solver

I upgraded from Pro 2015 to Pro 2016. 2015 still works. Newer versions can open plans created in older versions, but not the other way. You don't really upgrade the software, you get a complete new version at an upgrade price, so Pro 10 will not be affected. As for drawing walls straight, check your Angle Snaps setting.

Go to the attic level and hit F9 to turn on reference display. It will show you the walls below.

On a single story, you probably want to align the attic walls with the wall below, not the other way around. Noticed in another thread you are south of SA. I went to school in San Marcos and lived in the Austin area for almost 20 years. Can't believe how the area has grown since I left in 95.

Rug in place. I'm no decorator, but I thought it helped tie the inside and exterior together.

Also, this should be posted in Q&A, not Tips & Techniques.

There are some really good videos on YouTube and there is the Knowledge Base with how to on many issues. Suggest you start by reviewing the videos specific to Home Designer, and reviewing the Knowledge Base. In addition, there is the built in Help System. A search for "porch" would be a good place to start. Also, you will receive better help if you can be more specific about what you are wanting. Columns, for example, can be very simple, or not.

Having space for a stacked washer/dryer would be an improvement, and something I'd want for extended stay. Mechanicals are important, but what to allow room for? Around here hot water often comes from a 20 gallon unit in a corner under a kitchen cabinet. Forced air systems are ducted in the crawlspace. For a place like this a ducted mini split system would be perfect.

I was trying to stay true to the original design and just add a 1st floor bedroom. If I start bumping, pushing and rotating it becomes a different house. But I agree, a little more space could make a big difference.

This is a rug (material) from a Mohawk Manufacturer Catalog. You both were correct. Place a rug from the core catalog, then change its material. Thanks. I'm going to suggest the KB article be updated to be more clear.

That looks like standard framing and not a truss. I rarely mess with framing, so I'm not sure what side effects this setting has.

See this article https://www.homedesignersoftware.com/support/article/KB-02020/importing-and-using-a-custom-bathtub-symbol.html

Could you be more specific about what you are wanting? Home Designer does not design trusses, they just use a representative truss to indicate the type of framing. Specific details are shown in a section like you posted.

It's supposed to be raining, but I'm seeing more blue sky than rain, so i guess I'll go do some work. Here is the single floor version. 488 sq ft, so it's not real small. I'd want more storage and counter space for a full time place, but for a vacation place this would work OK.

Exactly. Looks like you got your roof figured out.

I've read the KB Article https://www.homedesignersoftware.com/support/article/KB-00290/placing-and-modifying-a-rug.html I don't normally place furniture and accessories in a plan, but have one where I want to. I have chosen a rug from the Library (Checkers). Clicking on it does not change the cursor, and clicking on the plan does not place the rug. I have restarted Home Designer, and tried in a new, one room plan with the same results. Placing other items works as expected. Ideas?

Use a Room Divider. Or set the solid wall to Invisible (general tab of the Wall Specification dialog).

All I did was draw in the porch -- just guessed at the dimensions, changed the end wall and porch end wall to gable and auto built the roof. I came close to getting the ridge on top of your wall. If you put in the actual dimensions for the porch, I bet the ridge moves to be correct. offset roof Eric.plan

Except for being 2 story, which I would not want, I've always liked that Ct-103 plan. I drew up my version yesterday during a rainstorm. Have an idea for putting the bedroom down ...

Have you seen the SHELDON DESIGNS Ct-103 Micro Cottage? 16ft x 16ft with front porch. 9ft x 9-1/2ft. bumpout 1 Bedroom with 1 full bath. 56 sf of porches. 1st. Floor Area = 354 sf 2nd, Floor Area = 170 sf Total Living Area = 524 sf It's the plan i thought of when you first described what you were wanting. A bit bigger, but you get a well thought out plan. They also have the Classic Micro Cabin Plan (Plan #C103) a 16x16 with full bath, tiny kitchen and loft.

This was new to me, and I could not find this behavior in the Help System. Also, if you click on the interior side of the window, dimensions show on the interior, clicking on the exterior side, dimensions are shown on the exterior.

Select the terrain, copy, paste into a new plan.

Looking at the plan, I would guess the ridge is centered between the wall on the left and the outside wall (row of post) on the right. With Pro, it's easy to draw in manual roofs.

I learned something just now

The peak is 20' on this one. 2nd floor not very noticeable from the front. Plan is also attached. lot G.plan

The problem is you cannot auto build your roof anymore. You will need to go back to where you can. I suspect resetting your ceiling heights on the second floor will do it. Once that is done, you should be able to turn auto build roofs back on, and the roof on the house will build correctly. Then add the pool house. Make a copy of your plan file to work in.