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I want to know if I can design a house with this software without any knowledge of building codes, etcetera.
I don't want a wood framed house, I want to design using steel, stone and concrete as structural elements. I'd like wide open glass walls, fabric roofing for over outdoor spaces above the structure and for enclosed courtyards.
Is this software the software for me?
Regards
Adam Lossing
Fujairah, UAE
(construction worker / artist / EFL teacher)
You can do anything at your own risk!
Without any knowledge of building codes (or structural engineering, I assume?), I would strongly suggest consulting a professional from the beginning. Computer software is just a tool, like a pencil, it isn't a shortcut to a good design.
Chief is geared very strongly toward wood-frame construction. It is possible to design in the elements you mention, but you'll need to learn the program quite well to be able to do this effectively.
Does this software keep the design within the building codes?
I would imagine that these codes differ from region to region, that's why I'm wondering.
No more than using a type writer will fix your spelling or grammar..
Wendy said it better in another thread before,but my quote memory is not that good..
I assume you mean that the software will produce a design that is up to code.
First, codes vary by locale. So if the software were to attempt to do that we would need to create a set of rules for each locale and keep them up to date. Since these can vary by county and city this would be a huge undertaking.
Second, there are simply way too many special cases and rules that are subject to interpretation by the inspector to be able to solve this problem for even one locale.
There is no software out there that I'm aware of that even attempts to tackle this problem and if it did it would have a big fat disclaimer stating that it is up to you to know your local codes.
Beyond that, the types of designs you are talking about may require an engineer to sign off on them as they may not be covered by the building code anyway.
Don't let that discourage you though. If you have a talent for design use it and find others to work with you to solve the rest of the problems. Chief may or may not be the software for you. I would encourage you to download our trial version and play with it to see if it does what you would like.
you can design without code knowledge, I fix plans like that all the time, every doityourselfer pan I get is done this wayQuote:
Originally Posted by Adam
you'll likely need an enginner for the steel and concrete portions of your work..
"is this software for me?"
not if you think good design is easy with the right software, if you can;t design with a pencil, this software won't help
If your asking if the software forces codes on the design, then no.Quote:
Originally Posted by Adam
I think Neal hit it right on the head - Is your pencil up to code ???
Using the software is the same as using a pencil, what you put in is what you get out.
While the software dioes have some consideration/checks for code as Doug said the software just isn't capable of "knowing" the code even for one juridiction.
If you find any software that can do this please let us know.
You can buy the IRC 2006 book from amazon for around $70 and there are lots of other books to read that will increase your chances of designng a "proper" house.
Lew
Why waste time and effort hiring someone to "fix" them later? Is this a smart approach for a good design? Why not get a good grounding from the start?Quote:
Originally Posted by slatta
I get quite a few clients that come to me with plans (some recently with BHG software) that they have slaved and poured over for months sometimes and then I am left to try and pick up the pieces of a design that was based from the beginning on factually false (code) and/or poor (design) premises.
Everyone has been very generous.
I think I'll take the route that Bryce is suggeting and consult a professional very early in the process.
Sketchup should be enough for me to communicate the design ideas I have for now.
Thanks to all.
Adam