DavidJPotter

Just like the error message suggests "Contact Chief Architect Tech Support", that is what it says and that is what it means. Chief Architect wrote the error message and they are the best source of a reasonable answer. DJP

Home Designer Pro will only display framing in the materials list IF it has been manually ordered into existence, other titles like Essentials, Suite, Architectural and Interiors will automatically add framing to the materials list but of course they also do not allow any editing, adding or subtracting of framing members like Home Designer Pro does. DJP

I agree with Mick in that the software does not "do" anything other than what it is directed to do by the end user. Schooled, intent users can and do create construction documents along with a State Licensed Structural Engineer. DJP

I commonly design bars using cabinets, a half-wall and custom countertops, hear is a link to some Knowledge Base Help articles on that subject: https://www.homedesignersoftware.com/search/?q=custom+bar DJP

I do not think it practical to create from scratch such objects. I would rather recommend taking a look at 3D Warehouse for Car and Trailer (Caravan) symbols. A more suitable program for 3D models from scratch would be Sketch Up and more work than I care to contemplate. DJP

Here is a way to arrive at a solution using Home Designer Pro's tools: https://youtu.be/_g7whMpLW_k DJP

Here is a link to a You Tube Video of me looking at your plan: http://youtu.be/W14LFJAyv-M DJP

If you need to make a copy of a building within the same plan, you can use the "Edit Area" tool (Edit - Edit Area) to copy single story buildings into the same plan file. For multi-story buildings you would have to copy other floors than the first floor using "Edit Area" but manually one floor at a time. This is true in all titles except Home Designer Pro that additionally has an "Edit Area All Floors" command that other Home Designer titles do not have. DJP

How to build the basic roof types is to be found in the "Build Roof Dialog - Roof Styles Tab", the settings are simple but precise. DJP

Welcome to the Forum. I have read and re-read your posts above but have no useful definition for the word "rake" the way you are using it. I do not understand what you are asking to do since I do not understand what you want to know, what it might look like or why. My advice is to just ask one question at a time and convey your question more clearly, perhaps with a photo of something that is similar or perhaps a simple, scanned sketch to communicate more clearly what you want to accomplish. DJP

When asking such questions it is also helpful to know a little basic data about your PC or Mac's hardware. DJP

I could not figure out how to auto generate this roof system, so here is a You Tube video of me doing it manually: https://youtu.be/WGG9JN9iTWQ DJP

I made a wrong assumption, I am sorry, Kat is correct and I spoke in error. DJP

please say what software you have and clearly define what you mean by "horizontal hip" (a picture will be helpful). I know what a hip roof is, just not a horizontal one, that is what the software creates by default when ordered. Also what is a triple-pitch-gable (I could guess but I had rather not). DJP

Actually "yes" you can but it is a lot of exacting work. What you do is to make a relationally correct terrain plane of the existing terrain. Do a "Save as" copy of that and then edit the terrain plane to where you need it. You can open the dialog of the terrain plane and on it's "Poly Line" tab will be a reading of the cubic volume which you can compare, subtracting the volume of one from the other to get a figure of difference of volume change. DJP

https://www.homedesignersoftware.com/search/?q=step+foundation DJP

Never and I mean unequivocally never move the house model, not ever not no how. You rotate and locate the terrain plane and its elevation objects TO the house, leaving the house in its proper screen North-South position in plan view. You carefully select the terrain perimeter, elevation objects and features and rotate-locate them to the house. Rotating the house or structure in plan view will ruin or degrade all your hard work. DO NOT DO THAT PLEASE!!! DJP

I work with Architect and Engineers who use AutoCAD and share my drawings with them and vice versa. What I suggested above is the method AutoCAD users prefer (one floor at a time, then a separate export for each elevation view (4). I have never found a use for exporting all floors, stacked one on another, it just creates a chaotic mess for anyone to later try to sort out. Construction documents are basically 2D, 3D is not commonly used in plans or construction documents. DJP

Use the "current floor" not the "All Floors" export command (see image) DJP

For years I suffered from carpel-tunnel, so I switched to a track ball. Just last year I wore out my expensive track ball and so I tried a mouse again and my carpel tunnel vanished. I now use a two-button wheel mouse by Logitec which serves me well. People are different in terms of their affinities. I spend so much time on a PC that being comfortable is the most important consideration. DJP

You can't really duplicate what is in your picture without Chief Architect Premier OR make such custom constructs in "Sketch UP" and then import into HD Pro. Pro's ability to make custom objects on the fly is limited. Pro does have a truss tool and can make scissor trusses with a little extra effort but trusses with lath-turned shapes - not easily (I suppose anything is possible depending upon your patience and willingness to sweat blood for a result). Whether you use Sketch Up or Chief Premier such finely detailed work is time consuming and exacting. DJP

Almost anything is better than integrated video (integral to the motherboard). I think the video card I have now costs less than $100.00 at Fry's Electronics and it serves me well. Please look over the published "minimum System Requirements" published on the Home Designer Website and just use that as a guide, make sure your machine is a lot better than the minimum. You do not need a "super computer" but a good gaming rig is usually good enough. If you are on a tight budget, just make sure you get the most expensive rig you can afford that does have a true video card. If you are not a "geek" befriend one or become one at least to the degree that you can make judgement calls after reading a PC or Mac's specs, it is mainly in the nomenclature used and all words have definitions you can look up and understand. DJP

In Suite 2015 using "Edit Area" and copy-paste-hold-position you can move only a single floor at a time (not all floors simultaneously) but you can realign each floor to the other after pasting, using the "Reference Floor" tool and "Marquee Select" or "Edit Area". Not a job I would relish under those circumstances. If you wanted to add or combine a terrain plane to an existing 3D model (plan), it would be easier to copy-paste the terrain plan and elevation data into the plan where you already have your house built in. It is recommended that you rotate and align the terrain plane to the house model anyway, if that is what you intend or plan to do. DJP

What exactly do you mean when you say "affix itself"? Normally, you decide where you want the camera "viewpoint" to be and that is established by where you 'left-click'. The direction of view is then determined by what direction you then drag your mouse, the camera view is then started by your releasing the 'left' button completing the creation of the camera view. Can you please describe in other more clear words exactly what you are trying to do please? DJP

I upgraded to Windows 10 last Wednesday, after the upgrade I checked how my all applications ran. I have Chief Premier versions X1-X7 and all Home Designer titles, versions 10-2016 on that PC. All work perfectly before and after the upgrade. I carefully checked my PC's hardware and applications for compatibility and was given a clean bill of health by Microsoft which so far has been true. No problems at all other than just learning where everything is etc. I like the new OS very much. DJP