DavidJPotter

Yes, of course. Here are some help articles (Knowledge Base) that might help: http://www.chiefarchitect.com/search/?q=daylight+basement DJP

One's materials list is a direct reflection of how accurate your 3D model is. If your model (plan file) is carefully and accurately done from foundation to roof ridge then it will be a reflection of how much material will be needed in the field but if you took 3D shortcuts of any kind and did not carefully assign materials to objects then to that degree it will be inaccurate. You control the accuracy of your materials list by how carefully you create the plan file and nothing else. Most new users to not yet have the skill necessary to create an accurate 3D model (plan file), perhaps you are different. When I do a plan file for materials list, it usually takes me many hours longer than otherwise because the plan file must be checked, checked and checked again to make sure all is correct and you must know what is not correct from guesses. DJP

You manually draw the walls of the second floor over the garage, then manually do the new garage roofs or I suppose you could just autogenerate them. Make a copy of your existing plan and practice doing that until you get the hang of it. DJP

Mike illustrates what I often point out and that is that software does not "think". It is preprogrammed but in the end is merely a mechanical device that the end user operates through settings and procedures to obtain a result. It is then a matter of study and practice to then master the tool that is Chief Architect Premier. DJP

Preprogramming controls that, it is a limiting factor, I recommend you replace your wall with something you can more closely control just in that area (slabs, soffits, etc). DJP

Check out these Knowledge Base Help Articles: http://www.chiefarchitect.com/search/?q=layout+template DJP

Looks Great! DJP

Your second bedroom has no closet, otherwise I see nothing that requires attention. You do NOT need an Architect to finish, you have already do the Architecting yourself. You do need a structural Engineer Licensed in your State to design the foundation. DJP

Look under 2D CAD - Line tools - Sun Shadow, once that is created you have total control over the Sun and shadows. DJP

AutoCAD is by default 2D only, so imports will be 2D from AutoCAD. 3D DWG files can be converted to symbols in Chief Architect but they are, thereafter symbols, limited to the parameters of such objects. I find that importing a DWG (AutoCAD native) file can save time in that you import it and then trace over it with Chief's 3D tools. Used properly it can be a real time saver, just know the limitations of what you are working with. DJP

The original quality of the PDF file is a large factor. A grainy PDF, I agree is useless but the fault resides in the original document. I have used PDF and image imports for years with great success and time saved but only with high quality original documents. DJP

There are a couple of methods that one can use on Roof Planes: 1. you select the roof plan you want to alter-move and then select the "Transform-Replicate Dialog tool" where you can precisely move-copy or rotate the selected object 2. Using the Roof Plane dialog you can manipulate the values in the various input boxes to move or change a roof plane's height etc. Next time you try to attach a plan file or image be sure and finish the job by clicking on "Attach this File" command DJP

You can turn on and off 'Temporary Dimensions" (there should be an icon for that in the right hand toolbar) or you can turn them on or off under "View - Temporary Dimensions". DJP

No one would be happy with such performance. I looked up your video card and it is a good one which makes your complaints all the more vexing. Try updating your software video card drivers and see if that helps. You should also make a formal complaint to Tech Support for sure. I do hope you get it solved. DJP

Here is a You Tube video of me doing what I think you are asking about, forgive me if I missed the point of your question: DJP

Daniel, the hardest way to learn Chief Architect is while you are under pressure to complete a project. It is easier on you to first learn how to use the software and its many tools and settings on simple test plans and then apply your new earned skills to an actual project. In order to offer specific help, I need to better understand in detail, what you are doing-trying to do. DJP

The "Edit Layout" tool is for adding and subtracting lines produced by the 3D model. LInes drawn manually using 2D CAD tools are not editable using the "Edit Layout" tool. The Edit Layout Tool is only available while working on an open Layout file. Sometimes when sending a view to layout certain unwanted lines can be added or needed lines go missing during the "Send to Layout" process. The Edit Layout tool is for cleaning up those unwanted or missing lines. If one updates an elevation view the "Edit Layout" editing done priorly will be lost and have to be redone, so such work is best done right before printing only. DJP

I run Chief Architect and AutoCAD from time to time, I also use Adobe Acrobat Pro, Corel Paint Shop Pro and other applications simultaneously. I have never noticed any unexpected problems for the last several years, I believe that the problem is probably based on a specific PC or Mac hardware as opposed to software based. Doug Park is correct in that to actually diagnose a problem, one needs specific information such as is commonly required for Tech Support help. DJP

I opened your file in X7 and I did not experience what you did. it stays put in all camera views. DJP

Chief Interiors costs about 2K$ and Home Designer Pro 2016 costs $495. If I were an interior designer I would pay the extra money for Interiors for photo realism alone. It is your money and your decision, you get what you pay for in terms of money and your willingness to learn, study and practice. DJP

Every object has a Dialog box where its dimensions can be altered or edited. DJP

Here is a You Tube video of me fixing your shed roof walls: https://youtu.be/TCONowlxA9k DJP

Good texture files are large. The larger the texture file the better. Scaling is not the most important factor. How the texture is cropped determines how it looks when applied to a surface. The texture has to be large enough and skillfully cropped so that when it repeats, it is less noticeable. DJP This You Tube video may be helpful to you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oy2cwSV0Iys

When you create a new line style it then appears in your Library Browser in the "User Catalog" area where it can be renamed or deleted. DJP

You can get close to zero overhang manually by adjusting the eave roof edges but true zero overhand is problematic in terms of 3D modeling (roof planes must cut off wall tops by overhanging them at least a little as 1/16" of an inch really. You are always more likely to get useful answers posting a copy of your plan than otherwise. You also have to describe your problem so that anyone can quickly understand in detail what you are having difficulty with (your post above does not clearly communicate exactly what is going on that needs a solution), DJP