WesternDesign

We do it on every remodel. Personally, I think the laptop is the only way to go. We use the Leica-Disto-S910 (with the pro pack). It has worked great for us. For some basic topo and tree locate work we use the dxf function and import it into SketchUP. It would probably work to import the point data directly into Chief but we haven't tried it yet. We followed Charles' video (posted above) for how to directly input into Chief and we use that method for 85% of our as-builts, but there is so much more you can do with the S910. We haven't had any issues transferring dimension directly into Chief once it was set up. I also love the fact that I get to capture a picture of each shot (low quality) but that data comes in handy if you need to go back and confirm where exact you measured to. if you just want the measurements take a look at this video

Michael is correct. There is also secondary effect, tearing of the sheeting at the openings and the additional stitching (nailing) around the opening helps reduce this. this is also why the trimmers also need to be full length (sill to header). They primary reason for the code requirement is to replace the studs needed to resist the inward deflection. It is important to note that this is for the minimum required studs and not just what you have used. example: if the code minimum for structure was 2x4 studs at 24" o.c. but you have 2x6 at 16" o.c. then the requirement would change since you have already increased the structure's inward deflection strength. Back to racking... You can see the racking (and how the shtg rips away due to the fewer nails) in this video

I would also love to group items without making them a block. I use this function all the time in my other cad programs and sketchup and it is a great time saver.

+1 agreed

As I understand it, the Grade Level Marker is measured Relative to 1st Floor Subfloor. It is somewhat arbitrary as it is not tied to the location of the actual terrain. If you set it to 9' and your subfloor is 12" above that, you would think it will label the 1st Floor Subfloor at 10' but, according to the manual, Chief Architect always defines the default height of Floor 1 at 0’-0”. This height value is measured from the top of the subfloor and is the constant by which the heights of structural elements in the program like walls, floors, and ceilings are measured. The heights of architectural objects can be measured relative to this absolute height, as well. As such, this default cannot be changed.

+1

Like it has already been said; export the dwg and either try the cad to walls or trace over. I have however sent the full framing model to SketchUp for builders. They feel it is easier than Chief's viewer and they can pull measurements as well.

+1 I have been fighting with this as well.

I agree with you both, but if Chief could push harder in helping us produce better construction documents and productivity improvements over the "interiors" it sure wouldn't hurt my feelings. Chief is improving, but at the end of the day we first need to produce working drawings then second we can increase the wow factor during the design phase.

We move the dimensions to their own layers. Not auto but it works for us.

Great illustration Eric. I'm keeping this for reference.

+1

If you know the dryer model you can check its' specs. Some units have a stronger exhaust fans. The code allows you to use the manufacture's installation requirements, but I would still pass it by the building official to head off problems from the field inspectors.

I've had the same issue.

We use the Leica DISTO S910 Sometimes we use it like a tape measure. Sometimes we have it make dxf files for import. We also use it via bluetooth to a laptop running full Chief (not a tablet). Love it.

You can't over vent an unconditioned attic space (especially in snow regions). We vent every truss bay because we need every bay to have that "wash" on the bottom side of the shtg. to help prevent ice dams. In your warmer climate you probably could get away with every 3rd bay. (but I would still reccomend over venting) :-)

Chief may be smarter with the color mapping. When I export from another cad platform with white lines on a black background, it comes into chief as black lines. If i have black lines in chief they stay black in the dwg file.

+1 This would be a nice function "add".

Yeah, what Jonny said. It has taken a bit of time, but I would make the switch again.

You nailed it. The only thing holding me back on Intel is the extra $1k. Still haven't made up my mind.

I am building a pretty high-end machine but I'm using it for more than just Chief. Just started working out the details, but I will probably end up with either the Intel Core i9-7900X or the 16 core AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X (both are about $1k) W/ a GIGABYTE X399 AORUS mother board (at least two M2 s) (all drives will be SSD) I do photo & video editing and run Lumion so the video card is also important. I will be running 1 or 2 GeForce GTX 1080 Ti s (around $800 each). Water cooled cards and CPU. An over sized power supply. (overclock everything) So.... probably around $3,500 to $4k, but you can have a really fast machine for well under $3k. Don will really try and find you the best bang for your buck. My machine will primarily be an office work station but I also have all my machines "mining" cryptocurrency (bitcoin etc.) during the off hours. I am also setting up dedicated miners also thanks to the influence of one of my past clients. (He was an investment banker before retiring before his 40th birthday) Anyway, that is what I am doing.

You could also talk to Don over at Microsphere (Bend). He is putting a package together for me and we have gone over Chief's specs so he is aware of the system setup (Max cores and solid state everything :-) ) He has always been great to work with (for the last 27 years anyway).

I have to agree. From the point of real estate photography, it is more pleasing to the eye if the walls are vertical which requires that the camera be level (not looking up or down) so sometimes you need to raise or lower the eye ht to get the look. Give it a try and see what you think. I have learned more about how to compose a 3d rendering from photographers then render pros. You can watch the whole 10 minute video and see before and afters of great real estate photos but there is a mention of the distortion at 4:02 in the video. (this can be adjusted to a point before you render or just use Photoshop to correct the final image.

Sorry for the delay in responding. We have been busy with the spring home & garden show here. I was thinking we would take notes or record our next remodel (we have 2 more coming up very soon). I think it could help others with the process since we had trouble finding information on-line for the setup and best practices. I will keep you informed.

I agree. Very nice and I hope that we will have something like this for our office someday.