Hi Rich,
Thank you for your response,
You’re right about SIP panels, they are a great way to build and we would love to add a system into PlusSpec. However, in my experience with SIP panels, manufacturers have many different ways of implementation such as mitred corners, but joints, panel in track, panel over track, snap joints, just to name a few. Also too there several variables with Sips and having an automated Sip system would make the process so much easier an enable more users to specify, for example: Some sip panel systems have a structural element in the join and some use the external lining and the adhesion to the core gives structural integrity. The panels that have a 3ft /1200m span can be restrictive when it comes to window locations. Yes it is possible to automate this process parametrically yet this also restricts the user by the inherent nature of the particular wall system.

SIP panels themselves are a different animal and although they are gaining traction in the lower end of the construction industry the system could still do with improvement, although I have not seen all the systems. In my opinion, I doubt the SIP systems I have seen will ever be the main stream, as modular construction simply makes more sense. Building a completed structure in a factory, like they do cars, seems to be the obvious choice as quality control scaffolding, machinery , tooling can be done in all weather conditions, not to mention the ability to buy materials in bulk.
As I've mentioned though, we here at PlusSpec love hearing from our users, in that, we are constantly catering to the majority demands of our user community as well as catering for the highest percentage of houses built and wall categories. So Rich, you are in a great position to recommend us an SIP manufacturer that you think would be good for use and we would be excited to contact them if the PlusSpec user community is on board!

The best thing about PlusSpec though is that it works inside of Sketchup and you can draw whatever you want, use the BIM tool and create an array, and you can quantify whatever you want, open the PlusSpec wall and rout, add plumbing or whatever to your heart's content. PlusSpec simply makes designing and building faster for the majority of designers and builders even more so when you take the bill of materials into account. PlusSpec is simply ten times faster than any program I have ever seen or used.

Yes I agree that PlusSpec and BIM up 5d are substantially different products, however, it seems that you’ve missed out on many of PlusSpec’s great features and qualities. PlusSpec actually has a full library of actual products that are pre-attributed that can be found here (http://rubysketch.com/search?ModelFileType=120). PlusSpec also has much more freedom that you think, with a BIM tool that allows you to attribute models from the warehouse or, if you’d like, even reattribute BIM up models. PlusSpec allows you to draw from ten different categories, however, with these wall types it also allows you to attach different materials, have variable cavity sizes, add insulation properties, control stud spacing, manage layers and many other things, it’s a very long list.
We understand that PlusSpec as it is may be powerful and intuitive, but it’s not perfect, however, we’re currently working hard to get it to be the best it can and we’re pleased to say that PlusSpec is due for a full release very soon. Our end users have said that their biggest concern is to have more freedom and our official release will answer those concerns and many more. PlusSpec may seem simple and confining, but perhaps it’s just that it is incredibly easy to use that it seems that way, if you give it a go and really get into it, you’ll find that it opens up a great world of functionality that is pleasantly surprising. Get your free trial here https://buy.plusspec.com/trial and give it a go, and thank you for your comments, it’s always great to hear from the SketchUp community!
I attached an image that should help explain.

Some cool features you may have missed in PlusSpec

Hi guys, as Andrew mentioned the fully functioning Mac version is available.
If your in the market for more professional Sketchup functionality now is the time to get Plusspec. http://Www.plusspec.com

I hear you with PlusSpec, we are working on it bigstick,we will get there, hopefully sooner Tehran than later. I was hoping that Ruby 2.0 would help but unfortunately not.

@krism said:

"
I guess the question is still unanswered. Is imperial support imminent or sometime in the future? Is there a workaround? I have used the trial version and am impressed . My concern is that the program is very good for Australia but not so good for North America.

KrisM

The answer is yes, we will have full imperial support as we do in Australia. If you are from the USA and you wish to use the version we have now, we will extend or compensate your license until we have a list of American materials as default as we do in Australia.
In the future you will be able to elaborate on your individual material base according to country. I know I keep banging on about this, it is true to say... This is just the beginning as the truth is exactly that.
The plan is to have every actual material available in every country from ever manufacturer, we are working hard on this and it is our priority. As you can imagine that is a big task and the end user is the one who will be able to help as achieve this goal. To compare apples with apples no other company or software developer has every material and in short you will have sufficient amounts to get you up & running.

You may note that when you do an estimate you can change the wording in the printable estimate to suite yourself.
[url][/url]

As far as a work around goes in the short term you can simply swap the material out in paint bucket. I can make a video is it helps?

STOP the press, I am told we have 50% of the first release of US materials being compiled now... information just told to me as I type.
I would be interested in hearing your thoughts when you receive it.

Kris there is so so so much more going on behind the scenes and I am wondering if you have done a take off? or you are just using PlusSpec for visual and 2d representation?

As far as Imperial support goes is there something I am missing? I know you want 24 ,26 etc etc and that is completed and ready to be implemented. Can you let me know which items in particular are your main concern so I can jump onto these first?

Thanks for asking Kris, this is a great help and I would like to compensate with your license fee for your time as it is much appreciated..
Could I ask you to add an image or share a model with me so I can see where you are up to.
Is it of interest if I do a live meeting (webinar style)? I can organise it and I am sure it will help many of our other users. PlusSpec is simple to use understanding the true power behind what you are drawing is more difficult as so much of what the Sketchup user does every day is now automated. No doubt that is what you are referring to when you say you impressed by the way PlusSpec works?
https://www.plusspec.com

Thanks Rich, that takes the pressure off.
Mac users, I will get it done, time is the main factor.
Anyone know how to clone humans?

I will be going to Hawaii next month if anyone wants to come and say Gday PM me, I will be demonstrating PlusSpec, so Aloha in advance.

@krisidious said:

I guess my last post didn't go. here it is again.

I have a few questions.

1. Does PlusSpec offer full imperial support? standards for framing and what not, equipment and components?

2. If I buy a subscription to PlusSpec does that cover all the components library or do I have to pay per component?

3. What is the process or ability in terms of unique or custom building areas. Have a look at my website and you'll see what I mean. I have curved walls and roofs with the rafter tails cut off.

4. Will PlusSpec make use of SU 2014's auto label in Layout?

5. Does the BIM information transfer to Layout?

1. Does PlusSpec offer full imperial support? standards for framing and what not, equipment and components?
We have timber sitting here ready to go and we are making products as I type. If you have a particular supplier you would like to see on board send me the details. I will chase them up. I have had many emails from America and Acme, American Gypsum,Dryvit EIFS, Andersen Windows have all had over 100 requests from individuals. There are a couple more companies that are getting up there as well.

2. If I buy a subscription to PlusSpec does that cover all the components library or do I have to pay per component?
yes all of the components come for free. If you have more in your library that you would like to share let me know and I will have them added n( we do have a pre requisite on the way they are drawn (low poly, minimal faces and you must be able to buy them in your country) as efficiency is our main aim SKPBIM models are very stream line). There is a direct link to RubySketch inside PlusSpec that allows you to download directly into your model. This makes Sketchup work faster as adding too many components can slow down your computer if you save them locally.

3. What is the process or ability in terms of unique or custom building areas. Have a look at my website and you'll see what I mean. I have curved walls and roofs with the rafter tails cut off.

The best thing about PlusSpec is you are working in Sketchup, you can draw what ever you want (use the "Bim tool for non custom items), it's a big time saver, unfortunately not as quick. You will not have the ability to use parametrics yet we have a solution coming that will help with quantifying.
BTW Nice designs on your site!

4. Will PlusSpec make use of SU 2014's auto label in Layout?

I am working on this, I have asked Trimble for access to Layout back end. This is not going to happen any time soon yet we are working on a work around. Sorry cant help straight up with this one. Watch this space

5. Does the BIM information transfer to Layout?

Not exactly, I guess you want a window schedule? If so copy the text out of the take off data sheet and paste in LO it for a work around. We are working on a solution now. There are pros and cons with this new functionality that Sketchup added in SU & LO 14. Watch this space.

http://www.plusspec.com

@rspierenburg said:

Just another quick question. As far as materials are concerned there seems to be new products on the market daily and it seems most of clients want to out-do each other by using the newest and shiniest. Are there provisions in PlusSpec to allow you to create new materials and add BIM information to it? Now I have to apologize, I have not watched all the videos as of yet so perhaps my question is already answered there, if so just let me know.

Thanks,
Rob

Hi Rob, you will like what we have coming up in this area. It will be about 8 weeks away. Ill fill you in more as we get closer.

Hi John, time and resources. It can be done yet it will be 2 weeks full time development at least. At the same time I'm improving the initial release and improving the library of components on Rubysketch. The only way I can concentrate on the mac version is to either put on another staff member or ask the community if they have models they would be willing to share on Rubysketch. Plusspec draws the building yet there is a lot more to construction than just building. We need things like boilers kitchen sinks, taps or faucets, furniture actually anything that is required. I can not afford to do everything in one go. I would be willing to swap the license cost for materials that are county or country specific. The thing is with Plusspec we associate actual products with components. So anything we get needs to be a representation of actual.
In my view this is what decreases issues at time of constructing. It also helps with accurate feasibility and cost control.
I know it may be an ambitious task yet I do not think it to be unachievable.
I consider design to be more than just aesthetics. 90+% of buildings in the world are built around practicality and affordability, good design should encompass asthetics, practicality and cost. I designed many buildings that were never built as the cost was higher than the client could afford, I'm sure im not the onlyone who has... It is difficult and time consuming for architects to specify real world products as the research can take longer than the design. Most of us design with representations of real world products and this means we allow room for error and to counteract error we make rooms larger than they actually need to be. This cost in itself equates to 5% of the building cost. Another 5% minimum is added by the estimator as he or she will make an allowance of cost for a none specific item.
If manufacturers would compensate this community for efficient model creation we could use these models to design more efficiently and accurately.
In short if you have access to real world models or you have a relationship with a manufacturer that would like to get involved. I would consider this to be helpful and it would allow me to spend more time on the Mac version. PM me or contact me through the rubysketch website. A like minded community with a goal to create a better more efficient industry for us all is what I seek.

Sorry Chuck. We have been tinkering though.

Try Plusspec. You'll be able to do it they're

You may want to explode the dwg first. Just take the necessary geometry from the import and delete the rest. You may also want to check the scale is 1 to before you get started. I think Dave hit the nail on the head for the rest.

I hear you there. I use them all and I find myself stepping back to Sketchup every time.
Maybe you could get that group to take the Pepsi challenge.
Thanks for the reply!

@ashscott said:

Well PlusSpec, it looks as though you're stealing the show and thats possibly justified if your product is as good as it sounds.

I wondered if you have any info on who you guys are and what you're trying to achieve - might make people a little more comfortable to part with their $395

I see your "About" page and the nice vid there but who are the people behind plusspec and what is your vision? When I personally get serious about buying a product I generally scan the "about" pages for info on who those people are and why they're doing what they're doing - I guess it makes me feel like I know the horse I'm backing

Just a suggestion - I love your efforts to push our dear Sketchup forward

About PlusSpec video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_RM_EAFZeY

*Can't seem to get the above video to embed here on sketchucation...

Hi Ashscott, we already have a few of our Anzac Kiwi friends involved, it will be good to have another.

Ok who are we are what are we about? I could write heap of rubbish self promoting myself yet who could be bothered reading it?. The best way to check out who we are and who I am is to go to my LinkedIn page
http://www.linkedin.com/in/ecobuildingdesigninnovation

I have work to do on our about page, as I do the rest of our website. If you read my LinkedIn page most wonder how I get it all done. The answer is I employ smart, young & old (sorry Adam, Susan and Neil), trustworthy people, we have a great time doing it and we all have similar interests. This is not a job to us it is a passion!

When it comes to choosing a horse to back, it would have been great to get a dollar on the odds of Aussie horse, Black Caviar winning 25 consecutive races. You would be wealthy man now. I was thinking about getting of a race together with some of the top Revit and Archicad guys. It would be good for Sketchup to see how the three stacked up in different categories.

Don't get me wrong each of these software packages are brilliant and at this stage of the game PlusSpec is the dark outsider. I would love to see how we went in a trial run though. It would be great to get some more users over to Sketchup / PlusSpec and it would be an interesting test. I would learn a lot and may even get my ass kicked, only time will tell. To be clear I am not trying to take on the big boys, I am trying to give our users similar or better functionality for a fraction of the cost. I am confident I have achieved that....
....& this is just the beginning!

Any how I have to get some work done, thanks for posting Ashscott.
BTW the All Blacks and the Warriors are going down to Australia. Good to hear from a fellow Anzac mate

@pixero said:

A few questions.

Is it possible to export model with BIM information to Revit?
Is it possible to set how deep the window is placed in the wall?
Can you draw simple walls for sketching and change them later to more detailed? From what I see in the videos it look more focused on construction than on design.
How we'll does it work for larger buildings? Examples only show simple house.
How many computers are you allowed to install it on? A lot of people have PCs at work as we'll as a laptop.
Why is there no demo version?
Did I understand it correct that if you buy you can use it perpetually but only receive updates for the subscription period?

Revit
The short answer is no, It is although possible to export the IFC. Watch this space. In my opinion you are actually increasing your work load by doing this in Revit. I employ full time Revit & Archicad guys and they do this in Sketchup and PlusSpec as it is quicker and more efficient. The model size is also much much smaller.

Window depth
The windows will be placed according to the internal wall and the cavity. The Cavity is adjustable so, technically yes.

walls for sketching and change them later to more detail
This comes from a Revit user through and through. The short answer is yes, although there is no disadvantage to use the initial construction method to start as you have the ability to change all or just one walls construction type.
The best thing about Sketchup is you conceptualise with it, get your proportions and size using Sketchup, make the repeatable geometry EG hotel rooms as components and then use array tool to build the structure from these components. When you are happy with the size and scale open the component and draw inside with PlusSpec. Job done & the estimate is just a bonus. All of the walls, windows and fixtures are all neatly put into categories and layers. You can make one floor or one apartment unique and change the window style or walls on one floor. Even though I invented the plugin I am still blown away at how well this method works.
It may seem as though PlusSpec is specifically designed for construction, yet the truth is it is designed for both. I choose to show the construction side as this demonstrates so much more. If you are familiar with LOD PlusSpec will create a LOD 350 models for you the first time without revision if you so choose. If you are an architect and you want to limit plan revisions PlusSpec is for you. Some of our Architects charge as much for the take off as they do for the drawing. To do a take off on a 1500 apartment building will take about 60 seconds, with the shadows turned on. Get an engineer who uses Sketchup and you can go home at lunch time every day and still do more work than you are now in Revit. There is more to come.

How well does it work for larger buildings? Examples only show simple house.
The reason why we only draw small buildings is so we do not bore you to tears in the tutorials. PlusSpec optimises everything and using RubySketch in conjunction for your fixtures does the same. Once I finish replying here today my job is to draw a full commercial building. I will put in 2 million edges and faces and run the shadows on an I5 laptop not plugged in to the wall. Ask Mike Lucey about this or Mike Tadros or Nancy Trig or ThomThom they saw it live, my aim was to crash Sketchup and I could not do it. Sketchup 14 Pro is so so so much better at handling large geometry. I would say the way PlusSpec controls geometry and size is its strongest point. PlusSpec is very stable.

How many computers are you allowed to install it on? A lot of people have PCs at work as we'll as a laptop.

Just one license, although it will install on Sketchup 8 , 13 and 14 in one installation on one computer. The same as Revit yet it does not cost $6k+ it only costs $395. so in effect you could install it on 15 computers for the same cost as one Revit license.

Why is there no demo version?
I have spoken to many developers and they say they get 200000 trial downloads and convert less than 1%. We are small and simply do not have the resources or budget to field this amount of feedback. The 30 day money back seems to be a better way to me as the cost associated with 200000 trials would see my grey hair falling out.

Did I understand it correct that if you buy you can use it perpetually but only receive updates for the subscription period? At this current time yes, just like Sketchup licenses are. We do have to make the wording clearer on the site. My apologies , I am new to this & this is the first week of public release.
The feedback and questions are great. Thanks for asking, if you need me to elaborate more please ask specifics. Ill do my best to hack together some quick videos.

@mitcorb said:

Are there any special methods required with the use of Layout and PlusSpec? Or, maybe there is a tutorial that I didn't notice?

I am wondering also, whether this extension has to wrangle the tiny faces problem in Sketchup? There is bound to be some point where this may occur, and would this affect the data output?

Ahhhh, the tiny faces issue caused many grey hairs with the roofing tool and that be the reason why the full roof tool is not in the latest version ( The existing tool is easy and powerful yet the new tool is a Ferrari. ETA 1 to 2 weeks) . I am not aware of any other issues that are a side effect yet would love to hear from anyone who has.

As far as Layout and PlusSpec go, it is very easy. It is actually excellent, but don't take it from me.
Basically you draw a building and hit the generate scenes tool. Here is a video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIO9k1wu0B0%26amp;list=PL_je7dD7rzFsQpKYhiMoH3HyA0d9lIZmA
This video shows how it appears by default in Layout.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrGn44OV5wc

I can make a quick video of the two in conjunction, if that helps?.
We are adding more functionality to this now. Ill keep you posted.

Just so you all know, PlusSpec will also work with Sketchup models and will extimate quantities. I am making a tutorial for this as well.

@otb designworks said:

MAC compatible?
Sorry Chuck not yet, we run it on mac in duel mode. It is not impossible to do it, it's just a matter of time.

I"ll have to get PlusSpec available for everyone here.

No doubt you all realise I have some bumps to iron out as I am new to this. Feel free to give constructive criticism, I will always listen.
The better we can all make this the more Sketchup users in our industry the better it is for all of us.

Hi Guys, subscriptions are the worst! you get to use PlusSpec like you do Sketchup, I sometimes still use Sketchup 8, its the same thing. The first 12 months gives you updates and product support. I will make this more clear in the terms on the site shortly, sorry for the confusion.

So what do you get in the first 12 months? We have some really cool tools that we are just about to implement. The new roof tool rocks and so do the others! I hope to have it available in the next couple of weeks, we have been working on it for over 12 months and 7 months full time.

One thing that I am pretty sure is not clear. I am one of you guys, I design everyday, I love using Sketchup more so in combination with PlusSpec, I am not rich and I do not drive a fancy car. I spent a lot of money and time creating the best tool I could imagine for Sketchup. PlusSpec gets me more work for my design business, actually more work than I can handle and I can draw and estimate twice as fast (probably 10 times faster than the $6000+ packages that other architects are using ) as any Sketchup user in PlusSpec. That is why I have put in the 30 day money back guarantee. If you do not think PlusSpec can save you hours on one model simply request a refund.

It is very difficult to explain how stable, how easy and how powerful PlusSpec is until you use it.

I do not pay or fudge user feedback, the feedback written above was done without me prompting or altering. At Basecamp people were blown away with what we have done and they have not seen what we are about to do.
This is honestly, just the beginning!

Here is the feedback (below) I got yesterday from a new user. I must say I am happy with the reaction and I think you guys will give the same kind of feedback. My aim is to improve our industry and decrease our work load. I think I have, yet I am more interested in what you think.

Just writing to let you know everything is going well with PlusSpec. I am a bit addicted to using it! I have a job at the moment to modify a house for a boy with cerebral palsy. I have found PlusSpec really easy to use and get my head around. I have sent the plans to the client and they are very impressed.. You are making me look like a genius! I am just a builder;-)
I am also putting a granny flat on the back of an investment property that I own and have found it great for getting things looking right and working out what to do with it. My wife has no idea in two d but having things drawn up in 3d she could see how it would all work.
Really excited to see where this goes for you guys.

To find out more go to https://www.plusspec.com/
We are changing the website as marketing is not my strong point, feel free to give feedback or constructive criticism on how the site appears. It should be updated tomorrow.
Thanks for your feedback to date.