Living Area confusion

[05uurx]

In the first image, i have the room above the garage labeled as "family". I open a text dbx, go to macros and choose "plan info" and "living area"...it gives me a reading of 896 sq. ft...so far so good.

But in actuality, the room above the garage is unfinished, so, i label it "attic", and my living area goes to zero sq. ft...as shown in the second image...I tried rebuild, and i tried to re-insert the text and it still reads "0", even though there are still bedrooms, closets, hallway and a bathroom that could be picked up as living space.

Any ideas as to why this isnt working?

[joey3032]

Are those two building attached to each other on the main floor? Try connecting the upper floors with an invisible wall and see if that helps.

[05uurx]

Joey...

The invisible wall works, thanks! Yes the buildings are attached by a breezway below on the first level.

So, what is the deal then? Why do i have to have an invisible wall to get CA to recognize that there is living space to be counted? Isnt that why CA asks us to define rooms? so it can keep track of these properties? Seems odd.

[dshall]

Just my 2 cents, it is easier for me to make a room polyline of the space, find out the area, and then list the sf in a separate text box. That way I know exactly the shape & size of the space in question
-scott

[joey3032]

Well Matthew...I am not sure why it works, but I know that it does work..

Must be one of those "island room" situation that Chief hates.

Scott, I have used that method, but now list the "living area: square footage under the title, and non-living area square footage in each of those rooms. (see porch and garage). It keeps everything together, plan checkers seem to like that.

[05uurx]

Yes, well i agree that there are easier ways to figure sq. footage...but, i've decided to use all the tools that i've paid CA for, no matter how painful it may be...

I'm tired of finding work-arounds for tools that should work but dont...tools that i paid for...