DavidJPotter

DJ, Home Designer Suite (all HD and Chief Architect premier software too) is merely a mechanical device that tabulates based upon how you set it to tabulate and it measures how descretely well you built the 3D model (plan file). It does not have opinions, it does not take care of our errors or mistakes, it merely tabulates what you put there and how you put it there. If you did it wrong or in error, then the resulting materials lists will be wrong and error ridden. HD Suite is not, basically an estimation program, it is only a 3D modeling program that tabulates what you did and how you did it. DJP

Yes with no problems. After I tried to make a video of using a gable pony wall I found that the tool does not work as expected and I have submitted a bug report about that specific application of pony walls in gables. It used to work perfectly in older versions but does not now properly function as it used to. There are many more choices in Chief Permier than Home Designer software so I try and answer questions here just for HD software. DJP

Eric, glad you worked it out. Actually I did a video showing how to do as I suggested and while doing so found that the pony wall tool no longer works as it did in earlier versions. So I submitted the video to Tech Support with a bug report about lost proper function. We will see what comes. DJP

Elovia, how do you make a "soffit wedge" please in Home Designer software? DJP

If you have Architectural or Home Designer Pro such walls as are required can be selected and programmed to become a "pony wall" divided into adjustable walls stacked one on the other (the adjusting is usually done in an elevation camera after pony-wall is designated). DJP

If your software has a "Dormer Tool" (Build - Roof - Dormer) set its default settings so the resulting dormer will then fit where you want it and then place the object using the "Dormer Tool". Not all Home Deisgner Software is created equal, what do you have? DJP

Here is a short You Tube Tutorial on a way to achieve your intended result: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBQFjCEalgU&feature=youtu.be DJP

I do plans professionally using Chief Architect Premier (I also own and use all Home Designer titles and versions for the purpose of support here). I rarely do very intricate electric plans past what is easily available in all Home Designer software. The reason for this is that Structural Engineering, Electrical, Plumbing and HVAC are individually licensed trades in all fifty States of the USA requiring the overview of such licensed individuals relative to official submittal plans. The purpose of this software whether Home Deigner or Chief Premier is to communicate to other such licensed individuals who are knowledgable and bound by the rules and laws of thier trades. When I want to show a dedicated circuit, I use additional text and arrow to annotate the client's desire (how it is actually accomplished is outside of my authority). Electrical plans, when completely done are done by a licensed Electrician or Electrical Engineer only, not by you or me. With all the above said, you can certianly do whatever you like using available tools (in Suite mainly text and arrows as well as default electric tools) but Suite is not really capable of such intricate annotations, especially compared to Chief Premier. DJP

Here is a short You Tube Video tutorial using your file: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0BsrK6u82M&feature=youtu.be DJP

A lot of useful data can be had here :http://www.homedesignersoftware.com/search/?q=stairs&submit.x=5&submit.y=9&default_tab=all&site=chief_architect&client=chief_architect&restrict=ChiefArchitect&proxystylesheet=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chiefarchitect.com%2Fsearch%2Fchiefsearch_stylesheet.xslt&output=xml_no_dtd Please watch this video as well: http://video.homedesigner.chiefarchitect.com/?search=stair DJP

When asking for help, it is a good idea to state what software title and its version because Home Deisgner softrware is wildly variable from title to title, version to version (One answer does not "fit all"). What do you have? DJP

Just because someone can do something does not mean it is a good idea. I have tried, early on moving the structure or structures in relation to other structures and relative to terrain loaction. In some instances you have no choice when modeling multiple structures. But such work should be done withe utmost care with liberal use of the "Undo" command and furthermore using a copy of your original plan in case everything goes South, you have something to fall back on. If there is any way to make sure you guys do not make the same mistakes I made, I am interested in seeing about that. DJP

This is what Chief Architect Technical Support is for, that is what they do. Please call or communicate to them. DJP

Having used the software for almost 25 years, I have tried many things and moving the house on the terrain is NOT WORKABLE, what I suggested above is what I do. I do not do anything else EVER. It is done carefully, methodically and ONLY WHEN NECESSARY. yOU NEVER ROTATE THE HOUSE NEVER, YOU ROTATE THE TERRAIN and related objects, if you do something else you have failed to do as I suggested. This is one of those few times when there is only ONE SAFE WAY to do something. Do as I outline and nothing else. You "Marquee-Select" all objects that you want to move or rotate, all at once (that is why you turn off all other layers that you DO NOT intend to move or rotate first). It is easy to do but must be carefully-methodically done if ever done at all. If you mess it up, hit "UNDO" and try again until you get it right. DJP

I believe so, what I do is to always check framing results and manually adjust any auto results. I do this as a matter of course. This software is merely a mechannical tool that you use and control, only the end user is responsible for any useful results. DJP

This video tutorial on You Tube may be of some help: DJP

There is no such thing in Suite as a false window but such a thing can be emulated at need (just not using a window symbol per se). Please show us what you want to do and then we can then have some judgement as to how it could be done. DJP

The safest way to do this is to turn off all layers that are connected to the house. Turn on all layers relative to the terrain (terrain, roads, sidewalks), then turn on the "Reference floor" display which shows the virtual layers of the house when can then be used to orient the terrain etc to the house. When you have it where you wnat it, you can turn back on the layers of the house, walls, windows, roof planes etc. Just keep them separate and unselectable while you otient the terrain to the house. DJP

Thank you for sharing your file, this is a link to a You Tube video of me looking over your file: http://youtu.be/9NWOG3t1khc DJP

Software on its own does very little. Once you learn how to best use the software you have you can then do limitless things within its capabilities. The difference between great results and no results is the intention of the user and his or her willingness to study and practice so as to know what to do and why. Learn the software first please before launching into a complicated, demanding job of 3D modeling is my advice. A lady in Houston who owns Home Designer Pro 2014 hired me to model the home attached as images below, I did so using Chief Architect Premier X5. She wanted to be able to space plan and make interior decorating choices with this plan file using her software. So yes you can do this sort of Architecture once you learn how to (it takes time to do properly) I have been using and teaching this software since 1994, so I had a head start but you can as well. DJP

The most common cause is where two wall segments can overlap from floor to floor obscuring fully or partially wall penetrations (windows and doors). If you have Home Designer Pro this is rather easy and straight forward to repair. If you have anything else than Home Designer Pro then you must find and straighten out the incorrect settings you knowingly or unknowingly impenged or allowed to be impenged upon the plan file you are having trouble with. I agree with Eric in that having a copy of your plan file, whatever the version and title witll make helping you easier to do. DJP

If you are a PC user, then "Windows Explorer" is your tool of choice. The Home Designer software is for creating plan files, Windows Explorer is for organizing-controlling your plan files. DJP

Here is a way to get started: http://youtu.be/p6jY_z39TeA DJP PS: I looked for the doors I mentioned in the tutorial but have not found them, But you could just use a doorway (Hole in the wall) and then manually size and place two cabinet doors selected from the library as a secondary solution. I did find this one that you can try ( I exported it from Chief Architect Premier) attached (You import the library file under "Library" dropdown menu Princesse Gate.calibz

Even Builders and Architects would first have to learn how ot guide and control the software. Some address to nomenclature is of course useful. My advice is to learn the software and its tools as your immediate goal and then you can use that competence to create whatever you like. The software is not particularly "intuitive" things do have names that you must understand and actions to be learned, the software is mechanical in that it follows preset default settings or those settings that you apply based upon the specific result you seek (that is what must be learned by you gradiently (a little at a time). DJP

Eric gave you THE answer, that is how that is done. DJP