Door Family with Jambs

I have had several request for a door family that has jambs included in the rough opening. This is something Revit does not have out of the box. It is made for walls that are either concrete or block construction that we need to be able to dimension to the door rough opening. So, I have put together a basic door to get you started with. Select link at bottom of post to download.

It is basically a single hung flush door. The Jamb and door together make up the open size. In the type settings you can change door height and width along with jamb depth (all three sides) jamb width for sides and jamb width for head jamb. Under the instance or Element you can change the door inset (this controls the offset of the door from wall face on the non-swing side. The rough opening also automatically reports the correct width and height by adding Jambs and width/height.

Single-Flush-Jamb-RR.rfa

Upgrading Families in Revit

Although it is not necessary to upgrade all families before using them in a new version, it may be desirable to upgrade your family files (especially your larger ones) to avoid upgrade delays when you add families to projects.

The utility is located on the installation dvd for Revit. You will need to look in the Install Tools and Utilities area and then utilities from the left hand margin be directed to the utilities on the dvd. Files are designed to first find any existing family that you have, then upgrade them to the current release.

1. Copy the files into a directory common to your family files
2. Double click on the Batch Family File Generator (upgrade_rfa.bat). After a moment a file named famlist.txt will be created.
3. Drag and drop the Family File Upgrade Utility (upgrade_rfa.txt) onto the Revit Icon (or shortcut). Revit will now start, open and save all of the family files found in the family.txt file.

NOTE: Be sure that the file identified in the "family.txt" files should be upgraded before running the "upgrade_rfa.txt" utility. It is advisable to review the files found in the "family_rfa.txt" before proceeding. Once a file is upgraded it cannot be brought back to the previous release.

NOTE: Also note that family files marked as "read only" cannot be upgraded and will cause the upgrade_rfa.txt file to "run out of sequence" and the process will be stopped.

DO NOT modify these downloads to upgrade project files ! ! !

Site Analysis- Permeable vs Non-permeable

How about using the AREA tool to create a visual analysis of Permeable vs Non-permeable surfaces on a site plan. Revit can easily be used to compare the areas in both numerical view (Schedule) or visual with a color fill plan. An idea is to create a permeable parameter. You can then create a new view change view settings to see the site objects. Create some spaces and fill the parameter for permeable with Permeable or Non-permeable. Apply color fill based on permeable parameter. Finally create a schedule to extract information for square footage of each.