12 replies to this topic

[JOHN PATTERSON]

It would be nice if Softplan would give a total of all the area's that are in the model. When you generate an area schedule it would give the individual areas and a total. That being said when you are outlining an area you have an option to include or not include an area in the total.

[Kevin Rabenaldt]

There could be a lot of upgrade to the area calculations.  I routine need to supply the areas to the outside of finish material and the areas to the outside of stud.  The builders pay based on the latter.  Outside of finish material is what the appraisal districts use for the area for property tax calculations.  If I could create two different models on the same drawing, then when I need to adjust the design I need to go through the area adjustments for both.  I also total areas by groups, first floor and second floor heated areas, porches, garages, etc., and it would great if I could assign which group each belongs to and calculate their totals.

[Jeff Grenz]

Agreed but my area totals hack is just that. I layer areas with "main floor area" "second floor area" and "Total floor area" in order to get automatic totals on my table. "Lot Coverage" could be another. 

[Jon Davis]

There is one way, it's not the best but it works...

 

If you're using plan set's, then putting an area table on any plan set page will result in the table calculating all area's within the plan set.

 

So what I do, is put my elevations on the first page, along with a table on contents and a total area table, in the upper right corner.

If I have multiple floors, whether they are on one page or multiple pages, it adds them all up in this table. I usually change the name to "total area" or Overall SQFT, something to signify that it's a calculated quantity of all area's. 

[Brendan Smythe]

also, it would be nice if the @AREA stamp would show the area live on screen. (not just when you print)

[Mark Petri]

Brendan,

 

It will show on your plan set pages if you have it set to view as printed.

[Joe Rommel]

Furthermore, would it not be extremely beneficial if the schedules could function similar to a spreadsheet.

[Joe Rommel]

Not sure how to get rid of “Newbie”. SoftPlan user since vs. 07 in 1994

[Jim Johnson]

also, it would be nice if the @AREA stamp would show the area live on screen. (not just when you print)

If you're just wanting to keep track of sq. ft. while drawing, you can turn on the Area Labels & Area Values in visible items.  Maybe put them on a "NO PRINT" layer or just turn them back off once your design is complete.

[Richard Rubinski]

I have 20 Area's. I put the schedule on a separate drawing called Area and check Drawings in Model when creating the area schedule. Then you can place them on the Plan Set page at any scale you want.

 

 

 

Attached Files

•  Area.JPG   68.06KB   6 downloads
•  Area1.JPG   28.34KB   3 downloads

[Gary McKeon]

Not sure how to get rid of “Newbie”. SoftPlan user since vs. 07 in 1994

Just need to post more Joe!

[Mark Petri]

Not sure how to get rid of “Newbie”. SoftPlan user since vs. 07 in 1994

More posts! That is the only way to not be a newbie I know of.

 

Back on topic (sort of) - I think all schedules and text options should get major upgrades, but I am glad we have the ability to customize and use tables, text stamps, and layers to control much of how I like my plans to present. I am glad they gave us the ability to add as many areas, finishes, layers, building options, etc. as we want. That alone is so much better.

[Joe Rommel]

Thank you! I will try to participate a little more.