joey_martin

I use TEMPLATE methods. My plan and layout templates are set up to handle 90% of the homes I am generally asked to design. I open Chief, click NEW PLAN and simply save it with a client name and have at it. I like the nice, clean, blank templates to work from, though, I do have general notes and various schedules already populated and ready to go.

Click just outside your exterior walls and form an exterior polyline. That should give you the square footage you are asking for. BTW..Chief/HD Pro don't know how to lie or to be inaccurate. They simply report to you the information in the model. The square footage, when turning on the LIVING AREA label is accurate to the way Chief reports it, which should be to exterior of the framing layer, minus garages, stairwells on floors above, and open to below spaces unless you tell Chief to report those items. You are overthinking the process and getting yourself flustered.

Paint Tool = BAD Wall Definition = GOOD I, personally, try to avoid the paint tool unless absolutely needed. It simply changes the way something "looks" without giving you the true material definition you need, especially if you are using the materials list.

I reply with a fee proposal of $10,000,000 with the first $3,500,000 due immediately in the form of cashiers check only. They usually don't reply.

Just draw it. Besides, it needs to match your plumbing layout otherwise, what's the point.

If you can see it in 3D view but can't select it, then the layer is locked for that views layer set. Unlock it.

Is the layer locked? Can you see it while in 3D mode? Can you see it in plan view?

That's your first problem. Yes. Otherwise just use 2D CAD or pencil and paper. I have created orders from the material list. In fact, as a "proof" one of my homes is currently under construction and we are comparing the take off from the supplier to the materials list Chief generated and we are pretty much right on the money. Chief DOES NOT account for waste, so you need to add a % to the number, but for roofing, siding, sheathing, sub-flooring, flooring, etc...we are right on.

Does your framing have a material assigned to it? Also, there are separate layer sets for all the camera views. Just because it shows in plan view does not guarantee is will show in a camera view.

Always, always, always leave auto foundation on until you have to turn it off for some cleanup or final adjustments. Makes life sooo much easier.

Go to floor 0 and set the slab height there.

Turn the layer on.

With all due respect, you're using the wrong software for a building like that. Can it be done? Absolutely. Will you like the results? Ehhh... Will it be more work and trouble than it's worth? Most likely. Will it be easy to share with engineers and the like so that it will make proper sense based on construction technique? NO.

There is a tool in layout that will make sure all your views are up to date. Layer/Anno sets are the best way to control lineweights and text size. I have a 1/2" anno set (now default sets) so that I don't have to keep changing anything. Just click the anno set and it's done.

I have done some with color as well...just not sure I'm a fan of they way they print.

I send live, vector views. Play with your line weights and see if that helps.

Not for everyone. I, for one, can make that beam in about 2 minutes in CA, 2 days in Sketchup...if I'm lucky..

I also can't replicate it. Do you have Autoroofs on? I do for this.

What he is talking about is when he selects the wall detail for that interior wall, he wants it to include the part of the exterior wall that is attached to it. Chief won't do that as they are different walls. It could be done I suppose. Use one single wall type over the entire plan and add the veneers using a material region, then manually do the foundation and roof. Too much work for me.

I think....not 100% sure...but what they are talking about is that the "vector pdf" is scale able. In other words, when they look at the file they need to be able to zoom in and out without losing clarity. They need to be able to view everything. Chief will do that. Send them a file and see if that is what they need.

The front wall may have the main layer reversed or set up wrong. Look like the inside of the wall is marked as the "to foundation" layer. Or, you have an offending invisible attic wall throwing everything off.

Here...

Are you talking about in the library, or when you take a section cut and hit the auto detail button?

oops

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