Using layers for quick changes in plan

[tdroes82]

I am a builder, who uses Chief for house plans in Subdivisions. These are possible options that we show potential customers.

 

My overall question is not necessarily a simple one:

 

1. Can layers in Chief handle modifications to a "spec" plan top to bottom?

 

Example: We have a spec plan with (1) 16'x7' overhead garage door. But we also have an option to have (2) 9'x7' doors. To make this change, the garage has to be widened by 4' lets say. Can a plan be set up to turn on/off the needed layers and everything updates? This option would have a layout showing it. A customer could decide they want this options, and I can make the change to the plan quickly, and be ready to submit plan for building permit.

 

All these things must change:

- foundation, framed walls, roofs, windows/ doors may move, schedules update, dimensions update, .layout updates, 3D updates, etc.

 

2. If this is possible, what about Front Elevations? Can there be 1 plan, with layers on/off for "gable front", and "hip front"?

 

3. Are 2+ (separate plans) needed for these changes. I am spending too much time modifying my plans. Example: Plan 1 is gable front with normal garage. Plan 2 is hip front with larger garage., etc. I have 10 plans for the same house.

 

4. If what I am after is possible, is there anyone reading who is capable of completing this, and that I can hire to create a plan for me? This is not something I know how to do.

 

I can not find any topics on this. If there are any, pass them to me please.

 

Thomas

[javatom]

It can handle basic, non-conflicting items.  Some things will not work so great.  For instance, you can place two different kitchen cabinet layouts on the same plan with the cabs assigned to different layers.  If the two versions have a spot where sinks overlap, it will not display properly.  If the various options are pretty involved, you might be better to have two separate plans.

[lbuttery]

Thomas:

 

layers can allow some flexibility for options

 

however, Chief does not have great features for showing various "builders" options

 

as stated it will probably require a separate plan for most "option combo" sets

 

Lew

 

[dshall]

No,  layers will not work for this.

[tdroes82]

ok. So what do you all do? Any suggestions?

 

I have a pile of plan files of the same home. Each one a little different. I never know which one to start from on a new house that the next customer wants to change.

 

Solver...to answer your question: I do not use auto roof. They do not draw out correctly, and I find it faster to manually draw them.

I do not use auto Foundation, because it erases my piers, girders, details etc. when it updates.

[Alaskan_Son]

With a few pretty limited exceptions, I personally do what you’re already doing...multiple plan files.  This area isn’t one of Chief’s strong points.

[lbuttery]

If Chief would add recordable macros for Ruby this might become feasible

 

along with lots of other power options that recordable macros would give

 

I doubt if this will happen any time soon

 

Lew

[MarkMc]

I have variables on many projects, usually only 4 but I have to do this each time.

For variables I have one layout with pages linked to each plan option- w/ plan view, primary elevations, a perspective or two.

Then a complete layout linked to plan "A", save as then link to plan "B" etc. . All plans have the same cameras & elevations though positions may have changed- IOW all from same template or Save as depending on your preferred method.

 

Work with client in multi-plan layout first, allows opening any plan as needed (affords more cameras than shown in layout).

Once decisions are made,close that layout, open layout for selected plan, save as Final (or whatever you use), make changes to plan as needed; when possible copy paste/edit area from secondary plan(s) to selected. Not perfect, but not that bad either.