solver

You don't need to build a wall in order to build a foundation -- see my image above. The software is designed to build the first floor, then up for the roof and additional floors, and down for the basement/foundation. You don't need to follow this sequence, but it will be be more work for you. It helps if you post screen captures or the plan so we may understand what you are doing.

Do you have Build > Floor > Insert New Floor? If not, then ... Build a new floor above what you have. On the first floor, select and copy the entire floor. Go up to the second floor and Paste > Paste Hold Position. Back to first floor to delete what is not needed.

Which product are you using? Think of that area with the shorter walls as a room. Change as needed via the Room>Structure dialog.

Something like this?

Follow stairs will work on a solid railing. Break the wall where you want the railing to stop, then set that part as a railing. Once you click Solid, the "Follow Stairs" option is grayed out. Uncheck "Specify Railing", then check it, and you will be able to select "Follow Stairs". I usually increase the railing to 42" so the handrail is not above it.

Windows may be any size you choose. Place window, open it's Specification Dialog and set the exact size. Library items are available here.

We need to know your software title (Suite, Pro etc) and version (2014, 2015 ...) as they have different capabilities. Could you also be more specific about what you are trying to create. Is this a standard roof structure with decorative beams?

By default, Auto Build Roofs is turned on. All you need are walls connected to form a room and a roof will build. Start a new plan, draw 4 walls to form a room, and you should get a roof.

The plan is looking for a file on the E drive, and I cannot get past that to create a 3D view.

Because you have Pro, you have the Custom Countertop tool. Remove the countertop from the base cabinet (set its height to 0). Draw a new countertop away from the cabinet and try to place a sink in it. You will get a message, answer yes. Repeat for the second sink. Now position the countertop over the cabinet. Or, just use 2 cabinets as Kat suggested.

Very common question. You need a floor to build rooms in -- the Attic does not count. Just make the 2nd floor walls short, 0" even. Have a look at the Knowledge Base articles for lots more info.

It's fairly easy to Import and Trace Over an Image of a Floor Plan.

Does Suite have the Glass House function?

Not sure Suite has this option.

If you go for #4, draw just the walls -- no doors, windows, cabinets, furniture etc. No terrain either. I would try drawing only the exterior walls, and any interior walls where the room has a non standard ceiling height, Get everything correct, then add the foundation and then try the roof. Also, if you are modeling an existing house, post a couple of pictures of it so we can understand what it's supposed to look like.

I'm going to suggest you start over, redrawing the plan and working to get things correct as you go. Lots of small problems in the current plan make it difficult to zero in on what is causing the roof issue.

Posting your plan will give us something to play with.

Because that area (the dormer) is a room itself, just remove the crown from that room.

ChiefTalk is the forum for Chief Architect users. Repost over there for the best help. The short answer is, you may define any wall (within reason) and use it as needed.

See http://www.cast-db.com/archCalc/ for a $20 construction calculator. Windows and Mac. For making a program always on top (windows only) http://www.savardsoftware.com/turbotop and http://www.savardsoftware.com/launchontop.

Build > Floor > Delete Current Floor

Those columns are from the library, but it's easy to make your own using the slab tool, soffits etc. I believe there is a bonus library that has columns as well.

Draw 4 walls. Set them to invisible. You may then add columns as you like.

Here is how it usually works for me. Call from homeowner (HO) to come look at a project. At initial visit, sometimes the HO has a hand drawn plan, most times , they do not. We discuss the project and after lots of pointing and gesturing, and questions, I have a rough plan drawn. I get an OK from the HO, usually ask them to decide on a few things, then leave to create a 3D model using home designer. Second visit I display the model, and we continue the discussion. More back and fourth, more pointing and a few changes, and I have a complete model. Sometimes there are more meetings. ------ For most builders around here, there is no computer model, only a 2D floor plan on paper that the builder creates. You will eliminate all the confusion and pointing and most questions, because you have built the model, providing a plan and 3D views, but the builder will still make his own construction drawings that conform to local codes and practices. He will take his own measurements etc, because it's up to him to do the building and make it all correct. You are providing the vision, the builder makes it reality.

On the roof, I used the manual roof tools in Pro, but you should be able to do the same thing in Architectural by changing the roof pitch on the addition, and adding an invisible wall. You would need Pro 2015 to read my modified file. In general, a builder does not expect a homeowner to supply drawings, especially construction drawings. I would print what you have, including Doll House views, just so you are both on the same page. Are you doing this remotely, or will you be on site to meet with the builder?