SteveNovato

Have you tried "Edit; Delete objects", then manual or automatic dimensions? It should give you a clean slate...

How about a cross section or elevation with the adjusted height, along with a plan note? I have been schooled (yelled at) by my engineer for 30+ years. My uneducated guess is that 1 foot of ceiling height will not change much of the engineers calculations... Steve

I have found that Excel works best for me. Print spreadsheet to pdf, them import pdf to Chief. When you update the spreadsheet (and again print to pdf) the pdf in Chief is automatically updated. So many ways to do the same thing! Steve

Each would need it own plan view. 'working plan view', 'working plan view 2nd floor', etc. For different layer sets I use the same method (electrical plan, electrical plan 2nd floor). Between the plan view and layer sets you can control the content on the layout sheet.

I believe that bedroom outlets are 12" max. spacing so no point in the room is farther than 6' from an outlet (NEC 210.52) I have never had much luck with auto placing outlets...not much help, just my $.02 worth

I use an Excel spreadsheet for my project data. It does the math as I have it set up. Obviously you can set it up for your needs. I print to pdf and import the pdf to my layout sheet. The convenient feature...if I make any changes to the spreadsheet, I again print to pdf and the document in the spreadsheet is automatically updated (as it references the particular pdf file). Project Data Worksheet.xlsx

Dermot, Thanks for the info. I think I have it now... Renerabbitt gave me direction, and my daughter told me to put the photos in Word and use the Word compression tool. I was able to insert four slightly larger photos into my layout with a total layout file size of under 12,000 kb. All I have to do is remember this trick for the next time!

That sounds like a genius idea! I will give it a try. Thank you

I have inserted iphone (jpeg) photos into my layout. Four photos, 4 1/2 x 6, have bloated the pdf of the layout file appx. 40,000KB. I have searched this forum and the internet for guidance and have not found what I am looking for. I have tried all of the options (PNG, Jpeg, reduced the quality to 50%, black & white, grayscale) and the photo file size is huge either way. As a last resort, I have reduced the size of the photo box on the layout and reduced the quality to whittle down the file size. I would like to know if other have this same experience with photos...or, am I doing something terribly wrong to cause this condition? Thank you, Steve Photo test.layout

Rob, There are so many variables here. It looks like a tough layout because of the angled wall and 'bump out'. I would guess that the bathroom door would open to the hall?? I usually start with the type/size of appliances the customer wants and place the sink, range and refer (then fill in from there). Sometimes, putting too much in a plan makes everything function poorly. If you are not pleased with the outcome on paper, you will not like the final result either. I know this is not what you requested...just my 2 cents worth on getting started. Steve

Joe, This is what I have used for many years...it works for stick famed and truss roofs (non-energy heel trusses). The insulation baffle is the note on the top right. Steve

I have tried this using polyline solids and manually shaping them, as well as changing the material. I don't think it is a great result and it is very time consuming...but it can be done! Steve Wall & Roof Layers.plan

It seems that the areas of buildings and lots most always differ, depending on the source. I use the following explanation in my 'building and zoning data'; FINISHED SQUARE FOOTAGE OF BUILDING CALCULATED USING ANSI METHOD WITH ASSESSOR MAPS AND DATA ALSO INTEGRATED. SQUARE FOOTAGE OF STRUCTURES, OR LOT SIZE, MAY VARY AND ARE NOT GUARANTEED. I have never had a plan kicked back for a minor discrepancy in these numbers...yet! Steve

This really clears things up for me! I spent over an hour recently, trying to place the stucco color on adjacent wood siding...YouTube, forums, etc. all to no avail. It seemed to me that something so simple would obviously be user error. I have been vindicated! Thank You

Aaron, Not sure if this is what you are asking, but...I agree with Greg. As a contractor for 30 years I have found that the the electrical design has to be adjusted as soon as the wall & ceiling finish is removed. It is easy to make ceiling lights symmetrical on a plan, but quite another story when the electrician is working around framing, HVAC, etc. Also, a good electrician will want to do it his or her own way, and I value their expertise. I usually provide a design for the permit with notes to allow changes to fit job conditions. This also accounts for last minute changes by the homeowner. We work in some insanely picky jurisdictions and I have never had an inspector say that the light or plugs don't match the plan...as long as it is to code! As for the circuits, I use a simple line drawing. It keeps the electrical plan cleaner, and satisfies the plan checker. I have attached a fire rebuild of a small cottage. It has enough information and is also simple and easy to read. Again, if the city plan checker is happy, we are all happy. Steve