rlackore

Thanks for this nugget - I didn't know that tool existed. I always use manual terrain holes to fine-tune things, and this tool will save some time.

You could adjust the window frame depth and inset, then use a wall niche applied to the exterior side of the wall:

Dustin, thanks for the explanation. And Rob, thanks for asking the question.

I can't achieve that behavior. The beam will cut the other framing members (sill plates), but it won't cut a pocket in the foundation wall:

Draw your stairs on the same level as your deck (level 1):

I use a Rich Text Box with macros for my room labels in plan view (credit to Alaskan Son for the %room.schedule_number% when I was pulling my hair out like you): ...then I create a Room Finish Schedule in a CAD Detail and modify as desired: I like this method because I can drag the schedule rows around and instantly rearrange the room order and it's automatically updated in the room labels.

Looking at your detail, if I were the plan reviewer, I'd want to know how you're achieving a 1-hour rating on the underside of the eave. The soffit detail I prefer uses two layers of 5/8" glass-mat gypsum panel (or equivalent), edge joints staggered and blocked, with an intumescent fire caulk where it butts against the 1-hour exterior wall assembly.

I would say no.

Yes, definitely a problem with this solution.

Sure, fair enough. Maybe I'm giving the plan reviewer too much credit for being able to determine the minimum requirement within the context of the entire paragraph.

Yes, it's easy if you use callouts for the labels: Create schedule #1. Duplicate schedule #1. Open schedule #2 and uncheck Labels>Use Callout for Label. This will give you two schedules, only one label (in both plan and elevation), perfectly in sync.

No. Isn't Florida's residential code based on the IRC? Referring the local officials to R302.3, and providing the Nudura details and listed details, should be sufficient to make your case. Note #4 only requires 1/2" type-x; if you're not using the 1/2" type-x, then you can use 1" of a concrete masonry product.

Don't forget that Chief only draws framing - it doesn't design framing. Unless you are willing (and able) to hand-jam the calculations, you'll need to invest in specialty structural design software. Empirical design and span tables will get you only so far. Not to mention that there are professionals who have dedicated their entire careers to mastering single disciplines such as timber framing. I don't know how old you are, or where you are in life, but here's a suggestion: get a job with a multi-disciplinary firm, spend 10 years learning how the industry works and what's involved. Let someone else pay you to learn the software, the shortcuts, the process, etc. But, we need risk-takers and visionaries to move the industry forward, so I wish you the best of luck and extraordinary success. Seriously.

I would use a keyed note: or a notation convention that is explained within your electrical symbol schedule:

Yes, the answer may be that simple. People design buildings - computer programs are just tools. Usually, you need several people, using several tools, to complete a design. You may wish to do everything yourself - and perhaps you're capable - but each design professional will choose the tools that work best for their scope of work. A surveyor won't use Chief. A structural engineer won't use Chief. Product suppliers and specialty contractors won't use Chief (maybe cabinet folks will). So if you truly are going to do everything yourself, you'll need to invest in more than one tool. In our office, a typical construction drawing set contains data generated from several design programs. We also rely on custom spreadsheets, checklists, and other tools that we've developed over the years. And of course, experience, research, and community collaboration are equally valuable. To Michael's point: you will not find a "holy grail" of CAD/BIM programs. Have you tried contacting the folks who designed the buildings shown on Pinterest, and asked what software they use? Perhaps you could find a local architect whose work matches your vision and directly discuss their technology and workflow; they may charge their normal fee, but it may be worth the investment.

I agree. Based on the projects displayed on your referenced website, it's my opinion that they could be done in Chief, but you will need a lot of workarounds and support from external programs.

Wall Schedules are available in X11 and X12, but not X10. If you can't upgrade, you'll have to roll-your-own legend.

For exterior elevation material keys, I use cropped layout boxes:

I model in Sketchup and texture in Chief. I've found Sketchup to be adequate for most of my needs.

Check your Preferences>General>Folders to see if the directory paths need updating - maybe they don't point to the Dropbox locations?

If it's a closed Polyline, you should be able to convert it to a Polyline Solid. With the object selected, is the Close Polyline tool icon visible?

I got part-way there using Technical Illustration:

The only time I've seen that error is when there aren't enough objects in the scene and the engine takes a poop. Maybe try adding some objects just behind the camera. Or, upload the plan file so we can take a look.

From the Reference Manual:

Yes. Within the dbx, if you set the Selected Wall Layer Line to a Line Weight value of "By Layer", then the line weight in the Layer Set will control: