Wall Modeling Approach

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I’m curious what approach to modeling walls is considered best practice among ConDoc users.

It’s clear that modeling walls as simple slabs is the easiest way to go. Especially when needing to punch doors and windows into them. However the only way to do this and still be able to dimension to framing is to model the wall slab at the thickness of the framing only (5.5″ for exterior walls, 3.5″ for interior, etc.). And this leaves much to be desired in terms of model accuracy.

So if I model my walls at their actual thickness, say 7.25″ for exterior and 4.5″ for interior, then how do I generate an accurately dimensioned construction floor plan, with the ability to snap my dimensions to framing?

Would appreciate hearing how others deal with this in their workflow.

Thanks-

[Ruben Benitez]

There is no automated way to do what you want. I’ve been a ConDoc user sense v3.0, 5+ years, with over 30 years experience in the residential design industry.  Was using ACAD sense the DOS days if the early 90’s. Always draw stud thickness. Always dimension stud faces or center lines in plan. This is an architectural standard. Modeling wall finishes is a PITA at best. I’ve done it and it definitely slows things down when walls change. Put them on the Element_Trim tag if you must model them I can say from experience that adding 1″ for interior dims in your head for overall clear dims is what you had to do before Revit and AutoCad Architecture created wall styles with display settings. If you’re concerned with exterior dimension for setbacks and such those are set at the foundation. In my 35+ years I’ve never dimensioned to a finished full width studs as a standard

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Thanks for your input and perspective Ruben. From our previous email exchange, that’s what I would have guessed you would recommend (5.5″ exterior, 3.5″ interior).

In Michael’s scrapbook, that installs along with ConDoc, the wall elements he includes are 4.5″ and 6.5″. (See attached.) To me this suggests that perhaps Michael may take a different approach?

I wonder if you could weigh in on this topic Michael? Or anyone else with experience taking multiple projects through construction with this system.

[Ruben Benitez]

I never noticed that, I too would be interested to hear Mike’s response and if he is modeling 4.5″ walls why?

[Mike Brightman]

Hey guys!  I think I developed that scrapbook with the intent of interior design drawings and schematic plans.  So technically those sizes are more inline with finished dimensions, but I can recall a few times recently pulling one of these scrapbook walls into LayOut and immediately rescaling it to 3.5″.  I will consider changing those!

I also echo Ruben’s comments.  Although John Brock beat it into my head to dimension to stud for interior walls and face of sheathing for exterior walls.  So interior will be 3.5″, exterior typically 6″.  Everything beyond that can go on the ELEMENT_Trim.  I often use Vali’s Instant Cladding to quickly add siding that actually shows up in elevations.

Thanks for all the input.  Let me know if you guys agree!

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