[Plugin] HouseBuilder metric 1.2

[TIG]

Didier Bur made this metric version from the original imperial one, and added some new things like the section-list.
As you probably found he has 'encrypted' the code by packing it; so, unlike many scripts, it is not easily adjusted using a Notepad editor, a brain and a little effort...
Whilst some of us know how to undo this encryption it would be unethical to mess with the code without his permission.
Can I suggest you PM Didier direct and ask [nicely] that he looks at converting his metric version into an updated imperial '/" version - I'm sure that many US users would appreciate it too... It might be as simple as changing the section-list and a few lines of code in the scripts to '/" defaults rather than metric...

[gullfo]

you'd almost want a wish list of things to add:

1) switchable between metric and imperial
2) skin thickness and perhaps a settable offset value so skin on adjoining wall/floor/ceiling/roof join on edges correctly...
3) skin and rim joists on floor (ability to select rim joints as lumber and joists as engineered for example)
4) openings in floor (create floor/ceiling framing with openings for stairs, AC vents, etc)
5) openings in roof (skylights, hatches)

basically the last two would apply the window and door functionality to the roof and floor objects.

[irwanwr]

this is the best wood building construction tool that i know
especially because it works with metric too
i hope Didier would like to take a look at it again for more improvement

[raineysky]

Mr. Didier,

I'm not bugging you for an Imperial version . Just bumping the thread

Also, to those who have used this plugin. Can you create a realistic cutlist from it? I don't really have a use for it right now but I know there will be a day.

Off-Topic:
BTW I'm working in a Sawmill right now drying 135,000 bd. ft. of 2x6's in one kiln and 66,000 in another

[kachupp]

Great script, I'm having trouble changing global roof properties "lumber size" it reverts back to its default 16x50 everytime. I edited the sections txt file to reflect the common timbers sizes in NZ. 16x50 none existant in the edited file. SO my question is it hard coded into the packed script

[kachupp]

Great script, I'm having trouble changing global roof properties "lumber size" it reverts back to its default 16x50 everytime. I edited the sections txt file to reflect the common timbers sizes in NZ. 16x50 none existant in the edited file. SO my question is it hard coded into the packed script

First I must apologize for decoding the encoded script. Done!
The above was hard coded into the script Fixed!

I love what you did with it using the external section file

[raineysky]

Seems to me that a script like this that made Hip Roofs would be very valuable to builders. I've seen a bunch of the roof plugins but none that make hip roof rafters. Don't even know if it's possible and as you can probably tell, I'm no carpenter.

Still wishing for the imperial version of this one too

[spireup]

Does anyone know where HouseBuilder stores the Section List on a Mac? I cant seem to find it.

[mwm5053]

@ raineysky there is it was actually done before the metric I use it all the time. It's here at Ruby Library Depot.

http://rhin.crai.archi.fr/rld/plugin_details.php?id=185

@ spireup what do you mean sections?

[spireup]

@mwm5053 It appears the program generates a walls quantities estimate.. Im sure Ive used it on the PC before.The tool icon is hb_estimate_L.png...

[raineysky]

MWM5053,

It does Hip and Valley rafters?

[mwm5053]

No just hip one ridge I tried a hip and valley and I to really work at intersecting and clean up the rafters.

[raineysky]

Ok. Thank You

[Futurepast]

Does this have the same error as the original? In the original, the first spacing from the first stud to the second was entered as "outside to outside" instead of "outside to center" (that is off by 3/4" on a 2/ imperial). The rest of the wall was run on center from that, that 3/4" error throws 4' siding off (unless you want to cut the first sheet)

[kachupp]

Does this have the same error as the original? In the original, the first spacing from the first stud to the second was entered as "outside to outside" instead of "outside to center" (that is off by 3/4" on a 2/ imperial). The rest of the wall was run on center from that, that 3/4" error throws 4' siding off (unless you want to cut the first sheet)

Yes it does. . same error
In the code he has a TODO list thats one of them.

[craigcampbell66]

In need of some help. I have got the housebuilder plugin installed on desktop and laptop. Trying to run the metric version. It loads fine on the laptop (I have only installed the metric version) but on the desktop (I had the original imperial version installed previously) I end up with mixed parameters ie imperial and metric in the same dialogue box. Have tried deleting from the plugins folder and reinstalling but always the same result. Driving me nuts.

any help appreciated.

hb3.JPG

hb2.JPG

hb1.JPG

[gullfo]

did you delete to imperial housebuilder folder? (or change it's name?), plus remove any housebuilder references in the plugins folder, then clean install the metric version. also ensure the units for the drawing are set to metric.

[craigcampbell66]

did you delete to imperial housebuilder folder? (or change it's name?), plus remove any housebuilder references in the plugins folder, then clean install the metric version. also ensure the units for the drawing are set to metric.

I have tried to delete all housebuilder folders (there is only 1) and the Housebuider.rb file from the plugins folder and then re open sketchup8 pro to find the plugin still available. Checked the plugins folder (C drive, programs etc etc) and the folder and .rb files are gone. Have tried to re-install and overwrite existing. Still no joy. I don't understand why I have half and half (imperial/metric) in the same dialogue box. Also lost as to why the plugin is still available when I have deleted it from the plugins folder.

I suspect that help with removing it successfully will help me in clean installing it to get up and running with an uncorrupted version.

[gullfo]

and you're installing clean from the source zip file? i actually have both versions running by simply renaming the load files and the directories when i need to switch (add or remove ".MET" off the metric loading file and directory, and add or remove ".IMP" on the imperial version) and they both work ok. somehow i'm thinking you must have either mixed these versions up and are restoring from that? or the installation is in another folder (tools? or a secondary plugin folder - like a pre-compiled menu or toolbar plugin)which is causing this effect.

[craigcampbell66]

and you're installing clean from the source zip file? i actually have both versions running by simply renaming the load files and the directories when i need to switch (add or remove ".MET" off the metric loading file and directory, and add or remove ".IMP" on the imperial version) and they both work ok. somehow i'm thinking you must have either mixed these versions up and are restoring from that? or the installation is in another folder (tools? or a secondary plugin folder - like a pre-compiled menu or toolbar plugin)which is causing this effect.

Bingo! I did a search for 'Housebuilder' folders/files on the computer and found it hiding here

(C: Users/Me?AppData/Local/VirtualStore/Program Files (x86)/Google/Google Sketchup8/Plugins)

with the rest of its buddies. Deleted all. Clean install from the metric Zip. Giddyup.

Not quite sure I understand your system for running both. Do you rename ie add/remove the .MET,.IMP from the folders in the plugins folder prior to launching the plugin from within sketchup?

Thanks for your help. It was the prompt 'is in another folder' that set off the lightbulb. Had to navigate to the same location when trying to delete unused Layout templates. Searched for ages before finding the solution on one of SketchUcations threads.

[TIG]

The 'VirtualStore' means that you do not have 'full permissions' to write files/folders to the Plugins folder.
If you have a 'Compatibilities Files...' button/link in the Plugins folder's Windows-Explorer window top-bar then that is a sure sign [if you click it you'll get to your 'VirtualStore' subfolder]
It is Windows over zealously protecting you from yourself!
BUT it stupidly doesn't tell you it hasn't installed the files properly, and it can even show them as if it has... but in reality they are in these 'VirtualStore' subfolders... and then later SketchUp can't find them when it is auto-loading from the Plugins folder...

Fix it asap...

You'll need to have Admin powers...
Select the Plugins folder icon.
Right-click context-menu > Properties > Security > Edit
Set access permissions to 'FULL' for everyone/anything [obviously including yourself!], that should stop a repeat after you save the changes. If the folder isn't currently owned by 'you' then it might also help to change its ownership in the Advanced > owner section...

You might also want to fix the permissions for the SketchUp Components, Materials and Styles folders - because you will also want to add files to those from time to time.

[gullfo]

yes, i manually rename the extension of the rb file and the extension i attach to the folder to keep them separated. so when i'm not using my dynamic framing components, and use the housebuilder scripts, i choose the appropriate one for the project i'm working on.

+1 on TIG's recommendation to set your permission on the sketchup folder - i'd do the entire folder so you can readily manipulate the materials, styles, plugins, components, and templates.

[craigcampbell66]

Thanks to you both for your help and advice. Correct on the 'compatability' issue. Do I need to manually change the security settings for every folder where this shows up? It looks like it will take me till Christmas given the quick look I had and the number of folders where the 'compatability' button is present.

Once again, appreciative of your time/help.

[TIG]

Thanks to you both for your help and advice. Correct on the 'compatibility' issue. Do I need to manually change the security settings for every folder where this shows up? It looks like it will take me till Christmas given the quick look I had and the number of folders where the 'compatibility' button is present.

Once again, appreciative of your time/help.

If you correct it for a folder the 'compatibility files...' link will show if there are still virtual store items mis-installed...
BUT because the changes should 'trickle down' to reset any included files and subfolders in that changed-folder you can try resetting the permissions on a all enclosing folder [like 'Program Files'] and after some time processing the lot all of the subfolders should be reset - BUT do you really want to affect everything ??? I recommend you do it for every VirtualStore entry where you know that you have/had insufficient permissions...