buddy21

Thanks Chris! I will manually locate the beam and posts as you suggested. I thought maybe there was a way to do this within the deck tools, but I guess not. Thank you, sir.

I have opted for a simpler design that won't incur the expense of brick columns. I also changed the roof design so I wouldn't have that small strip of siding around top of roof. The next issue I've run into: When I design a lower deck that extends beyond the support posts of the upper deck, the support posts from the upper deck disappear. Mick - Thanks for the link. I will check that information as I run into further issues...sounds very helpful! I've tried searching ChiefTalk for my same issues but haven't been successful in finding what I'm looking for. Chris - Understood about the structural integrity. I will make sure wall framing will support deck once I get to the framing. This design is intended to be our retirement home. Will have to get an architect to "bless" the design once it's finished. I have a mechanical engineering background and have completed many home repairs over the years...just don't have any experience designing an entire home or using ChiefArchitect. Thank you both for the helpful input! I appreciate you taking the time to help out a "rookie". Kind regards, Steve

Kbird1 - Thanks for the tip regarding "Signature". Just getting started with Chief Architect software and trying to find my way. Perry H - I found where I could align the support posts manually to the ends of the beam but haven't found the setting that will move the beam and support posts away from the house (to align with roof support posts in plan view). Thank you for your help! Ryan - Thank you for the suggestion of using a molding poly line...I will give that a try. Also appreciate you pointing out my structural deficiency regarding 1st floor windows...will relocate windows accordingly once I get the 2nd story deck finalized. This is my 1st building design so still learning. Thank you all all taking the time to lend some advice!

Does anyone know the best way to align the deck support posts with the deck columns supporting the porch roof. Also, I would like to continue the gray brick design down to the ground. Any advice is much appreciated! Thanks, Steve

Hi Chopsaw, Here's a picture of the corrected beam after changing the "Gable sub fascia" from 5-1/2 inches to 3-1/2 inches. I've since changed the beam to white but for comparison I switched back to the wood. Thanks again for your help! You save me from wasting a bunch of time.

Hi Chopsaw, Thank you so much for the response! You're correct...both solutions worked for me. I opted for the "Gable sub fascia depth change" to preserve the height of siding above the entry door trim. I am very grateful for your help! Kind regards, Steve

I'm trying to create a covered porch using the railing tool. I'm using the Post to Beam feature, but can't seem to get the roof alignment correct. Any advice would be much appreciated!