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@PhillipCA: Thank you! This is the type of answer I was hoping for. I just didn't see it called out anywhere that I could see, it just seemed to say that a new instance gets installed, no mention of a migration wizard. And I just didn't have the time to do an install and then risk doing a manual migration incorrectly or incompletely. Thanks again!

When you upgrade from 2026 to 2027, it leaves the HD 2026 installation intact and does a whole new installation of HD 2027. When you first launch 2027 it will take you through a migration guide, asking you what you would like to transfer from 2026 into 2027 (Projects, Libraries, etc.). This is as simple as checking boxes and clicking OK, and the program does the rest, but if you run into any issues you can contact tech support.

Paul, Sorry I had not seen this sooner. I will be glad to help. Max Humphreys SRC Designs 832 964-8633 https://www.srcdesigns.net

call or email HD tech support

So I bit the bullet back in July and upgraded my HD Architectural 2025 perpetual license to HD 2026 because I needed some features from HD Pro and I could no longer upgrade my perpetual license, I was forced to move to the Subscription model. Not ideal, but I was up against a wall, so here I am... Anyway, a question: I now have a download of HD 2027 available to me, but it appears there is no "Upgrade" path. It seems like it leaves the HD 2026 installation intact, and it just does a whole new installation of HD 2027. So then won't I have to manually migrate my Projects and Default settings and Libraries over from the HD 2026 instance to the newly installed HD 2027 instance? Can that be correct? I kind of expect to be able to click Upgrade and have the new version install over the old version, or at least migrate things over for me since I was up-to-date on the 2026 version.

You might try posting on chief talk in seeking services for one of the professional designers to help you https://chieftalk.chiefarchitect.com/forum/15-seeking-services/

I just did something sort of similar on a stairwell but used a 2nd floor area set to 'open to below' for room definition above the stairwell in conjunction with using high shed walls, and 'room has no ceiling'

I would have to play with it This might work first set ceiling height in room to the low wall. Then uncheck this room has ceiling. Then go edit the 16 ft wall and go to roof tab and check High Shed wall. Then create roof using the slope required to get your desired high wall Height.

A designer prepared drawings for a cottage where we have 10ft walls at the back and 16ft wall at the front to accommodate a loft and High Shed flat roof. My question is: 1. do you prepare the layout as 2 floors and lower the walls on the second floor, or 2. do you create it as a single floor and manually change the height of each wall. I can seem to get the roofline to drop properly with the 2 floor scenario as it creates the attic above the second floor that affects the overall height. The interior walls extend up to the underside of the sloped ceiling (no flat ceiling except under the loft. Any suggestions?

I went into Home Designer Pro 2025 and experimented with this. The software would not generate the 2nd top seat cut even after employing various methods, including following suggestions made on Google, and trying to "trick" the software. Home Pro is setup where many settings are fixed. I ended up going into 3D framing view and positioned my camera to allow me to drag both top plates up and adjust wall framing stud heights as well. At least this will allow proper 3D views of the framing. Max

It should have elevation location dims...think they call it offset from ceiling... So place it where you want it in plan view then click on it and open up the edit dialogue screen for it and adjust vertical location to be underside of shelf you want to locate it at.

I created this bookshelf using cabinet shelf tools. Is there a way to position the light fixture underneath the shelves?

I've noticed the varying file sizes can significantly impact project load times. When I optimized my plans, it improved my workflow considerably. Great insights shared here—thanks for bringing attention to this! curve rush game

Both of these comments are helpful. At least now I know I am experiencing reality rather than just me ignorance. Maybe I get the house foundation in and then rough something in from there. Thanks! Oh, by the way this is a DYI project just a bit bigger than most would tackle. lol

I noticed that if I do a save as, then eventually the file size drops significantly. Maybe it erases some of the stored changes that allow you to use undo all the way to the start. I had one that got all the way up to 187000 KB but the same one after save as is now 48000 kb.

I do not have the time and possibly the patience to lear more chief to finishe a plan I have underway. Looking for someone to help. Thanks, paul

draw your property lines and make sure it is an enclosed poly line then convert that to a terrain perimeter. OR go to terrain tab and select create terrain perimeter. The in floor plan turn on Terrain perimeter to ensure yo ucan see it then draw parallel lines inside these property lines. set their distance from the property lines as you set backs so yo get a "mini" property to create your house. no different then if you did by hand like an old timer on paper. The software does not know what a setback is. For more hel open the help screen and check the website as they pretty much cover how to do everything.

I was able to upload the plat. I am familiar with my county's setback requirements. I want to first use this software to sketch a buildable envelope subject to side , rear and front setbacks rules. Will I be able to do this using home designer on the plat I uploaded ? Can you point me to documentation that will guide me through the process

what experience do you have with home plans? The software can do what you want but it does not know what FAIRFAX rules are; you need to know them. you have to draw in the plot plan. You use the library to find material like your house. You would need to draw in your existing house. and so on... Might be better to hire a local house plans business.. Think of the software as a clean sheet of paper waiting for you to put something on it.

Hello, I am new to Home Designer and am planning a one-story addition to my home in Fairfax County. The addition would include a master bedroom, master bathroom, and walk-in closet. I have a plat for my property and would like to use Home Designer to create a preliminary design that can eventually be used as part of my county permit application. I have a few questions: Can I upload my property plat in PDF or PNG format and use it to establish the property lines and design the building envelope for the addition? Can Home Designer help identify or check the required setbacks based on Fairfax County zoning requirements? Once I establish the allowable building envelope, can I design the floor plan for the bedroom, bathroom, and walk-in closet within that area? Can I upload photographs of my existing home's exterior/elevation and use them as a reference to design an elevation for the addition that matches and blends with the existing home—for example, the roofline, siding, windows, doors, and overall style? Can Home Designer produce drawings with sufficient dimensions and detail to be submitted for a Fairfax County residential addition permit, or would I need an architect/designer to prepare or review the final permit drawings? I understand that Fairfax County requires a residential addition permit and that zoning requirements, including setbacks, need to be satisfied. I would like to use Home Designer to develop as much of the design as possible before having the final plans reviewed or prepared for permit submission. Thank you for your guidance.

If you click one of the roof planes, look along the bottom tool bar towards the right side. Unless you have your tool bar set other than default. Or just search under "Roof."

Thank you for responding! Fixed the signature, but can't locate a roof connector tool. Is it under build roof? Tools pulldown? Searched the manual for "roof connector" with no results... Arrrgh!

You need to review and note the roof settings on the walls. Then you need to turn "auto rebuild roof" back on. That is the only way you will eliminate the bay window roof (with Suite). It will then be necessary to reapply the roof wall settings that you noted.

There's a tool that looks like 2 triangles at an angle that is the roof connector. You click on the 1st roof, then the one you want to join it with. Plus make sure the break in the edges is the same distance from the ridge. Likely more of an explanation in the reference manual. Should update your signature now that you're using Home Designer 2027 too

Could some knowledgeable expert please explain why my roof plan is torn? I've tried creating the roof several times and it always is incorrect at the same ridge. The two big roof planes are supposed to be at a 9" pitch and the small one at 12" pitch. Thanks! Hasemeier Residence_2026_08_21.plan