solver

Read up on Angle Snaps.

Have you checked the Library and available bonus catalogs?

Try Preferences>Reset Options> Reset Side Windows It that fails, try a reinstall and use the Repair option.

Try these settings in the garage room. Set in the order shown. Then set the doors to have a 0" bottom height.

Alt-F2 is a toggle. It gets you into Print preview, then out. How is it working for you?

Start with these settings for the garage.

It's time you started using manual roof planes. YouTube video link: http://youtu.be/LwLfyFQuQm4?hd=1

No picture, and attached how?

When you build a 2nd floor, set the ceiling height to 24". For more info look here: https://www.homedesignersoftware.com/search/?default_tab=all&q=salt+box Also see the Roof Styles panel of the Build Roof Dialog.

Can you show a picture or drawing of what you want? Posting your plan file will help too.

I got this far. It does not look too good and is very fragile -- that is, a tiny change will cause the roof to go crazy. I see other items on your elevations that will be difficult to model with Architectural too. My suggestion is if you want an accurate model, either upgrade to Pro, or pay someone with Pro or Chief (far easier in Chief) to model the exterior accurately. You could then complete the interior and add colors/materials etc.

On the first floor, select the room under the stairs -- select the stairs then Tab to select the room. Give it the Open Below room type.

There are no stairs in your plan.

Thanks. Did you try the Open Below room?

If the auto stairwell tool is not working, you can create your own using an Open Below room as that's all the stairwell tool does -- along with placing railings.

Yes

I don't think the program will auto build your roof. Dormers will not work because they must fit on a single roof plane. Why not a manual roof?

What's wrong with the roof in the image you posted? The program is poor at doing gambrel roofs, so you may need to manually edit them.

You are describing a Mansard roof. Look at the Roof Styles panel in the Build Roof dialog.

If this is what you want, then select the stair sections and landing and move them over. You may need to hold the Control key (free move) to drag it into place.

The dormer tool is a pain, but it does work if you follow the instructions. Consider creating a simple one room structure and getting the dormer to work there. then take what you have learned and apply it to your plan. You can also do the dormers manually. Again, try this in a simple practice plan. On the 2nd floor, draw walls where you want the dormer forming a room. Set the ceiling height of this room as it should be, and set the roof pitch in the front wall. You will have one room on the 2nd floor that is everything but the dormer. Set its ceiling height to 1-1/2". Build the roof. The program will build a dormer. Once the dormer and all other roof planes are correct, turn off Auto Rebuild Roofs, and set the 2nd floor ceiling height correctly. Note that you do not need to make the 2nd floor room 1-1/2". If your house has taller walls then use that dimension. The key is to experiment with simple plans to gain an understanding of how the program works.

What are you wanting to snap to what wall? Attaching the plan file (close the program first) lets others make the best suggestions.

You just need to fiddle with them. drag them together etc. Check the links above for videos etc.

The first one try drawing in a wall to close the gap. The 2nd -- post the plan file.

Draw 2 stairs and then drag the edge together. Fiddle with them a bit and they should connect.