I love using the material list been using chief since 6 came out. I have had a lot of carpenter experience and commercial project management experience, you should never rely on the material list exclusively, you should have your own template or estimating list on what materials that need taking off. I draw the plans just so I can get the chief material list as a guide and use my own estimating program with a template set up, and yes each job is a little different and needs tweaking. that why its called estimating. I know longer use or have not used the lumber yards or supplier's in a long time to do Estimate, because their where never close to begin with. I can also turn my estimate around faster to the customer.
Chief still could use help though
I just drew a work shed for a client today and put in a 2x6 framed floor, on the material list the subfloor came up but not the 2x6 joist
On a house plan click on a room. then get material list just for that room. and you will get the sheetrock for ceiling but not the walls what's up with that. now if you select the area around the room you will get the sheetrock on the walls after a little experience you know what to look for. someday I might get my flat soffits without have to draw them.
its not perfect nothing is just use a template for materials list and get what you can out of chief and add the rest if need be its still a fast and accurate way to do it.
My 2 cents worth anyhow
by the way I am not a English Major just a sliver picker
Thanks
Pete Nistler
Pete's Cabin Care and Remodel