robdyck

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  1. robdyck
    Robert, it didn't look like anyone got back to you on this, but typically you'd control this using the material definition. In elevation view, just use the 'rainbow' tool (Adjust Material Definition) and there you'll be able to find the pattern color and line weight options.
  2. robdyck
    Have you found anyone yet? I can do it. Send me a PM if you'd like to discuss it further.
  3. robdyck
    British Columbia is probably pretty close to California type requirements. Alberta is 10 years behind BC.
  4. robdyck
    I absolutely agree with you. It was a statement related only to how I earn a living, nothing philosophical or political.
  5. robdyck
    Legislation creates opportunity. Makes one appreciate every time the code gets a bit more complicated.
  6. robdyck
    To show the pickets, remove the solid white fill. The rail is on top of the pickets so you can't see them.
  7. robdyck
    I'm not sure Chief has ever been able to 'break' the stairs around a wall like that. You'll probably need to pull the stairs over the wall, and then use a p-solid to show the full height portion of the wall. You can move the full height portion of the wall to display in draw order 21 to cover the stairs in plan view. Also, uncheck winders. And no "railing at wall" on the left.
  8. robdyck
    That's weird topical timing. I was just discussing almost that same idea with my wife yesterday. My fee structure is too detailed and while it has served me well, it prevents me from quickly quoting a project. Also, I'm losing on the high end homes but I make way more (per hour) on builder basic homes even with a thorough fee schedule that was designed to deal with the extra architectural demands of high end clients and the additional time in meetings. I struggle with finding the right formula. Everyone wants to see 3D but no one wants to pay for it. Also, the high end homes are always pushing the limits of the building code and require much more time in code review, something clients (builders or homeowners) have little appreciation for or understanding of the amount of time and effort it consumes. Thanks for bringing that topic up. Certainly helpful advice.
  9. robdyck
    I used a vertical cylinder to represent the fixture base. And I set the pendant to an offset of -2".
  10. robdyck
    Edward, do you bother with adjusting the light fixture display to 'sit' correctly on the sloped ceiling? Just wondering if it's a necessary level of accurate modeling for showing your client? You could set the pendants to be higher, then use a different symbol overlaid in the same location as the pendants to represent the fixture base. That might be a bit quicker than making a new symbol. Just thinking out loud about how I'd do it if I had to...
  11. robdyck
    That answers that. I figured it would be compliant with your local codes and my comment was more of a curiosity than 'advice'. I was curious though so I did a quick search and I have to admit, it doesn't get as cold as I would've expected in NY. The insulated water line used to be acceptable (by some) where I live. Especially when magical spray foam was used!
  12. robdyck
    Pot filler on an exterior wall? Summertime use only I assume.
  13. robdyck
    In Canada, it'd be fair to say that the full price for Chief X10 Premier is equal to a month's salary. The annual fee for SSA is relatively similar to 1 monthly payment on a car loan. Lots of room for interpretation there but it's a starting point.
  14. robdyck
    Hmm...I can't think of too many small businesses that can be started for under 10K. You can start a drafting business for literally the price of the software, a fairly basic laptop, and a business license. But of course the expense is relative to the income you can generate and do operate a home design / drafting business, you wouldn't have to have any other software unless you chose to. Perhaps it'd make sense to compare it as a percentage to your potential annual income. What does an average draftsperson earn in Spain?
  15. robdyck
    Generally speaking, the floor truss should connect directly to the sill plate. Every additional and unnecessary connection weakens the lateral support provided by the floor truss to foundation connection. This may be addressed in the applicable building code.
  16. robdyck
  17. robdyck
    Here's the jpg. Really simple. I usually set the size to around 200" give or take and a Gretzky transparency level.
  18. robdyck
    He's gonna need a helmet when he tries to peek over the edge!
  19. robdyck
    Besides, shouldn't that kid be wearing a helmet or a leash?
  20. robdyck
    Good eye Michael. Diminishing pickets looked gross, so I used a tempered glass panel. It doesn't show up well in that rendering, but it's really well noted in the construction drawings!
  21. robdyck
    The window reflections are all my own trickery; my own glass material with a texture applied. Re: lighting; that's a good question. I had an "added light" in the room which was still on. I place one in each room because I don't usually show any light fixtures. Later, I threw in the recessed lights to show the client.
  22. robdyck
    Hey Doug, Here's a fairly simple method: In elevation view, draw a polyline the size of the window directly over the window. Turn on "polyline labels" and use your newly created macro as the label. Depending on your settings, you may need to create a new text style for that label and of course I'd suggest giving this polyline it's own layer, or placing it on the 'window' layer. I use this all the time to help me with my glazed opening calculations. I have macros that will display the area in metric and / or imperial.
  23. robdyck
    A recent project; All PBR
  24. robdyck
    Here's a couple that might be close examples...the bedrooms are with a watercolor, the main floor with a vector view.
  25. robdyck
    To correct this you'll need to do a workaround like using 'faces'. I just finished a project with timber frame trusses in a room that are visible from both side. The texture that is angled for the diagonal members of your timber frame truss will only appear correct on the face that you made them for; that is to say on your example 'good' it will be reversed on the opposite side. Like you said Johnny, we need to be able to 'explode' in order to get the correct materials on each face. This 'exploding' function applies to many things and could work to various levels. I ended up using 'faces' to get my timbers correct where the client could see all side in my renderings. I only did this because the scale of the project afforded me the luxury of wasting time like that. On a smaller plan, I can't afford the workaround.