Cost Data, Placing Joists, 1 vs. 2 models, Custom Autotext?

[Anonymous]

Hi, any help would be Great.
~4Questions:~
1: Does RS Means or someone, have a Cost Data CD that is in a format read directly through ArchiCAD? for cost... takeoffs, Time frames..
2. How is it best to place joists under the floor also add framing were the accessory tool misses, still have them be part of the lumber pack cost takeoffs...
3. If my drawings have a Existing House, then a Proposed. Do I need 2 different model files. Then another file for each other design option. Future Work ... Do the scheules then work between 2 files? Proposed zone sqft vs Existing sqft...
4.Lastly. Can you create new custom autotext in Plotmaker? Say linked from the a Zone or Fill. Br1 Br2 Sqftage, Erosion Control Fill sqftage ... whatever.

Thanks Alot, Any Help Helps.
Good Luck w/ your project.
MVC

[Ben Cohen]

1. I dont know of any "cost data CD's" you should look into property objects. Do a forum search (Karl is the man)
2. If you want floor framing that can be used for take-off's the best bet is to use the beam tool, then create a schedule from the beam lengths. I set up all my pens, cross sectional sizes and the like in the favorites palette, Each for a different lumber size ie joists/bearers etc then create the layout with the correct sectional sizes and then create a basic schedule from there.
note: if you want to create the look of a floor frame in section, you can use a sneaky fill in a composite slab . Just two vertical lines at say 600mm centres for the joists. Then a 100mm composite under this with and empty fill for the bearer. This is very quick and effective but obviously you can't do a take off
3. Setting up layer combinations is the most effective way of representing new/existing and demo
4 dont know, probably not. I think it is in the wish list

Good luck

[Rick Thompson]

I can't say this is the best work-around for joist, but this is what I have been doing for years. I use the JOIST beam object with each size linked to a property object by it's ID... as in 2xx10x16. I keep them off to the side on a framing layer (1, 2, ceiling and roof) on my template. I set one, adjust it's length, set it's ID, and multiply. THis allows an easy take off, and works fine for working drawings. This allow easy grouping by floor level, and it is easy to also sum total various sizes. For headers I have a layer for that, so I can pull those up on the list separately. I just place those off to the size... same with blocking. I have a green one for PT lumber:) For LVL's I use a wall set up as a composite, linked to a property object. This gives exact length.

If you want you can download a sample off my web site under any plan to see how this way can turn out. It is actually pretty quick. I can take one of my small plans and generate a list, and compile it in Excel in about an hour. Hope this helps