attic remodel

[draitp]

Suite 7.09

I'm just starting an attic remodel and am trying to draw the existing attic as the first step. It's a simple plan, a chimney, stairwell, and two dormers. I've gotten the basic plan OK but when I add the stairs and try to add the stairwell it all goes south. The stairwell doesn't form. The railings are a jumble and the dormers get messed up (see pic). The dormer roof no longer matches the main roof and the area above the dormer window goes transparent.

[Deirdre]

Usually the programs don't like the word "attic", therefore the stairwell is looking for a second floor.

In your case, you forgot to click on the auto stairwell; and be warned you may get a lovely message stating that second floor not to be found.

[daydreamer]

Hey dra,

Dee is absolutely correct. From the looks of your picture the "attic" has a 24" pony wall under the ceiling/roof plane.
I would consider using the instructions on how to build a 1-1/2 story house, where the 2nd floor is the "attic".

Here's the link for the basics: http://www.homedesignersoftware.com/...?faqNumber=358

[draitp]

Thanks for the rapid replies. I did learn quickly that "attic" is not a helpful term. I only used it to get the brick finish on the chimney in the area between the non-existant ceiling and the roof. I did construct the model with two floors with the stairs extending from 1 to 2. I did click on auto stairwell. That's when the odd railings appeared and the dormers got squirrly. Also, when I get to this point, I can't back up. The dormers still don't fit and I have to start over on their cocnstruction.

That brings up another problem. I added a brick wall finish to the chimney on floor 2 and then went to the attic to added brickwork there. However there is a gap between the two (see pic) that I can't eliminate. And is there a better way to make a chimney than constructing a small room with 4 walls?

[daydreamer]

To get the railings on the 2nd floor correct extend an "invisible" wall from any of the railings to an exterior wall.
You can create the chimney by using the Soffit tool. Once you have the design change the material to brick.
Can you post a picture of the 2nd story of your plan?
Did you build the structure following the instructions in the above link?
If you did, you should get something like the thumbnail.

[Deirdre]

Drag the first floor chimney through the roof is a viable option if you are using the tool bar fireplace. I no longer use the toolbar fireplace, I prefer custom fireplaces, thereby, I personally do not construct a chimney using a soffit that I can't drag through the second floor and the roofing.

The only time I use a soffit is whenever I am using the tutorial for custome fireplaces.

Try doing a search using the above search key for fireplaces and take a looky-loo at some of my personal creations.

But you are doing an excellent job with your plan.

[draitp]

OK, I did follow the instructions from 358 to make the 2nd floor. Attaching an invisible wall from the railing to a side wall made no difference. the pix posted so far were of the 2nd floor. attached this time is the 1st floor. The soffit tool is much easier than building a four wall chimney. Thanks. I don't understand what you mean by "drag".

[daydreamer]

I personally do not construct a chimney using a soffit that I can't drag through the second floor and the roofing.

Dee,

I thought you were saying you couldn't. The statement was a little confusing.

I know it's possible that's why I posted the picture.

[draitp]

Thanks for all the help. I'll get back at it tomorrow. The stairwell is getting there but the dormers are still squirilly

[daydreamer]

Thanks for all the help. I'll get back at it tomorrow. The stairwell is getting there but the dormers are still squirilly

Did you use an invisible wall to connect one of the railings on the 2nd floor to an outside wall?

Why are the dormers still "squirrelly?

When you click on top of the stairs on the 2nd floor do you get a "highlighted" area? (see 1st thumbnail) If you do, right click in the stairwell and left click on Open Object. Select the Structure tab and unselect the radio button next to Ceiling Over this Room. Left click in the area outside of the stairwell and the entire 2nd floor should be highlighted except for the stairwell. Again, right click in the area and left click on Open Object. Select the Structure tab and unselect the radio button next to Ceiling Over this Room.

If I don't uncheck the Ceiling Over this Room in the stairwell, I get similar results. (see 2nd thumbnail)

[draitp]

OK. I'm back at it and things are not getting any better. My dormers are a continuation of the main roof ridge and slope but I can't get the dormer tool to fit a dormer that big on the roof. I went with the largest dormer I could fit (see pic) and tried to fit the stairwell under the dormer as per your instructions yesterday. However, I could not get a wall of any kind to continue under the edge of the dormer.
So, two questions. First how do I get a large dormer (I need one 70" high but can only get 50"). Second, how do I get a stairwell partly in the dormer.

[Deirdre]

Dee,

I thought you were saying you couldn't. The statement was a little confusing.

I know it's possible that's why I posted the picture.

Perhaps I should have said IF I can't drag it through the roof. I love soffits for that reason.

[daydreamer]

Dee,

I'm not certain I am reading your post correctly, but you can drag a soffit through the second floor and the roof.

[Deirdre]

Dee,

I'm not certain I am reading your post correctly, but you can drag a soffit through the second floor and the roof.

Sure can; all you have to do is hold down the control key and drag upward. Generally I stop at 320, then open vector and bring it back down to where it looks best height wise.

[daydreamer]

On your 2nd floor you need to have 3 railings and 1 invisible wall around the stairs. The invisible wall needs to connect to an outside wall. Once that's created double-click in the area and make the Room Type - Open Below. (see attached)

Make the chimney (soffit). While in 3D view click on it. (see last thumbnail) When you see the move handle - the 4 sided arrow, press the CTRL key and hold it down. Then left-click on the move handle. Move it up to push it through the roof. You may also be able to resize it by going into Vector view camera and Cross section/elevation.