different wall colors for new and existing construction

[joeybuilder]

I've tried but so far failed to select a single interior or exterior wall section and change only its color so that for an addition I can differentiate new construction from existing. Is there not a way to do that? Far as I can tell, selecting one, say, interior partition and changing its color results in same color being applied to all interior walls.

[David J. Potter]

Far as I can tell, selecting one, say, interior partition and changing its color results in same color being applied to all interior walls.

You have observed the default behavior correctly. Part of learning the software is finding out for yourself what it does and does not do (is not programmed to work as we might it like to be, it is as and how it is).

I do a lot of remodeling plans professionally, what I do is to make an "as built" of the existing house or area of the house (that depends upon the scope of desired work).
Then Make a "save as" copy of that as-built plan to make or start creating the desired changes. You then have the as-built to compare and show so people can clearly see what changes. The as-built plan usually then becomes the demo plan where I add notes and other 2D CAD to indicate, in plan view what walls are to be demo'ed and torn out.

That method works for me and I recommend it to you. If you have Home Designer Pro, look under the "Build" drop-down menu under "Wall-Hatch Wall" and look up "Hatch Wall" in the "Help files and or Reference Manual" and study how to properly use the tool, then practice using it in a SIMPLE TEST PLAN till you are certain how it does and does not work, then apply it to your as-built plan to halo your demo walls that are to come out.

DJP

[joeybuilder]

Thanks, DJP, for the input; I'll have a go at the workaround. Still, you point out a limitation in the software that, it seems to me, really shouldn't be there. That I can manipulate single bits of wall in all sorts of ways—thickness, layers, wall covering and more—but not its basic color strikes me as a feature forgotten. I'm no programmer, but it would seem that a bit of code would right this little wrong, so it's off to the suggestion box.

Thanks, too, for your dedication to Q&A. Far as I can tell, you're the Chief Answer Man around here.

[Rich Winsor]

As David points out, you can get the results you want using Build / Wall / Wall Hatch. You can break the walls where ever you want the hatch to change and the hatch tool will let you select the broken sections. To achieve solid colors set the fill pattern spacing to the minimum (1/16").

[Bradleywhites]

looking good .. i am considering it for my next makeover of living area