Reader Favorites

The list shows the most widely read articles and tutorials on this site.

1. Roof Repairs and Adding Dormers
   Dan Baumann, CR
   This plan was submitted by a client that needed some help. There were 3 areas to work on - Repair and clean up of the walls and roofs and addition of some dormers. Watch as Dan shows what went wrong and how to fix it. . . . keep reading
   
   
2. Tremendous Time Saver I Wouldn't Live Without
   Dan Baumann
   There is a handy little program that saves me so much time and aggravation that it's not even funny. It is one that I can't live without and I highly recommend. Get a free download and try it for 30 days. You won't be sorry you did! . . . keep reading
   
   
3. Chief Architect Expert, Dan Baumann
   Meet your Chief Architect Expert and Host of ChiefExperts.com Dan Baumann. Dan has been involved in the construction industry for over 30 years. Bringing Sensible Eduction to Designers and Contractors has been a longtime goal of Dan's. Join in as the excitement of Learning from Real Experts Grows. . . . keep reading
   
   
4. Tracing Over a Picture of a Blueprint in Chief
   Dan Baumann, CR
   You can trace over a picture of a blueprint or any other picture. All you need is a digital camera, a paper plan and a couple of dimensions. Just import the picture into Chief, scale it to full size and lock it on a layer. It's very easy and a great time saver, . . . keep reading
   
   
5. Concrete Steps, Gable Frieze Boards, Frieze Board Banding
   Dan Baumann, CR
   Examples of how to create details in your plans using Chiefs Slab and Molding Polyline tools. Concrete Steps, Gable Frieze Boads, Frieze Board Banding. . . . keep reading
   
   
6. Roof Detail for the Front Entry
   Dan Baumann, CR
   Adding the detail for the roof over an entry area doesn't have to be a huge chore. In this example, I've used Chief's 3D Slab tools to create the column beams and the arched entry roof. The roof was then added to fit on top of the arched ceiling area. Learn how this was done in the video tutorial. . . . keep reading
   
   
7. Are you Charging Enough for Your Design Services?
   Dan Baumann, CR
   Want to learn more about what others are charging for their design services? Here are the results of the Design Survey from contractors, designers and Architects from around the country. . . . keep reading
   
   
8. Creating Bahama Shutters in Chief
   Learn the steps needed to create custom shutters in Chief. In this tutorial you'll see how easy it is to use Chiefs slab tool to draw 3D elements in you plan. You can then take the items you create and move and copy these items to other areas in your plan. . . . keep reading
   
   
9. Understanding and Working with Layers and Layer Sets
   Dan Baumann, CR
   Learn everything you need to work with Layers and Layer Sets in Chief. Learning this feature will save you hours in the set up, navigation, and printing of all your plans. . . . keep reading
   
   
10. Create Detailed Project Specifications Quickly with SpecWriter 5.0
    It is the only specification writing program on the market written exclusively for Residential Builders and Contractors, and includes specific provisions that address the unique conditions of custom homebuilding and remodeling such as the ability to create a list of items not included in the job (like wallpaper or window treatments, for example) and a list of things to be done by the Owner (selecting fixtures or matching the existing tile). . . . keep reading
    
    
11. Architectural Fonts for Chief
    Chief V10 and X1 come with 3 nice fonts that install on your computer when you load the program. These fonts are City Blueprint, CountryBlueprint and Blueprintdbt. . . . keep reading
    
    
12. Chief Architect Benchmark
    Take the Benchmark Challenge! Follow the instructions to download and open the V10 or X1 plan and run a few tests to see how fast your computer system performs compared to others. Enter the info into the online forms and then copmare your results to others to see if your computer it up to speed. . . . keep reading
    
    
13. Save Time and Money with GoToMeeting
    Dan Baumann, CR
    The GoToMeeting software allows you to meet with your clients, suppliers, employees or anyone individually or all at once. This easy to use technology will allow you to build your professional image while saving everyone time. . . . keep reading
    
    
14. Estimating Expert, Nolan Orfield.
    Meet Estimating Expert Nolan Orfield. Estimating is one of the most important aspects of running a successful construction company, yet most contractors are reluctant to embrace new technology to help them with their bidding. My goal is to bring easy to use and accurate estimating software and education to the industry. . . . keep reading
    
    
15. Remodeling Plan Template for Chief Architect
    Dan Baumann, CR
    This template is optimized for drawing remodeling projects in Chief V10. It has custom walls, layers, materials, defaults, moldings and more. Learn how to use this template. . . . keep reading
    
    
16. Time Saving Shortcuts for Chief
    Dan Baumann, CR
    Learn time saving keyboard shortcuts that will help you work more effectively and efficiently with Chief. Learn to use the "F" Keys, "CTRL" Key, "Shift" keys, copy and paste shortcuts and much more. . . . keep reading
    
    
17. Chief X1 Tip - Use the All Tools Toolbar to Save Time
    Dan Baumann, CR
    Chief X1 has many new tool icons. They are set up in different toolbar sets and you can switch between them as needed. It's much easier to switch to the "All Tools" toolbar and have all of the icons available all of the time. . . . keep reading
    
    
18. Questions? - Ask it, I'll JING it back!
    Dan Baumann
    Got a Question that needs a Quick Answer? Need help with Chief Architect, the Internet, a software product, or something else? Got a solution you want to share? Then let's get together and JING IT! . . . keep reading
    
    
19. Business Coaching and Consulting, Michael Stone
    Meet Michael Stone owner of Construction Programs and Results. CPR was established to help the general and specialty contractor make money. We do this by helping to convert the construction related company owner's thinking from being a mechanic to becoming a successful business owner. For the established company, we help to fine tune or redefine the operation. . . . keep reading
    
    
20. May 6 - 15, Business Integration Webinar - Automation and the Internet with Jeff Knutson
    (Free Webinar) Join Contractors Software Group for a 4 part Business Integration Webinar series. It will focus on how an integrated estimating, job accounting, scheduling and sales system can help your company lower costs, improve efficiency and increase sales. . . . keep reading
    
    

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