CharlesVolz

Is there a loyal customer discount or are you going to a subscription format? 

On 6/20/2022 at 11:13 AM, kylejmarsh said:

Horizontal windows in otherwise traditional designs are jarring and technically incorrect, especially in a gable-dormer like shown below. Look how splitting this one helps make the entire house much better. So remember to split your transoms into multiple windows, or at least add 'grilles' to them so they are legible from a distance.

 

Thanks for your post Kyle!

Quite an improvement, but not quite there yet.

I submit that the overall shape is still the same horizontal yuck. Also, the individual panes are too square. I would suggest that 3 separate windows with a taller aspect ratio be used, or that this effect is accomplished on the cheap by adding much wider "muntins" to look like "mullions".

To stir the pot, I have attached an short article I wrote on the subject of window aspect ratios.

Window Aspect Ratios.pdf

Those newly required countertop outlets are great! Now I don't have to bend over to plug in my vacuum cleaner! 

2 hours ago, Gawdzira said:

No more outlets below the countertop level!

Crazy...

Thanks Alan!

So kids will tripping over longer extension cords with mixers, blenders, etc. raining down on them.

4 hours ago, robdyck said:

I'd get a larger backup drive before I started stripping files; if you need to re-use those plan files, it's nice when they are as complete as possible.

Agree!

Online storage is cheap. That is where I would suggest you backup.

Post the plan file and tell us what program/version you are using.

39 minutes ago, VHampton said:

This is just a caution on assuming risk, which you don't want and shouldn't have to take on - merely to benefit your client. The waiting period is not within your control, and this should not be a burden placed squarely on you. If something goes wrong with the project, are you willing to assume the cost and nightmare of having to remediate an issue? 

 

Don't do it on your own even if you have the know-how. Your client should be respectful of that. You will also thank yourself later in case anything happens like a once in a blue moon windstorm and the house experienced some lateral movement.

Agree! Furthermore, there may be additional liability if you are not licensed as an engineer or architect by the state where the building is to be constructed.

2 hours ago, Chopsaw said:

Looks like you are very close and just need  to set the units in General Cad Defaults.

Set you ceiling plane inside wall heights to match your rough ceiling height (or visa versa).

I would also align your ceiling plane baselines correctly, or at least the same relative to the walls they rest on.

Here is the old thread where this was discussed.

1 hour ago, Richard_Morrison said:

There is usually a step down into the garage. Swinging the door into the garage then would be a code violation in this instance.

This has been discussed here before. I think it should be a provision of the IRC but was not at that time. It could be a provision of the CRC. Richard, please educate me on that one. Thanks.

2 hours ago, Greg_NY61 said:

Upload a plan if you can, IMO this should be framed differently.

Ditto

Here is the latest ANSI Z765 I have which is 2021.

ANSI Z765-2021 - SQUARE FOOTAGE print.pdf

I am a creative designer 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 am a member of the American Institute of Building Design ("AIBD"), which provides quality continuing education to ensure its members remain current with technology, materials and building codes. AIBD holds its members to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.

I utilize the latest technology like GoToMeeting to work with customers live online and OBS Live 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 X11, X12, X13 and X14 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.
 

Bought several over the years. All good.

Are you seeking remote work or local? Meet with clients "in person"? If so, please state your location.

3 hours ago, solver said:

You can select the Exterior Room, use the Make Living Area Polyline tool (Edit toolbar) to create a polyline automatically.

Select garage and do the same thing.

On 12/1/2021 at 12:40 PM, kylejmarsh said:

Thanks great suggestion.

 

I've long been a proponent for 'left-hand only' hotkeys for the most part - placing all the most-used tools in the easiest keys. So my index finger 'F' opens up whatever is selected and brings up the dialog box. All home-row on left hand is most useful stuff. I never make any crazy reaches or hard combinations it's all there on my left hand, so I can keep the right hand on the mouse. Hope that makes sense.

Yessir!

On 12/1/2021 at 2:03 PM, Kbird1 said:

Windows 10 , has a Keyboard management Option in the PowerToys Microsoft has now brought back via Github

it also has a Handy Color Picker with RGB/Hex number etc and a Image Resizer ( by Brice Lambert) which I

have used for years but was brought back into PowerToys a year or 2 ago.

Thanks!

On 11/26/2021 at 12:20 PM, ACADuser said:

https://www.autohotkey.com/

If you want to automate more on your computer, then AutoHotkey is something you need to download. It's a custom scripting tool that let you define your own commands, making it as useful as whatever you can dream up.

 

 

A few tools you may also be interested in.

https://www.makeuseof.com/new-windows-pc-must-have-applications-to-install-first/

Thanks!

12 hours ago, rgardner said:

Then argument would lend to using a non professional program such as HD pro, or other drafting program as they are not the demographic that Premier or Interiors is aimed towards.

That is what I am thinking. If someone cannot justify the cost because they are not using it enough for professional work, then why don't they use HDPro? And how do people stay proficient in such a capable but complicated software.

You can also cut (Ctrl+X) and paste and hold position (Strl+Alt+V).

Really valuable Dave!

1 hour ago, Ryan_McAllen said:

Hey Folks,

 

I've changed to outer surface and now instead of being off by 2 5/8" I'm off by 1/2" for some reason. It's closer but not quite a cigar yet. Thank you for all your help thus far.

Please post the plan with your walls drawn.

2 hours ago, DRyeHD said:

1) Should I give a builder sole rights to a design?

No. That means that you could not sell that plan to others or build it yourself. You could be in future litigation with that same builder over various aspects of the design.

I say this knowing that a builder is not going to make you rich enough to be worth it.

Howdy Mike,

The best thing to do is post the plan.

Maybe:

1. Different rooms have different ceiling height settings.
2. The roof is built manually or marked edited so that auto-rebuild will not change the roof height.
3. Etc...

Generally, CA works so that a wall will build to the height of the default setting unless it encounters a roof plane.

Best,

Charles