Drawblueprint or SketchUp for building permits?

Drawblueprint vs SketchUp - which one suits you? #

There's an abundance of construction-related software aimed at private individuals. SketchUp is a popular 3D modeling tool, while Drawblueprint is a 2D drawing tool focused on easily producing the documents you need for your local permit process. Here we compare the two options.

SketchUp - powerful 3D tool #

SketchUp is a professional 3D modeling program used by architects and designers worldwide. It's powerful and flexible, but takes time to learn. In SketchUp, you model your building in 3 dimensions. If you then want to create building documents, you export 2D views based on the 3D model. This is the standard approach in CAD programs, and requires you to be familiar with the tool's interface and features.

Advantages of SketchUp: Powerful 3D tool, large library of components, used by professionals.

Drawblueprint - made for simple building documents #

Drawblueprint is built to be easy to use. You work in 2D directly in a drawing with the right scale, creating the documents you need for your local permit process, which you can then export to PDF with the press of a button.

Advantages of Drawblueprint:

• Easy to get started.
• Correct scale and format from the start.
• Import map data or a previous drawing as a base.
• A guiding checklist helps you produce correct site plans and elevation drawings.
• Export a correct document to PDF with the press of a button.

A major difference with Drawblueprint is that you work directly in the building document you ultimately aim to produce. 3D modelling can often be overkill. First creating a complete representation of a building in three dimensions in Sketchup, only to then export the stripped-down views needed for something like an elevation drawing can be unnecessary work.

This is also true if you already have original 2D drawings of a house that you're planning to add to. Importing the drawings into Drawblueprint and adding a few lines is simpler than using the drawings as a base for 3D-modelling.

When should you choose which tool? #

Choose Drawblueprint if: You need to draw a site plan or elevation drawing for your construction project, you want to import map data, or draw directly on a previous drawing as a base.

Choose SketchUp if: You benefit from creating detailed 3D models, you already know the program, you work professionally with architecture or design, or if you simply find 3D modeling fun. For most private individuals applying for a building permit for simpler projects such as a small outbuilding, carport, or extension, Drawblueprint is the more convenient option.

Drawblueprint.com - draw simple building permits yourself #

With Drawblueprint, you can draw simple building permits yourself. Drawblueprint is a tool that's easier to use than CAD and more powerful than drawing programs that aren't adapted for building documents.

In Drawblueprint, you draw at the correct scale and get help using the right symbols and notations on your drawing.

To use Drawblueprint, go to https://app.drawblueprint.com/sign-up and follow the instructions. Drawblueprint is free to try. Read more about drawblueprint.com.