Joe_Carrick

You should probably ask your client what version of Chief the Plan was created in. It could be a later version of Chief X8 or even X9. To open the Plan you will need to use the same version.

I have written a program (using Ruby) that can do simple member sizing but it can't handle multiple spans, cantilever or point loads because Chief doesn't provide any "Nodes" for locating the supports or point loads. OTOH, it does provide a good starting point to identify potential depth problems and give initial sizes - but they still need to be checked for any special conditions.

I should note here that I'm not going to demo editing any of my macros in videos. If I do that I might as well just give them away. A comprehensive system like this one took a lot of time to program and debug. Instructions for how to add layer names - the only thing that needs to be done - is provided with the package.

Adding a new area is simple: Create a new Polyline Edit the layer to one of the predefined layers Add the macro %Areas% to the Polyline Label. The macros in the RTB will automatically respond according to the Layer Name. Property LineStyles and Setback LineStyles are recognized for those areas. Layers containing PROPERTY and SETBACK are recognized for those areas - either will work.. Layers containing 1ST FLR, 2ND FLR, 3RD FLR, 4TH FLR or .1 .2 .3 .4 are considered "Habitable" Layers containing GARAGE are naturally considered to be "Garages" and are a part of Lot Coverage Layers containing 1ST FLR or .1 are also considered a part of Lot Coverage. Layers containing DECK, WALK, DRIVEWAY, PORCH or SLAB are considered as "Impermeable" along with the Lot Coverage layers. Permeable is calculated as Property - Impermeable FAR is calculated as Habitable/Property Macros included are: %Areas% ---------- placed in the Label of a Polyline adds the name and area to a Hash Table %Areas Property% %Areas Setback% %Areas Buildable% %Areas, List Habitable% ---- This includes the Total %Areas, List Impermeable% -- This includes the Total %Areas Permeable% ---------- Calculated & Displayed %Areas, List Lot Coverage% - This includes the Total %Areas Lot Coverage% ------- Calculated & Displayed %Areas FAR% ---------------- Calculated & Displayed What did I miss? OH, I know - if you want to use a name that doesn't conform to the above, You just have to add that layer name in one line of the macro (only 5 possible) where you want it to be included in the calculations.

Yes, I just need to export the Layer Set and Annoset and add a short set of instructions. I'll send it to you tonight.

Scott, I don't understand what you are asking for that I didn't show in the video. All of those calculations were shown and there's nothing you need to change in the macros.

Scott, Most of what you ask for is already in the package. Property Area Buildable Area .....(inside Setbacks) Setback Area .......(Property-Buildable) Habitable Area .....(Total of all Floors) Lot Coverage .......(Total named 1ST FLR + Garages)/Property FAR ......................(Habitable/Property) ---- additional areas can be added to the FAR calc. Impermeable ........(Total named 1ST FLR + Garages + Driveways + Walks + Decks + Porches + Slabs, etc.) There are only a 4-5 macros that might need additional named areas added (1 line per macro) and that's only if you use layer names that don't follow my predefined format. You might want to watch the video again to see what's included.

Video of the EASIEST TO USE Site Area Analysis Package.   This macro package includes a Layer Set and an Annoset plus all the macros needed.

Here is the video of the Site Area Analysis macro package

I am 100% in agreement with Richard. Chief even has a Template "CAD Block Template" specifically designed for Details at 1"=1'. I've personally prefer 1/2"=1' for most details. IAE, after creating a detail on "Level 1", I copy/paste it to a new CAD Detail Window which I name with the title I want. Most of my details are pre-sent to Layout from these "Detail Plan Files" Then if I modify a Detail it is automatically updated in all Layouts. Also, when the Layout is opened, it provides a way to directly accessing the Detail for editing just by double clicking on the Layout Box.

What Chief Architect product/version are you using?

Once you've switched to Panels, you still have to select the Cable in Newels/Balusters > Panels > Library.

Mark's method is what I've been using for about 4-5 years.

OK, I see what you want. It just may be too fine a distinction for Chief. IOW, a manual CAD Detail may be the only workable solution - at least until CA has nothing else to do

Gene, What is the Wall Type. The outside of the Newels should align with the position of the "Main Layer" of the Wall Type.

You have a header on the Door Opening but not for the Windows. I would check the following: Window Heights Window Defaults for Window Framing. It's also possible that they got edited to a different Layer or even deleted. If so, you can just re-build the Wall Framing. Posting the Plan would allow us to find the problem rather than just guess.

I'm pretty sure they get created on the Current CAD Layer. While you can set this manually, it's easier if you use the Annoset to take care of it.

Look in California We have at least that many. There are also some in Chicago.

It will not appear in the Schedule.

This is one that I've requested also. A Garage Door is not always a standard overhead - sometimes it's a roll-up. One way to deal with this is to use a "Hinged Door" and "Show Closed". The OIP Fields in X9 along with modifying the Label can make this work fairly well.

Depends on what you want. I pretty much use the Wall Types line_weights - except for framing plans, etc where I turn that off and use a lighter line weight as a background for the framing members.

What software do you have?

Note that there are 3 layers that can control the line_weight of walls: Walls, Exterior - only effective when Walls, Layers is not displayed. Walls, Interior - only effective when Walls, Layers is not displayed. Walls, Layers - uses the line_weights assigned in the Wall Type Definition.

Larry, Make the Half Wall "No Room Definition". That should eliminate the problem of no Crown Molding on the back of the Cabinet. As far as the difference between Crown and Cornice ...... In Chief it really doesn't matter. You can combine several moldings on a Cabinet or you can combine several moldings to create a new molding profile.

After all that and I still didn't even get a rep point.