JeffKNH

Thanks Rookie65, Solver. I will upgrade to Pro. I also found this article on creating Stepped Foundations in Chief Architect, but not sure if that's available in Home Designer Pro. Will upgrade and go from there. Much appreciated.

Thanks for your reply, Jo_Ann. Is it possible to have different foundation heights, even if I use cut outs to accomplish? I'm trying to do this design the way he's going to build it. He's trying to stay with the 4' foundation wall where possible to cut down on cost, and he doesn't want to have 4'+ of exposed foundation at the back of the house.

I should also add that the builder knows exactly what he's doing, he's built this house several times but is a bit old school and has never had any actual plans. He roughs it out on the back of napkin. For this build he wants plans and I volunteered as I'm doing my own house design, which has a much simpler foundation. Great opportunity to help a good friend and learn a lot in the process. Thank you.

I am designing a split level house w/ walkout basement, on a sloped lot w/ approx. 4' down grade front to back. I want a 4' front foundation wall, which needs to extend down to 8' on the sides for just part of the length of the side walls (just 6' and 4'), and then the side foundation wall height drops back to 4' height running to the back of the house. I have Home Designer Suite, happy to upgrade if necessary. Would appreciate guidance on how to do modify foundation to accommodate these different wall heights. Rough drawing of foundation and a picture of similar style of house attached. Related question about the walls and floors. The builder is specifying a 4' framed front wall and partial side walls (to make the 8' ceiling height in the basement) before I add the main floor, which extends 2' front/back beyond the foundation. the exterior side walls need to change from 4' to total of 12' (foundation to attic) from the point on the side foundation that that changes from 8' height back to 4'. It seems that wall heights can only be indirectly manipulated by changing floor and ceiling heights, but perhaps I am wrong about that. Pardon the new user questions, I have been trying to figure this our for a few weeks. I am not a professional designer, just a serious DIY'r. I can break this into two separate threads if that's easier. Thank you for any and all guidance.