Floorplan or simple usable 2D CAD or Architecture programs?

[amd6502]

Hello there, has anyone had any experience with drafting or architecture software, specifically non-professional (eg autocad, revvit) types for the use of small floorplans?

Requirements:
1. easy to use
2. cheap; under $100, pref'bly under $50
3. no wizard type user interfaces
4. not terribly hard to use
5. not annyoing to use

The best I've come up with is older verisions of TurboCAD or designCAD (IMSI). I've found usually the older the version the easier it is to use. In the linux world I've come up dry. Sweet Home has some undesirable usability quirks. The imsi stuff usually does the basics. Draws rectangles, lines or desired length; adds measurements; text annotations. Copy paste select rotate scale; save loads various format including autocad. Does doors, swings. Does colors; undo feature; and lots of stuff i can't think of. Also runs quite good in WinXP virtual machine under linux.

I'm curious to know about experiences of other arch software, like from ChiefArchitect and NOVA. NOVA seems to have lousy reviews but ChiefArchitect seems like it could be worth a shot.

 

[lxskllr]

You could try librecad. From what I've read, it's lacking. but some people use it professionally in small shops, and it may work for you. I've fooled with it a little, but I don't really understand it, and don't have the extra time to really learn. It's not something I need much. Now cogo... I'd love to find a libre cogo program, but there's almost nothing out there. I've been thinking about trying to make my own using spreadsheets. It would be kind of stupid and clunky, but it would be a good way to learn how to make spreadsheets do tricks, and get something that may be useful in the end.

 

[Shamrock]

Here is a couple I've found, don't know how much they cost.

http://www.graphisoft.com/archicad/
https://www.freecadweb.org/
http://www.qcad.org/en/ (similar to AutoCAD Lite)

Or go here, and "find" Cad/Cam/Cae It has a list of 15, don't know about free.
http://www.linuxrsp.ru/win-lin-soft/table-eng.html

 

[RLGL]

I have found most of the inexpensive programs lacking and hard to figure out. Some of the previously mentioned I could not work with but was able to figure out AutoCad ( student version ) Currently I use Sketchup a 3D program. (also has a 2D side app that you may lie) $$
I know it's toughj but the learning curve is a bit steep but for something decent some effort and money is required.

 

[Shamrock]

I agree, but what do you expect for under $100?

I also found this, but it requires a mac.

Home design 3d ( I "think" this is the program Joanna Gaines uses on Fixer Upper).
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/home-design-3d-free/id463768717?mt=8

 

[Burpo]

Sweet Home 3D

https://sourceforge.net/projects/sweethome3d/files/