Is BimUp 5D As Good as it Appears?
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Super powerful, guys! I've been testing it for some time and without a doubt it is the most extensive add-on to SketchUp there has ever been. Andrew D and his team are putting together a series of YouTube tutorial videos that will be available publicly pretty soon.
I'me emailed him this thread so hopefully he'll chime in sooner of later.
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@utiler said:
Super powerful, guys! I've been testing it for some time and without a doubt it is the most extensive add-on to SketchUp...
You're referring to plusspec or Bimup 5D?
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He's referring to PlusSpec.
Sent from my iPad
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WOW im so impressed, This is on my buy list
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@krism said:
I've emailed him this thread so hopefully he'll chime in sooner of later.
Sorry guys, Monday here in Australia, I was out on site all morning.
Okay after reading through the posts I will try and give the simplest answers.PlusSpec and BimUP. I can not comment on BimUp other than what I have seen on the website. It appears as though they do a take off from predetermined models that you assemble after you purchase through the store.
What does PlusSpec do?
PlusSpec gives you a set of tools that will draw & add definable & quantifiable walls, add definable & quantifiable windows, add definable & quantifiable structural's, actually just about everything you will ever need to design or build with. PlusSpec will organise your model for you, add layers, add styles, add scenes for layout and do a schedule of works and a bill of materials. PlusSpec comes with a FREE library of about 1000 products and counting that can be downloaded and quantified.
PlusSpec is not just aimed at BIM it is aimed at designers, architects, home owners, engineers and the construction industry. It allows you to easily and freely draw & alter using the tools provided and at the end you can click 1 simple button and it will do a quantity takeoff of all the things you drew.
If you want to get extra specific with the products you specify you can go through a list in the tool which will allow you to choose an exact brick , wall size, timber type, stud spacing, all the way down to the hinge screws, glass type and window colour. There is so much to PlusSpec and there is too much to write in one simple reply so I thought I would just make a quick video especially for you. It will only take me a minute or two to upload, here is the link. http://youtu.be/tcybfTI_Kec -
@ashscott said:
Am looking for people's experience using BimUp 5D: http://www.bimup.co.uk/
If you click on the round reports button on that page there are a number of examples showing dimensions and presentations of models in a way that is not unlike Layout - does BimUp 5D present an alternative to Layout that is as usable as layout?
What are people's experiences with BimUp5D as a Bim tool?
Hi, I just read your post. I tried to get a 14 days free trial of Bimup 5D, but no response from them. I sent 2nd email, then nothing happened.
Don't know what is going on there.
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Hard to find the answer on the Pluspec site, but are they charging $395 a year?! I really really hate the subscription model and this will keep me from using it at all.
Let me buy your software and I will use it. Enslave me to mandatory payments every year and I will turn myself inside out finding alternatives. I was lucky enough to start using Lightup before Adam went the subscription route and, if I hadn't, I wouldn't be using that software either. And don't get me started on Adobe...
And why is it almost impossible to even determine that it is a subscription service on the site? No where does it say this, that I could find, unless you actually have to register and then they drop that info?
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@otb designworks said:
Hard to find the answer on the Pluspec site, but are they charging $395 a year?! I really really hate the subscription model and this will keep me from using it at all.
Let me buy your software and I will use it. Enslave me to mandatory payments every year and I will turn myself inside out finding alternatives. I was lucky enough to start using Lightup before Adam went the subscription route and, if I hadn't, I wouldn't be using that software either. And don't get me started on Adobe...
And why is it almost impossible to even determine that it is a subscription service on the site? No where does it say this, that I could find, unless you actually have to register and then they drop that info?
Oh really. I didn't come across anywhere, that mentioned this. Thats 3x at least higher than its host program Sketchups updates/subscription. Is it a subscription for updates like SU, or a Subscription that you have to pay $395 to use the software yearly? Because I think that ends up being more than what a generally pay for Autocad Lt.
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No Chuck, I believe it's a purchase price that is quoted.... Gee, it would want to be a good plugin to expect that sort of subscription!!!
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Hi Guys, subscriptions are the worst! you get to use PlusSpec like you do Sketchup, I sometimes still use Sketchup 8, its the same thing. The first 12 months gives you updates and product support. I will make this more clear in the terms on the site shortly, sorry for the confusion.
So what do you get in the first 12 months? We have some really cool tools that we are just about to implement. The new roof tool rocks and so do the others! I hope to have it available in the next couple of weeks, we have been working on it for over 12 months and 7 months full time.
One thing that I am pretty sure is not clear. I am one of you guys, I design everyday, I love using Sketchup more so in combination with PlusSpec, I am not rich and I do not drive a fancy car. I spent a lot of money and time creating the best tool I could imagine for Sketchup. PlusSpec gets me more work for my design business, actually more work than I can handle and I can draw and estimate twice as fast (probably 10 times faster than the $6000+ packages that other architects are using ) as any Sketchup user in PlusSpec. That is why I have put in the 30 day money back guarantee. If you do not think PlusSpec can save you hours on one model simply request a refund.
It is very difficult to explain how stable, how easy and how powerful PlusSpec is until you use it.
I do not pay or fudge user feedback, the feedback written above was done without me prompting or altering. At Basecamp people were blown away with what we have done and they have not seen what we are about to do.
This is honestly, just the beginning!
Here is the feedback (below) I got yesterday from a new user. I must say I am happy with the reaction and I think you guys will give the same kind of feedback. My aim is to improve our industry and decrease our work load. I think I have, yet I am more interested in what you think.
Just writing to let you know everything is going well with PlusSpec. I am a bit addicted to using it! I have a job at the moment to modify a house for a boy with cerebral palsy. I have found PlusSpec really easy to use and get my head around. I have sent the plans to the client and they are very impressed.. You are making me look like a genius! I am just a builder;-)
I am also putting a granny flat on the back of an investment property that I own and have found it great for getting things looking right and working out what to do with it. My wife has no idea in two d but having things drawn up in 3d she could see how it would all work.
Really excited to see where this goes for you guys.To find out more go to https://www.plusspec.com/
We are changing the website as marketing is not my strong point, feel free to give feedback or constructive criticism on how the site appears. It should be updated tomorrow.
Thanks for your feedback to date. -
No doubt you all realise I have some bumps to iron out as I am new to this. Feel free to give constructive criticism, I will always listen.
The better we can all make this the more Sketchup users in our industry the better it is for all of us. -
A few questions.
Is it possible to export model with BIM information to Revit?
Is it possible to set how deep the window is placed in the wall?
Can you draw simple walls for sketching and change them later to more detailed? From what I see in the videos it look more focused on construction than on design.
How we'll does it work for larger buildings? Examples only show simple house.
How many computers are you allowed to install it on? A lot of people have PCs at work as we'll as a laptop.
Why is there no demo version?
Did I understand it correct that if you buy you can use it perpetually but only receive updates for the subscription period? -
Are there any special methods required with the use of Layout and PlusSpec? Or, maybe there is a tutorial that I didn't notice?
I am wondering also, whether this extension has to wrangle the tiny faces problem in Sketchup? There is bound to be some point where this may occur, and would this affect the data output?
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Awesome that I misunderstood how the subscription works. I am very pleased to hear that Pluspec is not something that I have to keep buying over and over over without owning:)
Thanks for the clarification and I agree, too, with the above comment that a demo version would be a great way to spin the tires without making a large investment right off the bat.
Thanks for spending the time on these forums; I really appreciate the fact that you are here answering questions quickly.
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MAC compatible?
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PlusSpec is the brainchild of Andrew Dwight and his team at AAD Build. The same guys behind RubySketch.
Hence why PlusSpec pulls in quantified models RubySketch.
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Well PlusSpec, it looks as though you're stealing the show and thats possibly justified if your product is as good as it sounds.
I wondered if you have any info on who you guys are and what you're trying to achieve - might make people a little more comfortable to part with their $395
I see your "About" page and the nice vid there but who are the people behind plusspec and what is your vision? When I personally get serious about buying a product I generally scan the "about" pages for info on who those people are and why they're doing what they're doing - I guess it makes me feel like I know the horse I'm backing
Just a suggestion - I love your efforts to push our dear Sketchup forward
About PlusSpec video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_RM_EAFZeY*Can't seem to get the above video to embed here on sketchucation...
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@otb designworks said:
MAC compatible?
Sorry Chuck not yet, we run it on mac in duel mode. It is not impossible to do it, it's just a matter of time. -
@mitcorb said:
Are there any special methods required with the use of Layout and PlusSpec? Or, maybe there is a tutorial that I didn't notice?
I am wondering also, whether this extension has to wrangle the tiny faces problem in Sketchup? There is bound to be some point where this may occur, and would this affect the data output?
Ahhhh, the tiny faces issue caused many grey hairs with the roofing tool and that be the reason why the full roof tool is not in the latest version ( The existing tool is easy and powerful yet the new tool is a Ferrari. ETA 1 to 2 weeks) . I am not aware of any other issues that are a side effect yet would love to hear from anyone who has.
As far as Layout and PlusSpec go, it is very easy. It is actually excellent, but don't take it from me.
Basically you draw a building and hit the generate scenes tool. Here is a video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIO9k1wu0B0%26amp;list=PL_je7dD7rzFsQpKYhiMoH3HyA0d9lIZmA
This video shows how it appears by default in Layout.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrGn44OV5wcI can make a quick video of the two in conjunction, if that helps?.
We are adding more functionality to this now. Ill keep you posted.Just so you all know, PlusSpec will also work with Sketchup models and will extimate quantities. I am making a tutorial for this as well.
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@pixero said:
A few questions.
Is it possible to export model with BIM information to Revit?
Is it possible to set how deep the window is placed in the wall?
Can you draw simple walls for sketching and change them later to more detailed? From what I see in the videos it look more focused on construction than on design.
How we'll does it work for larger buildings? Examples only show simple house.
How many computers are you allowed to install it on? A lot of people have PCs at work as we'll as a laptop.
Why is there no demo version?
Did I understand it correct that if you buy you can use it perpetually but only receive updates for the subscription period?Revit
The short answer is no, It is although possible to export the IFC. Watch this space. In my opinion you are actually increasing your work load by doing this in Revit. I employ full time Revit & Archicad guys and they do this in Sketchup and PlusSpec as it is quicker and more efficient. The model size is also much much smaller.Window depth
The windows will be placed according to the internal wall and the cavity. The Cavity is adjustable so, technically yes.walls for sketching and change them later to more detail
This comes from a Revit user through and through. The short answer is yes, although there is no disadvantage to use the initial construction method to start as you have the ability to change all or just one walls construction type.
The best thing about Sketchup is you conceptualise with it, get your proportions and size using Sketchup, make the repeatable geometry EG hotel rooms as components and then use array tool to build the structure from these components. When you are happy with the size and scale open the component and draw inside with PlusSpec. Job done & the estimate is just a bonus. All of the walls, windows and fixtures are all neatly put into categories and layers. You can make one floor or one apartment unique and change the window style or walls on one floor. Even though I invented the plugin I am still blown away at how well this method works.
It may seem as though PlusSpec is specifically designed for construction, yet the truth is it is designed for both. I choose to show the construction side as this demonstrates so much more. If you are familiar with LOD PlusSpec will create a LOD 350 models for you the first time without revision if you so choose. If you are an architect and you want to limit plan revisions PlusSpec is for you. Some of our Architects charge as much for the take off as they do for the drawing. To do a take off on a 1500 apartment building will take about 60 seconds, with the shadows turned on. Get an engineer who uses Sketchup and you can go home at lunch time every day and still do more work than you are now in Revit. There is more to come.How well does it work for larger buildings? Examples only show simple house.
The reason why we only draw small buildings is so we do not bore you to tears in the tutorials. PlusSpec optimises everything and using RubySketch in conjunction for your fixtures does the same. Once I finish replying here today my job is to draw a full commercial building. I will put in 2 million edges and faces and run the shadows on an I5 laptop not plugged in to the wall. Ask Mike Lucey about this or Mike Tadros or Nancy Trig or ThomThom they saw it live, my aim was to crash Sketchup and I could not do it. Sketchup 14 Pro is so so so much better at handling large geometry. I would say the way PlusSpec controls geometry and size is its strongest point. PlusSpec is very stable.How many computers are you allowed to install it on? A lot of people have PCs at work as we'll as a laptop.
Just one license, although it will install on Sketchup 8 , 13 and 14 in one installation on one computer. The same as Revit yet it does not cost $6k+ it only costs $395. so in effect you could install it on 15 computers for the same cost as one Revit license.
Why is there no demo version?
I have spoken to many developers and they say they get 200000 trial downloads and convert less than 1%. We are small and simply do not have the resources or budget to field this amount of feedback. The 30 day money back seems to be a better way to me as the cost associated with 200000 trials would see my grey hair falling out.
Did I understand it correct that if you buy you can use it perpetually but only receive updates for the subscription period? At this current time yes, just like Sketchup licenses are. We do have to make the wording clearer on the site. My apologies
, I am new to this & this is the first week of public release.
The feedback and questions are great. Thanks for asking, if you need me to elaborate more please ask specifics. Ill do my best to hack together some quick videos.
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