Barn_Project15

Good Morning, I am using Home Designer Suite 2015. We have been using this product to build our new home. We realize now that we definitely should have purchased the Premier or Pro version of the program, but we are about to break ground on our new home now and don't feel that we need to upgrade given all that has already been accomplished in the Suite program.My question is this: Can you please tell me what the default window & door framing settings are for the Suite software? I know that I cannot modify the framing settings in the Suite version, but I am equally not able to view the default settings either. We are getting ready to order our windows and doors, but they are a European window with thicker framing than standard US windows and doors so I need to ensure we are purchasing products that will fit into the spaces I have designed in Home Designer Suite.... and I cannot ensure accuracy if I am unaware of the framing default figures for my rough openings.At this time, I would also like to clarify that if I have installed a 24 x 54 single casement window in the program, that the program has installed this as the frame size of the window, correct? and whatever the default framing settings are will be added to the window frame size to equal my rough opening size, correct?I know this is a bare-bones type of question, but I want to ensure I have full understanding of the programs default settings for calculations before we make such a large investment. Thank you to anyone/all who chime in for me!!!

Hello, I am new to designing and learning Chief Architect Home Designer Suite 2015 as I go. I am currently trying to create an “egress” style walkout basement. I know this is a play on words so let me explain: We have designed the first floor of our home to be completely at grade (0”) (no steps whatsoever), including our porches, which will be concrete slab “extensions” from our foundation walls. We do, however, plan on having a full 9’ basement and want to have a backyard walkout basement door/patio access. The stipulation is that I want my backyard terrain/elevation to remain at grade (0”). My idea for a solution is to create an “egress or dugout” walkout basement where only the basement door/terrace area is below grade. I am figuring I can create this using retaining walls and a slope elevation to gradually create a landscaped stairway upward to grade (0”) level. I keep coming close in my designs but nothing spot-on yet and could really use some guidance. I can also use some help in continuing the porch roof over the egress walkout; as it is, there is a gap and I do not know how to fix this. Finally, I cannot find the “Flat Terrain” cut/fill modifier in the Terrain menu or anywhere in the program, and I am assuming this will come in handy. I would sincerely appreciate any help from anyone who wants to chime in!! I have attached a screen-shot of my backyard plan, as well as several Google images that illustrate the “dug-out” effect I am trying to accomplish. Thank you!! -Leslie