Rookie65

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 Then your master will stay as you originally made it for the next one.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

The only option to purchase now is Home Designer 2026. The other versions are now gone, and everything is rolled into Home Designer 2026

Open your stair specification drop box. Under the "section heights" area, check "top tread" only and set it to "lock top". Then you can adjust the materials, etc. as needed. You should update your signature with the program version and type so everyone knows what you're working with

Are you doing manual or auto roofs? The reason you're seeing the tail is that likely you have roof framing showing in that view. You could also adjust the size of your eave trim. You can't edit just the rafter tails

As I mentioned, build the roof at all 2x8. Then once built, change just the side that needs to be 2x6. Keep the ridge height the same for both roofs

Is this what you're looking to do?

Once the roofs are attached, open the roof plane that needs to change, and change the "structure" tab to the correct size rafters. If that doesn't work, and you are using auto roofs, change the framing to all 2x8, then turn auto build off, and manually change the framing of the roofs to 2x6 where needed. That will keep the ridge at the right height. You can also copy the ridge height of the matched roofs, then change the height of the 2x6 roofs to match that ridge.

If you placed the footings manually, copy them from the main level, then "paste-hold position" on the foundation level. Change the line style too, and you should be all set.

I don't believe that architectural would let you do any layouts. I believe Pro was the only one that could. Could search their website for the product comparisons. As of now, there is only Home Designer 2026. The individual versions have been done away with.

Use a terrain hole around the foundation wall around the stairs

The pictures do nothing. Try posting your plan and maybe someone will look at it.

Wall Specification>General>Options It also looks like your walls are not aligned with the walls below? Spend some time with the reference manual

Looks like the room is not defined? Make sure all of the perimeter walls are not marked as "no room definition" and "no locate"

I typically adjust the thickness of the post/beam to what it will be with the wrap, then change the material to what it needs to be showing.

Click on the 3 dots in the top right of the post, and delete should be there as an option.

If you're using Chief X17, stay on the Chief forum, as the 2 programs are different, and there will be different options available. You can just delete this post to eliminate confusion.

It's the same for any of the Home Designer versions. You mentioned 24 in your post

Not in the Home Designer product. You'll need to upgrade to Chief Architect for layers. This discussion has come up many times. I always just draw an as built plan, then copy it to make the changes for the remodel

You have "color" turned off in your 1st screen shot, and "on" in the 2nd. Look at the little house image in the right side tool bar.

As I mentioned earlier, these are joist direction lines causing the errors. If you drag your cursor over one of the warnings, there will be a comment showing what it is. Make your "bearing lines" visible, then you can delete them. Very simple.