parkwest

Looks like you are ready for version X13...

9 hours ago, dshall said:

Interesting. you are showing plywood on the roof....  I am assuming you put that in manually?

 

I thought if the OP needs to show framing members in different colors that he might like to know there’s software out there that does that stuff automatically and also lays out the lumber and roof sheathing to optimize your lumber package.

With the current price of lumber, this lumber optimization could be the ticket to getting the job...

 I have used the full version since the mid 90’s and figured the software paid for itself on the first job by reducing my waste factor... plus I caught one of my framing contractors “borrowing” lumber from my jobs to build storage sheds on the side.

Here’s the link if anyone is interested:

https://digitalcanal.com/products/framing-pro/

Like this?

1 hour ago, Penopster said:

Looking for someone to trace my existing floor plans so I can use to make design changes. There are many angles and being a new user of the application, the learning curve is a bit too steep.

Let me know if you're interested and provide an estimate of how much you will charge. Thanks for your time!

Why all the weird angles?

Check and make sure that the floor supplied by room below button is not checked.

Is there a way to get rid of that little jog in the wall in your design?  I bet the guys who build the house will appreciate it.

You can use saved plan views to control what is seen in your foundation plan.

From my experience, you can get CA to do just about anything using work-arounds or whatever.  I'm sure there a couple guys on here who can get it to sing the National Anthem if they wanted to.

The real question is: Is Chief Architect right for you?

Some questions that need answered:

Are you a production builder who uses base plans with a list of building options?

Do you build on a single lot? Or, do you need to show your whole subdivision?

Are you semi custom builder using base plans with extensive modifications to your plans?

Are you a custom builder doing "one of a kind" buildings?

Or, are you a remodeler?

Will the design work be done solo?  Or, will it be a team effort with several people in your office working from the same file?

Do you need high resolution renderings for sales and marketing?  Or, do you need construction documents only, and let the design center figure out the finish details?

Will you be working with Interior designers, structural engineers and architects who may require multiple round trips between your software and theirs?

Do you have a high turnover rate of drafters?  Will continuous training be required? 

I assume you have answered these questions before you began your search for a new software.  If not, you should.  It should you save a lot of time than what you are doing now by asking a bunch of basic questions.

I hope this helps you...

Good luck in your search!

IMHO, you are going to have to watch a lot of training videos, starting with the quick start video series, to get a grasp of Chief’s capabilities.

Curious, what software are you currently using for your design work?

4 hours ago, TerryDunn said:

Morning,

 

Im a builder and currently use soft plan for drawing. However it is an older version and runs on an old computer on my desk. My main computer is a Mac, and its a pain to have two set ups and im always messing with old computer.

 

I only use Softplan for floor plans and elevations, nothing else. I have avoided upgrading Softplan because they won't make it for Mac. I don't care to go through the bootcamp.

 

So what do you think. Is the Chief Architect Premier the way to go? Or is there something else cheaper to accomplish what I need that can run on Mac?

Curious, why would you buy a computer with an operating system that wasn't compatible with the software you have? 

Makes me think of someone buying jigsaw blades for their circular saw and then wonder why the circular saw doesn't cut anymore.

I've been downvoted before for answering a question. LOL

It would be nice if names were attached to both the upvotes and downvotes to see what was going on with those votes...  I know those votes must be important somehow. ;-)

On 1/5/2021 at 4:18 PM, solver said:

 

When trying to track down a difficult to capture problem, I would build a version of the software that captured all the data I thought would be needed, writing it to a file for later analysis, making copies of files the user might have changed etc.

 

 

Great suggestion!  Create a SUPPORT icon under the HELP tab that automatically gathers the info and sends it in to support.  That would make it easier for customers to get the information to the developer that the developer needs to fix the problem.

Chief has good getting started videos...

Your example didn't show so I went to your website.

Do you have an example of what you want your permit set to look like?

Try plot to PDF in Chief and then print from the PDF...

Sorry, but I have only done log homes using SoftPlan.

And remember to beef up the floor system to support the weight of the pool table, unless the pool room is located on a concrete slab floor.  Otherwise you will have the balls following you as you walk around the table.

1.  Send main floor plan to main floor plan layout page.

2.  Copy main floor plan from main floor layout page.

3.  Go to Foundation page in layout, place and hold position.  Change to Foundation View.

4.  Go to Second floor Layout page and repeat step 3 except change view to Second Floor.

Can you note the ridge board as truss blocking?

Have you tried the copy, place and hold method?

Usually the county health dept lets you know what is required based on a soil and perc test.

https://www.epa.gov/septic/types-septic-systems#:~:text=Septic system design and size can vary widely%2C,water bodies%2C weather conditions%2C or even local regulations.

7 minutes ago, johnny said:

 

Out of curiosity how is that any different than Chief Architect?

I have a meeting to run to right now... but here is a link that might help you.

https://softplan.com/?page_id=699

59 minutes ago, TeamVilla said:

Yes, I'm looking for a cad program that operates from a cloud. So the person working with it doesn't have to have the program installed but uses it online and safes the project in the cloud. So he could basically log in on any computer and get straight to work!

The closest CAD I know of to do what you want is SoftPlan.  You can load the software on as many computers as you need to get the job done and then transfer your USB hardware key to the machine you want to work on... or buy multiple keys. 

One feature I like is the software tracks when a plan file is in use by someone so another user can't come in and accidently overwrite the file while another is using it.

All projects can be set so they will be automatically saved to the cloud.

The closest I could find is a Jenn Aire 42"

Do you have a backup of your work on a cloud drive?