CharlesVolz

21 minutes ago, Planstech said:

Not presently. But I may need to get back in the industry. Just trying to figure out if I should stay with my Chief X4, or upgrade to X15, or move to Revit. 

I'm leaning towards staying with X4.

Stay with cheap/free until you need better to make money.

10 minutes ago, robdyck said:

In response to some of the earlier conversation in this topic; While in some ways a sloped garage floor modeled accurately may seem trivial, when designing an accessible home with an attached garage and a zero-threshold concept, the accurate modelling of the garage floor and exterior sidewalk slopes are critical. These calculations shouldn't be left for trades to make on site.

I appreciate that you'd take the time to submit a comprehensive suggestion, Charles!

Railing control on a per edge basis (like landings) would also be helpful to add to your suggestion.

Got it!

On 10/17/2023 at 3:24 PM, rlackore said:

Chief doesn't have a function to slope a slab, so you'll need to roll your own. Possible solutions are: polyline solid; or a ramp applied to the top of a flat slab (or floor). I'm sure there are other methods.

It would be nice if CA would improve/expand the ramp feature or combine its features with slabs so that we could:

1) shape/angle all four the sides

2) create complex curves (or join ramps to create them)

3) have material layers (like roofs & floors)

4) be used as a terrain feature

5) include arrows showing downward slope and amount of slope (by length) with number and size controlled in DBX (like revision clouds are)

I do not know if I would use it for subtle slopes like garage floors but it would be great for getting the terrain looking better adjacent to buildings, especial at porches, entries, garage overhead doors, etc.

Any additional ideas before I send this in as a request?

59 minutes ago, rlackore said:

Possible solutions are: polyline solid; or a ramp applied to the top of a flat slab (or floor).

And/or just a ramp by itself, a roof or ceiling plane and my favorite . . . an arrow with a note.

2 hours ago, Ed_Orum said:

I did not know about the double click.  Thanks so much!

 

or Alt-click

On 10/4/2023 at 11:13 AM, moreauj said:

When I change the ceiling height in one room, some adjacent rooms change to the same height as well but others don't.

It may be that walls of rooms on floor above need to be aligned with walls on the subject floor. Otherwise, raising a room's ceiling will push the floor platform of the room above upward and that room above may be above other rooms.

I have availability coming up to start new projects.

11 minutes ago, RobUSMC said:

usually we use  iPad 12” pro with the Good Notes

I have a 10" Samsung Tab and just wondering if that is large enough for sketching with GoodNotes in the field for as-builts.

On 7/19/2023 at 7:36 AM, RobUSMC said:

I use an app called GoodNotes5. 

Rob,

That sounds good.

What do you use that on in the field? Laptop, tablet? How large of screen?

Best,

Charles

Here is something that I worked up for a client recently. I hope that it may help someone.

Best,

Charles

Terrain - Copy, Paste, Move, Rotate - Notes & Layerset.pdf

Aging in place: I am doing a lot of 1 1/2" steps and some with flared "ramps" at the door so that they are not trip hazards and can accommodate future wheelchair use.

I use a 1 /12", 3 1/2", 5 1/2" etc. drops so they can be formed without ripping standard lumber.

17 hours ago, Kbird1 said:

The Structure TAB CS is NOT a true representation of the actual Model , it is used to Reference Heights only as a general rule, it is best to cut your own Back clipped Section

Very good point!

Here is how I did it:

Foundation Wall with a Joist Lug Using a Pony Wall:
1.    Set you basement defaults (Floor 0 Defaults) for the basement “floor elevation” and the “stem wall height” desired. 
2.    Set your foundation defaults to “Hang 1st Floor Platform Inside Foundation Walls”.
3.    Create a pony wall with the desired “upper and lower wall types”, ”elevation of lower wall top” and “align pony wall” at “main layer outside”.
4.    Add a wall cap to the size of the sill using the horizontal offset to position it correctly. (CA will automatically place it over the top of the lower Pony Wall.) Change the wall cap material to treated lumber or as desired.
5.    Use a CAD Cross Box in elevation to detail the sill.

I am a creative designer and an expert in Chief Architect 3D Design software who has acquired unique experiences and perspectives from my collection of work as a designer and builder. I have degrees in structural engineering (BS Rice University) and architectural engineering (MS University of Texas at Austin) and have planned, designed, developed and built various, diverse projects over my 30-year plus career.
 
I utilize the latest technology to work with customers live online and to record "how-to" videos for builders, designers and DIYers instructing home design using Chief Architect. I offer design assistance and training for beginners to intermediate using Chief Architect versions X10 to X15 and design assistance for all newer Home Designer products. I have worked with homeowners, builders, designers and architects from all over the U.S., Canada, New Zealand and England.

I offer money-saving proficient design assistance as well as expert training in Chief Architect. I am available to design your home from concept to working drawings, assist you in learning Chief Architect and/or improve your existing home design. 

Whether you need a home designer or just a few hours of training, I can accommodate you. Call me at 210 744-7489!

Thank you in advance,
Charles

https://www.chieftutor.net/symbols-page-4.html 

ChiefTutor.com Page 4 of Symbols

Also, make sure it is re-framing, i.e., auto frame roofs is on or manually select roof plane(s) and select frame.

5 hours ago, VHampton said:

 

Just a casual observation... but the bots are getting smarter. 

 

A good indicator is usually a first post... no signature... and friendly banter.

 

 

 

 Good catch!

1 hour ago, willgrantii said:

quickly produce plans?

Most of us had unrealistic expectations when we started with CA. It takes a while to learn enough to generate a detailed set of plans. Getting some training will speed up the learning curve tremendously. Welcome aboard!

18 minutes ago, willgrantii said:

what am i doing wrong

1. Not posting the plan. 

2. Not having a signature on the forum showing us your CA version. 

1st guess: make sure room structure tab has roof over this room checked...

Try turning off your grid snaps to avoid competing snaps.

Mad scientist at work!

I really enjoy your talent and ability to utilize CA in ever way imaginable! Good job! And thanks for always sharing!

Defaults are for that plan only. Preferences are program-wide.

48 minutes ago, Rpadge said:

Hi Debra, I think I have seen this before. Have you tried adjusting the ceiling height of the porch? Maybe lower it a couple of inches?

Yessir. If your roof plane is cutting the front railing wall and stopping it from achieving the ceiling height; and the side walls are continuing up to ceiling height.

Look at your beam size in your railing wall.

Or grab "same wall type" handle on your front railing wall and extend over each side railing wall.

And/or post the plan. (Sounds like you did the first two suggestions.)