DavidJPotter

The "Z" axis height of roof planes is equally as important as the roof plan done in 2D. To really repair this roof system thoroughly, I would have to have the elevations pages which you did not provide. The Join Roofs tool will not change any roof pitches only the joining geometry. 2D draftspersons are not infallible and once in a while make mistakes but in your case I think the Z axis settings of some of your roof planes is throwing off slightly they way the look in plan view (Fascia top height, baseline height, pitch are equally important relative to roof design, not just 2D) DJP

No, but call Tech Support to see if they can help. DJP

The last time I had a problem with Chief crashing was in Version 8 and that was caused by a bad mouse driver, once fixed, no more crashes. Call Tech Support to see if they can help you. DJP

Contact Vince Kunasek, vince@vincekunasekdesign.com, 9629 Redick Ave., Omaha, NE 68122 Phone. 402-315-9996 He sells plans. DJP

Home Designer Architectural imports .dxf files only. Your Architect can export from AutoCAD .dwg which you cannot use or in .dxf format which you can import and sketch over with 3D tools in Architectural. That is what you should do: ask your Architect for .dxf files which you can use. DJP

It is usually done like your posted detail in 2D CAD rather than 3D. It can be done in 3D but why would one do that when it is easier to do wholly in 2D? In terms of 3D you just manually edit the framing and I suppose you could create a poly-line solid for the stem walls and footing. I consider doing that a waste of my time when the usual convention is purely 2D. DJP

Interiors does not do terrain or landscaping but you can draw a custom slab or series of slaps to emulate terrain or upgrade to Premier which does have these abilities natively. I suppose you could download a free version of Sketch Up and create a terrain plane construct to import into Interiors but I would do that only if I am very enterprising indeed! DJP

https://3dlibrary.chiefarchitect.com/index.php?r=site/library&search=&x=0&y=0&x=true&soft_family_2=2&hid_soft_family_2=2&utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign= and https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/?hl=en Have at them! DJP PS: you also need to take the time to learn how to operate the software in detail by dedicated study followed by practice sessions to verify your study

The main difference between Chief and Home Designer Pro is that Pro allows only one .layout file per printed page limited to a max paper size of 18" x 24" paper, so if you want to print five pages, you make five layout files. Page numbering is of course done manually. Each page requires it's own title block (there is no "Page "0" in Pro). Otherwise they operate the same and have similar dialogs. DJP

The surveyor should be able to export a graphic .dwg file that can be opened in regular AutoCAD, that is the kind of file I referred to in my earlier post. You do not need a text file or other specialized file other than a plain graphic, 2D .dwg file. That is the type of file I prefer as the other file types either produce too complicated a 3D object in Chief that most PC's cannot easily show per second in a camera view. DJP

What you first need to do is to Read the Users Guide so you know how the program is programmed to work and in what sequence. The Search your Reference Manual for the section on Layouts and study followed by practice that section which fully answers your posted questions. You will never really learn how to use the program until you are willing to dedicate yourself to study followed by practice. DJP

I prefer Sketchfab, all your client need do is to click on a hyperlink. DJP

He (the original poster) asked how to straighten out the main ridge. I answered the question regardless of collateral considerations. You either change your design of the exterior walls to produce a simpler roof geometry or you make the roof geometry conform to your fixed ideas of rightness. DJP

I never directly import and convert such files as they tend to make an unnecessarily complicated Terrain Plane that most personal computers cannot display in 3D due to the unnecessary high count of 3D faces. What I do is to import the file and just just it to trace over with a reduced number of elevation objects, using only as many as I need to get a useful topo modulation. You import the dwg or dxf file, make sure it is scaled properly (to 1' = 1' which is the native scale within Chief) and then do the tracing setting the height value per terrain object from data shown in the topo file import. DJP

Johnny did as I suggested in my post, that is the only workable solution, try it. DJP

Each Pony Wall has a dialog box where you can make such changes per wall instance. DJP

Please feel free to contact me if you require Chief Architect help, I am not a Structural Engineer or Architect, otherwise, I can help DJP

That is the reason I do not use that tool, if you want them the same, then manually make them the same. DJP

I did a You Tube video of me working on smoothing out your ridge into a single ridge (this is one way to do it): https://youtu.be/cmYjOGWleII DJP

I have one Samsung 27" and one old Compack 19", when it dies, I intend to get a second 27" monitor. "Best" is what you decide to have for yourself DJP

Mark and Chopsaw both illustrated what I was talking about, it is really not complicated enough for a video IMHO. DJP

The geometry of your floor plan determines where the ridge occurs. Simplify your floor plan to simplify the roof geometry. In some cases the pitches will play a part in where and how ridges then appear. DJP

When a room is designated "Open Below" on each floor will the stairs then show through. You might also have the change the "fill" for each stair which would tend to occlude the stairs above and below that stair object. DJP

Layer sets and a layer display dialog for that layer set is only half of a solution. You should FIRST select Plot Plan Annotations which automatically then selects Plot Plan Set so any changes you then make are made only in the Plot Plan Annotations and Plot Plan Layer Set. You should, if you have not already, study the Reference Manual section on Annotation and Layer sets so that you understand how they work together to an efficient result. DJP

You use a default window with a lintel and sill added, then add a molding poly line at the top using a brick soldier course material sized to emulate the curved brick lintels. DJP