Tips & Tricks

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Edgenet's Outdoor Design Program offers so many options, materials and choices that you’re bound to have questions. We’ve got answers for you – along with some tips and tricks that we hope will transform you into a master designer.

If you have a suggestion or a question for us, make sure to send them to Edgenet.

For other questions email us at mailto:designsupport@edgenet.com

 

C-OdP-circle General

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1Why do we see duplicate SKUs on the Bill of Material Usage List? For example, the quote was showing 2 different line items for lag bolts?

SKUs are not really duplicating but are seen in the SKU Usage List section of the Bill of Material multiple times but are separated or grouped by usage. Referencing the Material List section of the Bill of Material will display unique SKUs.

 

 

C-Deck-Icon Deck

 

hmtoggle_plus1How do you change the height of a deck?

 

While in “Plan View,” click on “Modify.”

Select “Deck.”

Select the “Height” tab on the “Deck Properties” box that pops up.

Enter the new height you’d like in the “Height of the Deck” Box in the center.

OR

Double-click on your deck design

The “Deck Properties” box pops up

Select the “Height” tab on the “Deck Properties” box that pops up.

Enter the new height you’d like in the “Height of the Deck” Box in the center.

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1How do you enlarge or reduce the size of deck?

 

Click on the blue arrow C-Right-Grip on the side of the deck you wish to enlarge or reduce.

Holding the mouse down drag the deck edge to desired location

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1Can I see the different layers on a design?

 

Every component of the design you create can be viewed individually. So, if you’d like to look at just the deck, or just the railing, you can.

1.Select the “3D View” tab.
2.Click the "Layer" button.
3.Add or remove elements of the design to the visualization from the deck, to stairs and railing.

D-3D-View-Layer-Decking

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1When I attempt to modify the steps I do not seem to have the ability to modify stringer options, what can I do?

 

For Precut Stringers, select precut stringers and the application will choose between the 3, 4 or 5 step stringer based on the height of your deck. If you increase the height of the deck, the 5 step stringer will bid. If you decrease the height of the deck, the 3 or 4 step stringer will bid.

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1When designing a deck, I do not seem to have the ability include a Sono tube (cardboard box used to hold cement) what can I do?

 

Sono Tubes are only meant to be bid for certain types of footings. Select the modify drop down menu or double click on the deck. Now select the Footing tab. Selecting either “Pier In-Ground Footing” or “pier Block & In-Ground Footing” will add Sono (Builder) tubes to the design.

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1When designing a deck with stairs at what point does the OdP Design application automatically add a landing?

 

The application will automatically add a landing to the stairs when the deck reaches a height of 104" or greater.

 

hmtoggle_plus1I am unable to join stairs from upper deck to main deck when the upper deck and a main deck that is 4 feet apart, what can I do?

 

This is the normal functioning of the application, but there are steps you can take to complete this task. First increase the size of the deck, then add the stairs, then decrease the size of the deck again.

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1I cannot seem to change unit rise on stairs in a deck design. The option to change the rise or run for the stairs is greyed out, what can I do?

 

The Unit Rise and Unit Run are non-modifiable, as the deck height determines Unit Run.

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1The application seems to be incorrectly splitting a beam when I attempt to add a notch with stairs, why does this happen?

 

The application is working as intended. The beam is being split in this instance because of the addition of the notch. You do have the ability to adjust the joist overhang; however, the joist overhang that is selected is uniform and continuous.

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1Why is the system bidding 6x6 posts when I selected 4x4 Posts for the deck design?

This can happen for a couple of reasons. One reason could be that the 4x4 posts (species / treatment / grade) selected are not available for a particular store so the system automatically selects what can be bid and what is structurally acceptable for this particular design. A second reason could be that although 4x4 posts were selected due to the height of the deck and the "slenderness factor" of the deck the application automatically adjusts the design to utilize posts to be more structurally sound for this design.

 

hmtoggle_plus1Why is the application automatically placing posts at specific distances which cannot be moved?

 

The application does not allow for moving posts. Moving Posts from where they are placed by the application could affect the structural integrity of the design creating a liability issue. The application prevents the user from performing this function.

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1When does the application automatically add a landing to stairs?

 

A landing will automatically be added to stairs once the deck height reaches 104”.

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1Can I see a joist layout view of a deck design?

 

Yes, however dimensions are not displayed on the joist layout view. Only the beams and joist overhang are displayed.

 

hmtoggle_plus1The application automatically places posts in the deck design separated at specific distances. Why can't these posts be moved?

 

Allowing changes to where posts are placed could affect the structural integrity of the design.

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1Why does the application automatically place a beam at 8’ parallel to the house?

 

The application automatically adds the beam to handle load.

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1How does the application calculate the amount of concrete bid?

 

This is done based on the deck parameters and National Building standards.

 

 

 

 

 

C-Fence-Icon   Fence

 

hmtoggle_plus1How do I change the default construction method from placing the posts on the outside of the fence to placing the posts on the inside of the fence?

 

 

Most home owner's associations require the posts to show on the inside of the fence and the panel to face the neighbors; however the default setting in the system will place the posts on the outside.

 

To move the posts to the inside of the fence, while in the Plan view, click on “Modify”

 

Click on “Reverse”

 

Click on the fence area you wish to change.

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1How do I change the height of a Fence?

 

While in the Plan view, click on the “Modify” button.

 

Click on the side of the fence you wish to modify.

 

A dialog box containing all selectable fence panels by dimensions will be displayed for your default store. Select the panel with the appropriate dimensions to get the desired height. You can also double click on the side of the fence you wish to modify, which will display a dialog box with the selectable fence panels by dimensions.

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1Why are there fence panels shown that do not have corresponding gates?

 

Not all fence panels have associated gates

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1Why are the defaults set to cedar fencing and not to pine?

 
Materials are listed in alphabetical order. When a fence section is added, a dialog box will appear. The dialog box displays all the fence options available in your default store.

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1Can the length of individual fence posts be changed?

 

No. Individual fence post lengths cannot be changed. The system is designed to base post length on panel length.

 

 

 

 

 

C-Garage-Icon   Garage

 

hmtoggle_plus1How can I change the height of the Garage?

 

Click on Modify button on Ribbon Menu

 

To modify the foundation height of the garage, select the sub-menu item “Walls”.

 

The Wall parameters dialog box will display, allowing the “Foundation Height” to be modified.

 

To change the height of the garage walls, select the “Modify” button

 

Select the sub menu item “Wall Height”; modify the height as necessary.

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1How can I add or remove a window or door in the Garage design?

 

To add a door or window, while in the Plan view, click on the "Add" button.

 

A sub-menu with the options of “Window” and “Door” will display.   Select either Window or Door to display an alphabetical list of selectable windows and doors; select the appropriate choice.

 

Place the door or window in the design

 

 

To remove a window or door, while in the Plan View, select the “Remove” button.

 

A sub-menu will display either “Door”, “Window” or both, depending on what has been added to the garage.

 

Click on the appropriate door or window to be removed from the design.

 

Note: Holding the Control key (Ctrl) while clicking will allow multiple windows or doors to be deleted.

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1Can I use the rafters for storage?

 

No.  The ceiling joists specified are not designed to carry loads.

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1Can I make Cripple studs different than the default size?

 

No.  There is currently not a way to manually change the cripple stud length.

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1When I review my design in the 3D view I am not able to see the Fascia what can I do?

 

Currently the application will not show fascia in the 3D view. .

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1How can I change the material of the window or check what type of window materials are offered?

 

Once a window has been added to a design, its material can only be changed by removing the existing window and adding a new one with the appropriate material. The “Add” option can be used to display different window material options.

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1The default stud size for wall parameters is currently set at 2x4, and I would like set this at 2x6. Can you explain how to make this the default?

 

Go to the Wall Parameters dialog box and change the Stud Size by clicking on the drop down list.  To get to the Wall Parameters dialog box click on the Modify drop down and select Walls.

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1When I create a design with 8’ tall walls the application seems to be selecting 10' tall studs for the design, how do I make certain I am only using 8’ boards?

 

Select Construction Preferences, then select Stud/Win-Dr Framing and change the Species/Treatment/Grade combination. This will allow you to select a board with the required length.

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1When I create a Garage Design and review the Bill of Material, why don’t I see plywood roof sheathing even though there are available SKUs?

 

Select the Plan View and then the “Modify” option on the Ribbon Menu. Select “Roofing Material” from the list and pick a desired material. By selecting the material such as shingles other material associated with it will bid as well including the required plywood. Before selecting the “OK” button these associated materials can be changed by selecting the “Options” button.

 

 

 

 

 

C-Post-Icon  Post Frame

 

hmtoggle_plus1How can I change the height of the Post Frame?

 

Only the height of the walls can be modified. While in the Plan view, click on the “Modify” button.  A sub-menu of garage settings that can be modified will display. Select the sub-menu item “Walls”, and adjust the wall height as necessary.

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1How can I add or remove a window or door in the Post Frame design?

To add a door or window, while in the Plan view, click on the "Add" button.

 

A sub-menu with the options of “Window” and “Door” will display.   Select either Window or Door to display an alphabetical list of selectable windows and doors; select the appropriate choice.

 

Place the door or window in the design

 

 

To remove a window or door, while in the Plan View, select the “Remove” button.

 

A sub-menu will display either “Door”, “Window” or both, depending on what has been added to the Post Frame.

 

Click on the appropriate door or window to be removed from the design.

 

Note: Holding the Control key (Ctrl) while clicking will allow multiple windows or doors to be deleted..

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1When I review my design in the 3D view I am not able to see the Fascia what can I do?

 

Currently the application will not show fascia in the 3D view. .

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1How can I change the material of the window or check what type of window materials are offered?

 

Once a window has been added to a design, its material can only be changed by removing the existing window and adding a new one with the appropriate material. The “Add” option can be used to display different window material options.

 

hmtoggle_plus1The default stud size for wall parameters is currently set at 2x4, and I would like set this at 2x6. Can you explain how to make this the default?

 

Go to the Wall Parameters dialog box and change the Stud Size by clicking on the drop down list.  To get to the Wall Parameters dialog box click on the Modify drop down and select Walls.

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1When I create a design with 8’ tall walls the application seems to be selecting 10' tall studs for the design, how do I make certain I am only using 8’ boards?

 

Select Construction Preferences, then select Stud/Win-Dr Framing and change the Species/Treatment/Grade combination. This will allow you to select a board with the required length..

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1Can the ceiling joists use Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL)?

 

The system does not allow LVL beams to be used because the engineering properties are different..

 

 

hmtoggle_plus1The application is not letting me select a stick built roof. The application is defaulting to trusses and not letting me change that option, what can I do?

 

Select the "Modify" drop down and then select "Rafters". Based on the size of the design, the application still may change it back to trusses if default store does not have long enough lumber to build a rafter style roof. You can also go to the "Modify" drop down, click on "Roof" and click on the "Yes" radio button for allow 2 piece joists. Then you will need to click on the "Modify" drop down and select "Rafters".