even landscaping your property.

Punch also has home design software for Mac users, with Home & Landscape Design Studio.

For a more professional design solution tailored for the budding architect, Punch! Architectural Series 5000 has literally everything for a fraction of the cost of other architectural software and CAD programs.