Autodesk AutoCAD LT (Best Software)
Most engineers will be familiar with AutoCAD. It’s the default for communicating architectural details and structural drawings. Some larger firms (that can afford it) use a more comprehensive BIM software such as Autodesk Revit. AutoCAD is great, but for home use the expensive subscription model is prohibitive. Limited AutoCAD LT is subscription only for $450/yr and full AutoCAD is currently $1,775/yr.
https://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/overview?term=1-YEAR
Bricsys BricsCAD Lite (Best Value)
BricsCAD is what I used for a majority of the house plans. To me, it is nearly indistinguishable from AutoCAD and at roughly $550 for a perpetual license I find the price a lot more palatable than true AutoCAD. Having bought a perpetual license, I really like knowing that I will always have access to a drafting software.
https://www.bricsys.com/en-intl/bricscad-lite/?
Nanosoft nanoCAD (Totally Free)
NanoCAD is a great free alternative for individuals who need to draw up quick plans, but don’t want to shell out any money. If you are familiar with AutoCAD, you’ll find that many of the hotkeys that you’ve worked into memory don’t apply. I found this too frustrating, but for first time CAD users this is likely less of a problem.
https://nanocad.com/products/nanoCAD/
Dassult Systems DraftSight 2D (No Longer Worth It)
Draftsight used to be a popular 2D CAD software among the maker community because—while limited—it was free. Recently, Dassault Systems (makers of Solidworks) removed the free licenses and now there really is no reason to use Draftsight. It is definitely an inferior option.
A Valiant Effort 