DavidJPotter

Everything you need to make customized electrical symbols already exists within Chief Architect Premier. You can easily customize the plan view symbols using the "CAD Block Management" tool and dialog, the appearance of the 3D aspect of such electrical symbols is less important than the 2D or plan view appearance. I suppose one could search and download symbols from 3D Warehouse but I have needed to do so except for larger electrical devices, not controls. Some of these Knowledge Base Help Articles may be of specific help to you: https://www.chiefarchitect.com/search/?q=customize+electrical+symbols DJP

After the fact, no actual suggestions. I have XP on my PC for antique software applications I still need to run. I have Windows 10 for modern applications that were designed to run on that platform. There is a free uninstall program offered by IOBIT called "Iobit Uninstaller" that does a more complete job of uninstalling applications (better than what is in the Control Panel). Version 18 (X8) is designed to run in Windows 10, 8 and 7, it may work in Vista but I am not sure, it was never designed to run in Windows XP. DJP

I think some persons here feel like another's opinion that differs from theirs is somehow a personal threat to their integrity. As I have said before, the purpose of this forum is to offer help in the here and now. This forum has a "Suggestions" forum for make suggestions for future change. Continuing to declare guilty the generality of Chief Inc or this forum and its users is just to impune a generality (everybody knows..., everyone feels...) there is no such entity as "everyone" there is only you and me. Using such tactics are merely the tools of unhappy persons. I speak only for myself and I am happy about Chief now and Chief in the future, especially if we ignore the naysayers and just get the job done now. DJP

How to solve problems using Chief Architect Premier can be posted here. Specific questions about sales options should be given to Chief Architect Sales. Welcome to our group! DJP

When you get intermittent loss of function, save-close and reboot Chief and see if that helps after reopening that plan. DJP

This forum is for Chief Architect users (not software programmers or Software Architects). Users are looking just for "What works and what does not work". There is an official way to request features (Suggestions) and to report bugs (Tech Support). Here We are mainly interested in the "here and now" (What can and cannot be done now). DJP

It is quite likely that the two houses will not have the same floor level to each other even if slightly different. I would create the terrain plane and then build house one, setting the terrain to house one. Then draw the first floor of house two setting its floor level to the terrain plane surface. Once that is done I would then finish house two with its custom floor level, adjusted ceiling heights and roof placements. The last time I did a multi structure development (nine buildings) I made ten plan files, exported each structure as a symbol and then imported those nine symbols into a terrain plane that matched the property. Each structure symbol had a different floor level on this property with connecting roads and parking lots. For two structures I do not thing this method is necessary but just mention it in passing. DJP

I started to make a video and then found that I would have to eat my earlier words. This should be submitted as a "Feature Request" because it is needed, I can think of some convoluted workarounds to get this done but the point is, they need to add some additional input box controls in the shape tab so this can be done using that dialog. DJP PS: Feature Request submitted

No You have to do a Full plan back up including the layout file AND if any image files or other files not specifically connected to the plan file or files they must be manually included OR embedded into the layout file and plan file, this has been true since Version 4 and is still true. Any other file attachments should be put in a CAD Detail Window before sending to layout, that way that type of file (PDF or image) will be sure to be included when transferring files using full plan back up. DJP

A work-around is to replace the walls (make them invisible) with custom slabs or poly-line solids which do not act like walls. Perhaps other will offer other solutions. DJP

You need to look some more, by using the "lower corner" input box you can do right away. Also read the Reference manual section about the use of that dialog and its input boxes. DJP

Check with Scott Harris, Chief VP for Sales. He his an excellent user and probably can put you onto something useful. DJP

Try a room Materials poly-line that includes the interior sheet rock. There is always more than one way to get data and results. It is explained in the Reference Manual, what is what, take a look. DJP

The hardware is adjustable via the Cabinet Specification Dialog - Hardware tab. If you do not like the default "Swing indicators" you can turn that display layer off and make your own using 2D CAD tools. DJP

I specialize in helping other with Home Designer and Chief Premier via Go to Meeting. Details can be read here: http://djpdesigns.com/tutoring.html My hours are 11 AM to 7PM seven days a week DJP

When I have had this occur, I merely explode the dormer (after I have it properly sized and located), then I manually place a window or vent. Dormer objects before exploding are twitchy and delicate, it comes with using them, they have their own procedures and handeling. DJP

I use 2D CAD dashed lines to do that sort of thing, laying them out using the "Reference Display" DJP

Most permit authorities have websites where they post their requirements for plan submitting, take a look. I can help you with the 3D modeling but that does not make me a State licensed Structural Engineer, you will probably need one who is licensed in Illinois as well. DJP

I use several different versions of Chief and of Home Designer software (made by Chief Inc) and if I did not keep my files straight I would be in immediate difficulty (see attached image like Alan's) DJP

My successful experience is to merely fiddle with the "Hole in the roof, poly-line" until the unwanted artifact disappears, it is a matter of proper adjustment (proper is determined by the absence of the unwanted artifact). Your careful persistence is the key element. DJP

Import, explode and then repair the details. This sometimes happens to AutoCAD imports, sometimes it does not. I do not know what causes the variations but I just do what I must when it is important to use an AutoCAD created drawing. DJP

No DJP

Inspect what Shane did and fix what you have. We are not talking about "Rocket Science", just fix it and learn from how you fixed it. Sometimes there are tips and tricks but mostly it is just your personal intention for success that is most important, use it. DJP

I taught seminar classes from 2001-2005, all levels and the hardest thing about seminars is they are geared to the slowest attendees, so bright ones get board and the slow ones got too much attention. It is a hard job to keep everyone happy. You follow an outline over two days. Advanced classes were my favorite because they are basically class originated Q and A, so there is more individual interest. DJP

Here is a You Tube video of me looking over your posted plan and my thoughts on what you can do: https://youtu.be/I7Km1lgiyvc DJP