Hi michael h,

Regarding how to set the ceilings - autofloor, I answered your question in this location

Punchhelpers, "Variable ceiling heights" #1, 30 Oct 2006 10:28 am

And of course, if you have additional questions about Punch, just let us know

Regarding the "typical values" for the pieces, As you probably know, I am an Architect, so for your own safety (and your family's), let me explain some issues, starting with the building codes
As we all know, there is a building code, but each state has its own version / adaptation as well as each county.
An Architect, Engineer, etc must elaborate the interpretation / application of the Building codes, calculation of structures and foundations, etc. Not only for the technical understanding of these issues, but for the liability.
An advice regarding a technical subject (something basic as the wood dimension and independent if you are paid for this advice or not) implies liability. And this could be a legal issue if I (or other professional or a software) provide advice about a technical problem
Structures / materials are quite different depending the characteristics of the soil / topography, wind conditions and seismic calculations.

I'd suggest also, to read my article "Do I need an architect?"in my website

http://www.punchhelpers.com/need_arch.html

or you can check lots of interesting discussions about this topic in this forum. Perform a search with the word "architect" and "CAD"

Hope this helps

Patricia

Hi Michael H,

Yes, autofloor changes the wall height, but only in the elevation.
So, suppose you have a wall with height= 9' and autofloor= 12". If you edit it in the elevation editor and you check the dimension with the dimension tool, you will verify it has 10'. However, if you select the wall and edit the properties, you will see height= 9', and also, you'll see the autofloor= 12"

Your statement "As I see it now with Auto floor off, walls should be 10 feet, floor thickness 1 foot, and ceiling elevation 1/2" from top of wall" seems almost accurate. Just a note about the ceiling. The ceiling elevation will depend also of the ceiling thickness. If your ceiling thickness is 1/2", and it will meet the top of a 120" wall, the ceiling elevation will be 119.5".
Floors and ceilings' elevations are always referred to the bottom side of the piece

At last, regarding the joist, and other framing pieces, you can set and visualize them in the framing editor (power tools)

Patricia