Rookie65

Create a new layout sheet, put what you want on it, then save the layout as a master. Then with each new project, you save that layout to the project name, and your original stays ready for the next one. Then edit the job name, date, etc. Just like creating a master .plan file to generate new drawings from. You can also create them in different paper sizes so they are ready to go

Ask a licensed structural engineer. The geographic area is also critical for snow loading, if applicable

Did you try drawing it with the radius deck railing?

There is no home designer 17. Home designer uses years, chief architect uses X(numbers)

If you're using Chief Architect, best to post on that forum https://chieftalk.chiefarchitect.com This is the site for their Home Designer software. Same parent company, different program capabilities.

You have the default floor as 5-1/2". If you click the edit button, you should be able to change it to a 4" thickness, all concrete slab. Then just check that your ceiling heights are what they should be

Try changing the walls the doors are in to "no room definition".

A wall likely auto-rebuilt. Copy the window location, then check the walls to see if one or more says "Polyline produced by 3D wall editor." Delete it, and If you go too far, the wall you need will disappear. Then just just back up a step to put it back. Then you should be able to place the window you copied back. Sometimes the walls could be misaligned too. Without a plan to look at, it's just guesswork at this point

If you want layers, you'll need Chief Architect Premier. Otherwise, you'll need to copy your Home Designer plan as many times as you need to have different elements shown. You can send each of those pages with the elements on them to the same layout though, so the finished plan looks cleaner.

Home Designer .plan file

I don't think you can create one to add to that list. You can create a plan with all of the specifics you want in it, then save it as a master. Then when starting a new project, open that master plan, save it as the new project name, and make any changes for that particular job that you need to. Then your master will stay as you originally made it for the next one.

Do you have a ceiling thickness set up? If so, that would be where you'd put the ceiling material

I would suggest that you try posting your plan and maybe someone can help you. It's not something I could take on, as I am hitting the busy season and have my regular clients to design for. When you post your plan, be sure to note the location of the project, so maybe someone in your locality, or is familiar with the codes for your state, can work on it with you. You should also update your signature so people know which year and version of Home Designer it was originally drawn in. That will be important information to supply in order to get help.

Are you planning to pay someone to do this for you?

Draw the deck, go to the structure tab, and set floor height to a -6