RL-inc

Guessing bug- one off deal- my computer is getting old- etc... but I opened a text dialog box and it won't close- just keeps popping back up open. It happened once before an I had to restart my computer. any ideas appreciated.

Handyman calculator is another great free app. Same features as above and much more. Rise run Concrete calc Siding calc Etc....

If you are really serious about CA I might suggest a good signature and profile on this forum. A solid reputation here along with those classes will be a great asset.

I think one of the things that made CA easier fro me to grasp was that I viewed it as just building a house- only in a different format. I never had any sort of formal AutoCAD training or similar experience to skew my perception of how design software was supposed to work. Not to say that I have it mastered by any stretch - but I just really open a new project and start building as I saw it in the field all those years.

I don't see having clients use CA- opens to door for too many headaches trying to teach someone how to use software that we have spent years working on. No way that ends up well. In general I don't have clients watch me work - too much wasted time on " what would it look like if we did this or that". I think the best way to approach it is to offer some different options that you have created and show them to your client in a controlled environment. Then get feedback- make revisions without client interference and meet again to discuss. As for CA ability to produce what you want- see attached for corporate approval rendering for Jenn-Air demonstration kitchen renovation we did.

I am guessing that you have the daily and roof unchecked in that room structure dialog. It may be seeing it as an island room and that may be causing the issue. Try making the open area on the left end void of any defining walls.

Try labeling the courtyard "court" which should have roofs and ceiling turned off by default. Open below only affects floor below not ceiling or roofs above.

Agreed with David. I had never used any computer design software before purchasing CA9 and found it very easy to generate basic floor plans and models. But as mentioned above it is professional design software with great capabilities that take years to master. I doubt you could find anyone on this forum that would say they don't learn some new feature or use for a tool no matter how experienced they are. All that said, CA ability to quickly change materials like cabinet colors, countertops, tile, etc....are great for showing clients different options.

Agreed with Eric....easy peasy

Perry I would say more qualified than many "licenced architects" that I have seen

Agreed Richard. I was not implying that one is an acceptable substitute for the other. Moreso i was trying to share that i have run into cases in the past where the designer drew pretty pictures that either could not be built or were incredibly inefficient with materials and money. Building experience on some level tends to bring a more realistic perspective to a project.

As i have mentioned on this forum many times before I spent most of my career in the field hands on building custom homes. One of the biggest factors in my moving into the design field was all of the projects that I had to explain to the architect why something would not work and then how to fix it. I am by no means trying to disrespect their formal education but I believe that as the provider of a projects design and the subsequent construction documents it is our ultimate responsibility to know that the design can be built as drawn. If you cannot do that you should not offer the service regardless of how you got into the profession.

Regarding the materials issues with your clients this is why I never offer any color views until we gave the design settled on. Too much focus on materials and colors and no progress made on the actual design of the project.

The water color view looks great for a CD cover page. I use tech illustrations but will try WC for sure.

X9 for me. First design software and computer. Spent the previous part of my career in the field running framing crews and contracting jobs. The marriage of the 2 along with the help of this forum have evolved into a great business.

Can be used for all required CD details

Simpson makes some great hanger options for that situation as well.

I have had situations where I have needed say a 6" wall segment to be separated from the larger wall line but still want the same wall type. Granted - not often- but it comes up occasionally.

Interesting- so what is the way of defining minimum wall length now? Or is there one?

If you want to be proficient with manual roofs you better learn how to use them

There is a min wall length setting. Not at my computer to see where it's at right now.Maybe a quick search.

Not that this is related to the CA portion but regarding materials lists- I would be careful. I not only design quite a few remodel but build them out and the one thing I can tell you with 100% certainty is that there is nothing certain about the exact amount of materials required in them. you can never be sure what's behind those walls- under those floors - above those ceilings- until the demo is done. I am sure you can get close but a disclaimer to your builder might be a good idea.

Agree with David- somewhat..... By your post it looks like you have pretty good bones in your rig now and the clean sweep may do the trick... but I may not be seeing the whole picture- and I am by no means a tech guy.

Viki- Not sure who you have been talking to But I use High Desert Computers in Redmond- can't even imaging he'd be anywhere near that kind of $$$$ for a clean install. DM me if you want more info.

Agreed with all of the above- industry standards. common studs lengths: 88 5/8" 92 5/8" 104 5/8" Then add 4 1/2" for plates creates rough wall height.