Rookie65

I create wall types and keep them in master plans that I generate all of my projects from. Open the wall types dialog, copy the one you want to change, rename it and change the fill to hatches or whatever look you want them to have. Even change the color of the hatches so you know which type of wall it is. If you are doing an "as is" plan and showing existing walls, then copying the plan to a "proposed" version, change the existing walls to invisible. They keep their position and you can work around them easier.

Do you have "automatically regenerate deck framing" unchecked under the "deck" tab in the room specifications DBX? If you have changed the framing around, sometimes it's easier to just use the material painter and paint each board individually.

Have you tried using the stair tool for an "L" shaped stair? Should make it a lot easier for you.

Do a section cut through the stairs. Then you can manually dimension from the tread to the opening above, as long as you have created a stairwell. I find the "point to point" measuring works best, especially if you draw a line from the nose of each tread in the area you need to measure.

Depending on which version/year program you have, check the library tab for bonus catalogs. Under "Accessories" there are some new ones for purchase like "Man Cave No.5 Rat Pack" that look to have pool tables.

I always use an excel spreadsheet with columns labeled. Type in the info and then copy/paste into a text block in the plan

Did you create the stairwell with the stairwell tool when you created the stairs? Your reference manual is a great help for a lot of your inquiries and will save you time.

Yes, Architectural won't let you adjust the joist depth. There have been other threads about what people do to make up for the differences.Search for them. It's a tough thing to get used to. Plus, if I remember right, the default floor uses I-joists only.

Which program do you have? Pro, Architectural, Suite....? Just HD 15 doesn't help. If you have anything less than Pro, that's probably where your problem lies.

You could try making them from cones & cylinders. It worked in "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer!", lol

Please post your plan for a better answer. Yet 1st pass at it could be that there's no terrain for the stairs to reference to.

I imagine you could even try locking the baseline when it's where you want it, then set the ridge to be 14'. Or add the rafter depth if you want the inside dimension to be 14'?

Have you checked the library for downloadable manufacturer catalog files? There are several stone companies there that may work for your needs.

An option may be to do it with a base cabinet. Delete the counter, change the height and the width. Then select corner cabinet and delete diagonal door. Change the number of shelves to 1 and as long as you don't mind 2 vertical pieces in the corner, it could solve your dilemma?

In your picture on the right, above the plain walnut comment, there is a little picture of a house w/a yellow roof. look there and change it from "physically based" to "standard." It will change how the material looks and it may be what you want.

What happens if you change the view from "physically based" to 'standard?"

From the reference manual - a great place to start. The settings on the EDIT panel of the Preferences dialog control the appearance of the cursor

Turn on "interior furniture" in the elevation view.

If you can put it on the plan, you can see it in elevations. Open the item in plan view and see what category it's in, then make sure it's checked to display.

when you are using the camera you want, go to the "display options" box (the white one w/a red check mark in it). Then find the item group you are trying to show and see if that is checked or not. If it isn't, check it and it should show. Or take a look through your reference manual and see if that helps you as well.

and for what you don't see in elevation view, make sure those particular items are "visible" for that camera view. Remember, every camera has their own choices for what you can and can't see

you have to enter them yourself. they do not show on their own

try a string of manual dimensions vertically at each object in elevation view. Or you may be able to now click on each item and see the description box and the dimensions should show up there

You will have to manually dimension them to see. Each item should have their own dialog box where you can set the distance from floor or ceiling, depending on the item.

Hi Chris, This is a forum for people who use the Chief Architect Home Designer series of CAD products. It's not a place for home repair tips.