Good and Affordable Design software

[David Quinn]

Hello, I'm in the middle of an extensive gut rehab of a duplex in Boston.  Looking for affordable design software, preferably with good 2D/3D images I can share with my contractor to make materials and design choices easier and with fewer miscommunications.  Any recommendations?  Thanks!

[Colin Kelly-Rand]

Are you not using an architect? Extensive gut rehab seems like it has enough cost to justify. 

I find architects to be relatively in expensive when its basic as-is layouts with a slight design change. It also helpful to bounce questions off of them regarding permitting and building code as well. 

I don't use architects when I am lipsticking (same layouts but updating kitchen and bath or heating system). 

Regardless, I am not being too helpful on the actual request. I am curious to what others suggest. 

Sketchup seems plausible - playing around with it now - I know I tried in the past. Most software has a slight learning curve period - so frustrating when trying to accomplish something in a few minutes. Honestly, graph paper and a pencil is the dang easiest way. :)

Cheers

Colin