Release Notes

Released: March 8, 2018

This update includes the following improvements:

Other/General

• Fixed the issue where you sometimes couldn’t add windows & doors to walls when there was a certain timber frame material applied.

Download Update

Released: February 13, 2018

This update includes the following improvements:

Other/General

• Fixed the issue where wall lines weren’t appearing inside of Layout (mainly for Layout 18).

Released: December 13, 2017

This update includes the following improvements:

Other/General

• Added an option to install to SketchUp 2018 in the EXE installation file.

Released: October 23, 2017

This update includes the following improvements:

NEW Tools

• Share Library Tool – Share you material library with your friends and colleagues or connect a company to one library for easier material management.
• Public User Material Library – Browse through a vast range of user created materials and add them to your own library.

Other/General

• Removed the ‘Prices’ buttons from material fields.

Materials

• Added Inex Boards products for cladding and wall finishes (AUS library).

 

Released: October 9, 2017

This update includes the following improvements:

NEW Tools

• Import PDF Tool – Easily import and position PDF documents into your SketchUp model.

Ceiling Tool

• Added thickness field when creating ceiling materials.

 

Released: September 26, 2017

This update includes the following improvements:

Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools

• Fixed an issue on Mac with the I-Joist option in the Joist Tools.

Component Tool

• Fixed an issue with the ‘Drop to Wall’ button appearing in the wrong location.

Released: September 18, 2017

This update includes the following improvements:

Skillion/Shed Roof Tool

• Skillion Roof Tool now opens when you remove a face from a hip roof using the ‘Remove Face’ options.

Component Tool

• Added scaffolding component to the Site category.

Other/General

• Fixed an issue with the material library status button in the welcome splash screen.

Materials

• Fixed an issue with ceiling plasterboard estimate (all libraries).
• Added rammed earth materials to Solid Wall (all libraries)

Released: September 4, 2017

This update includes the following improvements:

Beam Tool

• Added rotate beam feature (use ‘HOME’ key) so beams profile can be drawn either vertically or horizontally.

Door Tool

• Updated cavity sliding/pocket doors.
  • Fixed an issue with the wall pocket estimation.
  • Added a privacy lock option.

Other/General

• Updated material field buttons, which include:
  • ‘Create Material’ & ‘Manage’ buttons merged together and renamed to ‘Create/Manage’. To manage materials, click on the ‘Manage My Materials’ link on the Create Material page.
  • ‘Paint Material’ button moved below the material drop-down menu and updated to a round paint bucket icon.
  • ‘Search Material’ button moved below the materials field and now aligned with the other material buttons.
  • ‘Find Material’ button removed.
• Added ‘Suggest/Request’ button and form for material and component fields.
• Added explanatory message boxes when hovering over the above buttons.
• Added user email address to ‘License Info’ section of the welcome splash screen (Windows only).
• Fixed up dialog field names & terminologies.

Materials

• Added generic masonry/EPS/stucco with render or to be painted materials (all libraries).
• Added Austral Metallix & San Selmo products (AUS library).
• Fixed an issue with the composite decking materials (AUS library).

This update includes the following improvements:

Window & Door Tools

• Fixed an issue with the Edit Window or Door dialogs not appearing.

Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools

• Fixed an issue with the layer of the joist materials.

Skillion/Shed & Hip Roof Tools

• Update dialog field names.

Released: July 5, 2017

This update includes the following improvements:

Takeoff Tool

• Fixed an issue with trying to do a takeoff when the fields in the ‘Job Categories’ section of the Job Tool were filled out.

Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools

• Fixed an issue with generating joists (mainly when adding a void).
• Added ‘Girder’ where ‘Bearers’ appears.

Scene Tool

• Updated which scenes the ‘Stair Space’ layer is turned on/off in.
• Fixed an issue with the animation scenes not animating.

Pricing Tool

• Added yards option to units.
• Duplicate items (components) for the Handrail Tool (wires & tensioners) now only need to have price assigned once.

Released: June 29, 2017

This update includes the following improvements:

NEW Tools

• Beam Tool – Create ‘C’ Section, RHS, ‘Z’ Section, Universal Beam, Solid Timber/Lumber, LVL & Timber/Lumber Plates.
• Handrail Tool – Create timber or metal handrails with wire or glass options.
• Dutch Gable/Multi Pitch Tool – Create dutch gables and multiple pitched for hip roofs.
• Dormer Tool – Create dormer roofs in three clicks for hip roofs.

Hip Roof Tool

• Added ‘Include Sheathing’ options.
• Added the option to create 2D roof plans when you right-click on the roof.
• Added ‘Remove all pitch settings’ option in right-click menu to remove all edits made to the roof with the Edit Roof Pitch/Gable & Dutch Gable/Multi-Pitch Tools.
• Fixed an issue with metal capping length for estimate and assigning prices. Can now assign price via lineal length (not every individual capping).
• Fixed an issue with the length of valleys in dormer and raised entry/roofs.
• Fixed an issue with creating L-shape roofs.
• Changes ‘Slate’ to ‘Slate/Shingles’.

Edit Roof Pitch/Gable Tool

• New & improved drawing method which allows more edits to be made to hip roofs.
• Added Gable & Dutch Gable infill sections. Material/colour to be chosen in the Hip Roof Tool dialog.

Skillion/Shed Roof Tool

• Updated and improved the drawing method so that you don’t have to pick points on a flat plane anymore.
• Added ‘Include Sheathing’ options.
• Added the option to create 2D roof plans when you right-click on the roof.
• Fixed an issue with the skillion roof overhang and position.
• Changes ‘Slate’ to ‘Slate/Shingles’.

Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools

• Added steel ‘C’ Section, ‘Z’ Section, Rectangular Hollow Sections, Square Hollow Sections and Universal Beams. This has replaced the old ‘Steel’ option.
• Added timber/lumber I-joist and floor trusses.
• Updated the drawing method so that joists can be created on an angle.
• Changed ‘Ceiling Joist Tool’ name to ‘Ceiling Joist/Rafter/Purlin Tool’.
• Fixed a layering issue with the Ceiling Joist Tool (put top layer on ‘CEILING_JOIST_GROUP’ by default).
• Added ‘Group Layer’ fields so the joist top layer can be specified/changed.

Wall Tool

• Added foundation walls (top plate & footing for specific walls).
• Red studs in wall framing to show load bearing points around windows and doors.
• Added ‘Structural Wall?’ option which will assign the wall whether it’s structural or non structural. The wall will behave differently depending on what’s selected.
• Added ‘Nogging/Blocking Spacing’ field which will set the number of noggings/blockings in the wall.
• Added ‘Align Header’ field to align all headers in the wall to either the inside or outside of the frame and also choose .
• Added ability to have double headers above windows and doors.
• Added Wall Tool help GL preview text to show the widths for the different sections of the wall.
• Added opening buffers for windows & doors to more accurately represent how it’ll be constructed.
• Changed ‘External Cladding with Plasterboard Interior’ wall type to ‘Lightweight Framed with Cladding’.

Window & Door Tools

• Added Single Hung Window.
• Window & door elevation swing plan directions can now be chosen in the Settings Tool. This will need to be selected before the windows & doors are created.
• Window & door size order in the Takeoff can now be chosen in the Settings Tool. This will need to be selected before the windows & doors are created.
• Added window and door opening buffers (height & width) for framing.
• Added architrave length to window & door architrave estimation.
• Fixed the architrave estimate output which will now appear on the ’21_EAVES’ layer.
• Added the ability to assign a shortcut to add a window or door. Note: The wall must be selected to do this.
• Added the ability for garage doors to switch side of wall using the Interact Tool.
• Fixed an issue with the Sliding Middle Door dialog not appearing.
• Fixed an issue with the AWS Casement Window materials not applying.

Slab Tool

• Added the ability to enable/disable slab recess for each side using the ‘Ctrl’ key.
• Fixed an issue with the underslab materials not estimating.

Scene Tool

• Added to a PlusSpec dialog with help images.
• Added the Solar North Tools to the dialog (from the Job Tool).
• Added ‘Working Drawing Style’ field to set colour/quality.
• Removed zoom extents from scenes to improve the export to Layout.
• Changed the name of all floor plan type scenes. These will now read, Floor Plan 1, Floor Plan 2, etc.
• Added ‘Structure w/Sheathing’ scene.
• Updated ‘Structure’ scene.
• Removed RCP scenes. These can still be created manually from the Floor Plan scenes then manually drawing/adding the ceiling geometry.
• Section planes turned on for section scenes.
• Added vertical & horizontal animation (with section cut/plane) scenes.
• Turn on ‘Brickwork’ & ‘Blockwork’ layers for all structure scenes.
• Changes ‘Spaces’ scene to ‘Room/Area’.
• Updated ’17_WALL_BRACING’ layer (Lightweight Multi-Skin Wall) to work with scenes.
• Turned on ‘ROOM_QUANTITIES_GROUP’ & ‘Plan’ layers for floor plan scenes to show room labels for the Room Quantities Tool.
• Added ‘External Walls’ layer.

Section Hatching Tool

• Sections can now go through groups/components.
• Remove mitre where walls meet. The ‘Hidden on Plan’ layer will need to be turned on (when creating and moving a section) and off (before exporting to Layout) as needed.
• Added the ability to apply section hatchings to the Footing Tool which will work and look the same as slabs.
• Added the ability to apply section hatchings for CLT walls via the new ‘Solid (CLT)’ field.
• Changed Solid field name to read ‘Solid (Concrete)’.

Room Quantities Tool (old IFC Spaces Tool)

• Changed tool icon, name, description and field names.
• Added estimable materials for each room/area to quantify the area & volume of it.
• Added ‘Category’ field to choose the type of the room/area.
• Added option to create quantities from a face in right-click menu (‘+ ROOM QUANTITIES > Create Room Quantities’).
• The text in the shape is now position more in the center.
• Added area text (m2/ft2) to appear under room/area name.
• Changed the top layer to ‘ROOM_QUANTITIES_GROUP’.
• Dialog will now stay open till closed or another tool is selected/used.
• The ‘Description/Type’ field has been removed.

Component Tools

• Added ability to continuously drop components to selected wall.
• Remove multiple components dropped to wall (Remove Component Tool).
• Move multiple components dropped to wall (Move Component Tool).
• Added weight to hollow section columns & beams.
• Fixed layering issue with Water Tank component.

Truss Tool

• Fixed an issue with the Truss Tool girder trusses bottom chord.
• Now purges/deletes redundant components in the model when creating or editing trusses to improve speed and file size.

Settings Tool

• Added Norwegian Krone currency symbol to the Settings Tool.
• Added window & door opening elevation symbol direction.

Takeoff Tool

• Fixed issue when clicking on Takeoff Tool when the Job Tool isn’t filled out. This uses placeholder text allowing users to still estimate. Text reads ‘Change in Job Tool’.
• The totals text is now bold.

Pricing Tool

• Duplicate items for the Handrail Tool (posts & clamps) now only need to have price assigned once.

Job Tool

• Removed Solar North Tools (they’ve been moved to the Scene Tool).
• Moved ‘Test’ to bottom of the ‘Stage’ field. To change what option appears by default, select the option you want and save as a new template.

Sync Tool

• Added help/info text to the dialog/window. Text says to users to use the tool again if it didn’t work/complete.

Other/General

• Added dialog help images to explain what each field does. Hover over the orange rectangles at the start of fields to see an explanation.
• The submit button has been moved to the bottom of the dialog and the Cancel button has been removed (use the ‘X’/close button at the top of the dialogs).
• Added links in the dialog to go to tool related posts on the Forum. Click the white ‘Forum’ icons to find out more.
• Updated default options for each country.
• Updated terminologies (mainly for US users).
  • Added ‘Lumber’ where ‘Timber’ appears.
  • Added ‘Blocking’ where ‘Noggings’ appears.
  • Added ‘Jerkinhead’ where ‘Reverse Dutch Gable’ appears.
  • Added ‘Pitch’ where ‘Ratio’ appears.
  • Added ‘Ledge’ where ‘Recess’ appears.
  • Added ‘Casing’ where ‘Architrave’ appears.
  • Added ‘Pocket Door’ where ‘Cavity Sliding Door’ appears.
  • Added ‘Moulding’ where ‘Cornice’ appears.
  • Added ‘Base Moulding’ where ‘Skirting’ appears.
  • Added ‘Sheathing’ where ‘Batten Thickness’ appears in roof tools.
  • Added ‘Underlay’ where ‘Sarking’ appears in roof tools.
  • Added ‘Multi-Slide’ when ‘Stacker’ appears for windows & doors.
  • Added ‘Gliding’ when ‘Sliding’ appears for windows & doors.
  • Added ‘Picture’ when ‘Fixed’ appears for windows.
  • Added ‘Folding’ when ‘Bifold’ appears for windows.
  • Added ‘Folding Patio’ when ‘External Bifold’ appears for doors.
  • Added ‘Folding’ when ‘Internal Bifold’ appears for doors.
  • Added ‘Hinged Patio’ when ‘External Swinging’ appears for doors.
  • Added ‘Hinged’ when ‘Internal Swinging’ appears for doors.
• Added designer name to Job Tool by default (license name), This can be changed and saved which will also appear in the Takeoff. Note: You will need to submit the change and update your template again.
• Plasterboard has been turned off by default (only before scenes are generated) so walls can be lined up.
• Updated the welcome splashscreen interface.
• Add sign out feature.
• Changed Rubysketch.com to read BIMBits.com for the Get Models (3D Library) Tool.
• Changed ceiling joist right-click menu text to read ‘CEILING JOIST/RAFTER/PURLIN’.
• Changed text after right-clicking on walls and selecting ‘+Generate’ to read ‘Face at top of Walls’ & ‘Face at base of Walls’.
• Updated dialog links to video tutorials.
• Added options to select what to do when resetting factory default (Extensions > PlusSpec > Reset Factory Default).

Materials
Note: Please reset your ‘Texture Files’ (go to Reset Factory Default) then use the Sync Tool to get these changes.

• Added Stramit products to the software (Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools and Beam Tool).
• Fixed an issue with the Austral Bricks Common 90mm Rendered material size (AUS library).
• Fixed the direction of decking materials (AUS library).
• Fixed an issue with the composite decking materials (AUS library).
• Fixed an issue with the bracing materials takeoff for the Lightweight Multi-Skin Wall.
• Added & updated Weathertex materials (AUS library).
• Added sheathing materials (Plywood & OSB). This is mainly for USA construction methods.
• Fixed OSB & ply roof sheathing materials sizes.
• Fixed horizontal ply wall bracing textures.
• Added OSB & ply bracing to ‘Multi-Skin Wall’ in the cavity insulation material field.
• Added Buechel Stone textures (USA library).
• Temporarily removed Austral Bricks Indulgence range (AUS library).
• Added 4×4 Lumber Structural (USA library).
• Added ashphalt roof shingles.

Released: February 8, 2017

This update includes the following improvements:

• Fixed an issue with adding windows and doors to Dincel walls.
• Fixed an issue with editing Dincel walls.

Released: January 24, 2017

This update includes the following improvements:

• Fixed an issue with navigating the splashscreen for Mac.

Released: November 18, 2016

This update includes the following improvements:

• Fixed an issue with syncing material libraries in the Settings Tool.

Released: November 11, 2016

This is an update for SketchUp 17 and includes the following improvements:

• Fixed an issue with the cornice in the Ceiling Tool.
• Fixed an issue with the MEP Tool.
• Fixed an issue with the Drop to Wall function.
• Fixed an issue with the splashscreen buttons.
• General improvements and optimization.

Released: October 27, 2016

This update includes the following improvements:

• Fixed a thickness issue in the Joist & Ceiling Joist Tools.
• Fixed Takeoff header naming errors.
• Fixed a custom material thickness error and wall preview error for the Lightweight Multi-Skin Wall.
• Fixed a Takeoff Export Excel issue with a forward slash (‘/’) in the layer name.

Released: October 17, 2016

This update includes the following improvements:

• Fixed Skillion/Shed Roof fascia height error.
• Added missing fascia material to Reverse Dutch Gable option.
• Fixed Wall Surface Tool draw error.
• Bomb Tool moved into the Component Tools.

Released: October 10, 2016

This update includes the following improvements:

• Updated splashscreen.
• A new internal bifold door option (single & double) has been added.
• Skirting enable/disable issue has been fixed.
• Slab drawing issue has been fixed. Previously, if you tried to generate a slab from an edge/line made up of multiple segments, the slab would not have been formed correctly. This is no longer a problem.

Released: September 16, 2016

Click HERE to see the FULL Release Notes

New Paint Tool for better communication:

• Introducing the most powerful and easy-to-use Paint Tool EVER!

Full range of Taubmans Paints for the Australian Material Library:

• With over 5040 colours to select from. This gives you the ability to apply paints/colours to just about anything inside of PlusSpec!

Hip Roof Tool:

• Now includes fascia options.
• Now includes gutter options.
• Boxed & raked eave options.
• Plumb & angled fascia options.
• Eave/soffit material can now be chosen.
• Timber/lumber fascia option.
• Fascia/barge materials for gables can now be chosen and enabled/disabled.
• Reverse dutch gable option added to the ‘Edit Roof Pitch’ Tool.

Skillion/Shed Roof Tool:

• Improved draw method: now each side of the roof will explain if the fascia will be plumb or angled; if the fascia material will be removed; and if the overhang will be enabled/disabled.
• Now includes fascia option.
• Now includes gutter option.
• Boxed & raked eave options.
• Plumb & angled fascia options.
• Eave/soffit material can now be chosen.
• Timber/lumber fascia option.
• Raked or flat ceiling option for insulation.

Wall Tool:

• When you draw a wall, you will now see a bold, black line. This line indicates which wall alignment has been nominated to draw from.
• Help text will now appear as you draw walls. This will enable you to better understand which side of your wall is the external material, and which side of your wall is the internal material.
• Raked ceiling option for internal lining (eg. plasterboard) has been added.
• External wall reveals around windows and doors now have the wall material applied. Previously these reveals were shown white.

Section Hatching Tool:

• Stucco hatching option added
• Existing and Demolition hatching options added

Slab Tool:

• Slabs can now be drawn without a footing.
• Construction details have been updated to make more sense.
• Slabs and footings are now one object.

Ceiling Tool:

• The ceilings now have a thickness.

Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools:

• The joist direction will now determine the direction of the flooring.

Rafter Tool:

• The ridge sizing error has been fixed.

Settings Tool:

• More Takeoff units have been added: Materials & components can be imperial or metric in takeoff (mm, cm, m, in, ft, yd).

General Improvements:

• The Search Materials feature has been improved to make it quicker and easier to use.
• The ‘Create Similar’ option has been added to more tools.
• PlusSpec right-click menu items are now in capitals to make them easier to find/see.
• An Arch window has been added to the Component Tool.
• Updated splash screen and links to tutorials.
• The ‘None’ option has been removed from some material fields.
• General Performance improvements and upgrades.

Released: June 10, 2016

What’s new in PlusSpec 2016+?:

NEW Tools

• Section Tool – You can now assign a hatch, colour or texture to each PlusSpec material – and when you change/move your sections, they will update live! And the best part? It’s super easy to use! (Please note that the Section Tool will only work for walls/slabs, etc that have been drawn using PlusSpec 2016+).
• Capping & Flashing Tool – The new capping and flashing tool allows you to quickly and easily add any combination of flashings, cappings and gutters to your model.
• Ceiling Joist Tool – You can now generate Ceiling Joists from the Roof tool. Draw Ceiling Joists in exactly the same way as Floor Joists.
• Dincel Wall Tool – Australian users will be happy to hear that you can now model your projects using the Dincel construction system!

Updates

• Lightweight Multi-Skin wall added to the Wall Tool which is a common wall construction for USA, Europe and Asia
• Masonry products have been joined together for more wall customisation like block and brick walls and more
• Full Austral Bricks product ranges have been added
• Search Material function for material fields
• Material geolocation according to your area/region (currently only available for AUS library)
• Three point drawing methodology for the Joist Tool (same as the Truss Tool)
• Skillion & Dutch Gable truss options added to the Truss Tool
• Ability to change the takeoff units have been added to Settings
• Round timber post option added to the Post Tool
• Search Layer option in BIM Tool
• Documentation scenes have been set to color by default as well as other updates to the scenes
• Updated tutorials
• General performance improvements

Released: March 02, 2016

What is new in PlusSpec 2016?:

Do you prefer to watch videos, than reading? If so, you may like to take a look at our What’s New in PlusSpec 2016 Overview video, instead:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYaYn3lnsfk

Or, take a look at our In depth 2016 update Tutorial video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIdOL_5zyWU

 

This update includes the following new features and improvements:

NEW Tools

• North Tools – The new North tools allow users to geolocate their site, and then set Project North, which will adjust the site and North Point accordingly. Sun and Shadow Diagrams will be set at Project North, but accurately capture the sun to real world conditions. Users will now also be able to automatically generate Sun & Shadow Analysis plans, with the addition of a new scene set.
• Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP) Tool – The new MEP tool allows you add more information to your model to aid early error detection and clashes. Currently, you can select from hot and cold water, grey water, gas, recycled water, steel pipe, fire pipes, exhaust & air conditioning ducting and electrical conduit.
• Roof Truss Tool – The new Truss tool allows you to create trussed roof framing.

Updates

• Fractional measurements (e.g 9′ 1 1/8″) & ratio pitches/angles (e.g 1:4) are now supported in dialogues.
• Walls have been given a thickness for plasterboard/moulding, and better visualisation for 2D & 3D scenes.
• Reflected Ceiling Plan (RCP) scenes have been added to the Scene Tool.
• Cornice options have been added to the Ceiling Tool.
• Advanced voids/cutouts for slabs, joists, flooring & wall surfaces.
• Advanced slab recess & penetrations.
• Merged Roof Tools: There is now a Skillion Roof Tool & a Hip Roof Tool.
• Fascia, gutter profiles, valley, ceiling insulation & sarking options have been added to the Hip Roof Tool.
• Stramit roofing products have been added to the Roof Tools (for our Australian users).
• Timber LVL headers have been added as an option for windows & doors.
• Materials have been updated & added. Make sure you sync your library!
• Door materials have been moved to the Door Tool dialogue.
• Inside the Job Tool you can now add your company logo & enter site classifications, which will also be displayed in takeoffs.
• Inside the Settings Tool, you can now select which Material Library (Country) to use, select the currency symbol that best suits your region, as well as the ability to choose the units (metric or imperial) to write/display in all PlusSpec dialogues.
• You can now export your takeoff/estimate directly into Excel, in XML format.
• The Machine ID mismatch error has been fixed.
• The Tag Tool has an updated dialogue, and also a reply field.
• The Stair Tool now has winder stairs & an updated dialogue, which allows you to create & apply materials.
• The component option fields have been moved to new dialogue.
• Intuitive dimension strings now guide the insertion of windows and doors. These dimensions can be toggled so that doors and windows can be inserted or offset by exact distances, and from different points (exterior wall, interior wall, frame, etc).
• A French door type has been added.
• All doors and windows can now be opened inward/outward (previously, windows could only open outward).
• The Layer field in the BIM Tool is now in alphabetical order.
• More tutorials have been made for our new and existing tools.

Released: November 04, 2015

What’s new in 2015 – 1.3.5?:

This update includes the following:

• Multi-Skin Wall, which allows plasterboard thickness & has the option for cavity insulation
• Solid Wall, which includes concrete walls
• Skirting in the Flooring Tool
• Block & Beam option in the Joist Tool
• Tag Tool, which gives you the ability to point out areas in your project for easier collaboration & communication
• More image types able to be used when creating materials
• Ability to switch between material libraries (AUS, US & UK – with more coming soon)
• Water Tank, Corner Brick Sill & Round Window components added to the Component Tool
• Updates to Take Off / Estimation Tool
• Updates for scenes including the new Presentation scene
• Updates to tool dialogues
• Bug fixes

Released: May 29, 2015

What’s new in 2015 – 1.3.4?:

This update includes the following:

• Fix machine mismatch error when changing internet connections
• Bi-fold windows & doors can now open both inwards & outwards
• Updates for lintels in windows & doors
• Kitchen & Laundry Corner Benches added to Component Tool
• Updates for scenes and layers
• Updates for the Post Tool
• Bug fixes

Released: May 25, 2015

What’s new in 2015 – 1.3.3?:

This update includes the following:

• Component previews added to the Window, Door & Stair Tools
• LVL materials added to Rafter Tool
• Spreader options added to downpipe component
• Demolition & Existing options added to Roof Tool
• Bug fixes & improvements

Released: May 18, 2015

What’s new in 2015 – 1.3.2?:

This update includes the following:

• Bug fixes and General improvements
• Machine ID fixes

Released: May 14, 2015

What’s new in 2015 – 1.3.1?:

This update includes the following:

• Roof Framing
• Special Windows (Corner & Gable Windows)
• Miscellaneous (Brick Sill & Downpipe)
• Ancillaries (Frame Hardware)
• Water Feature, Toilet Roll Holder, Surface Water Pit, Skip Bins & Hedges
• Improved export for Layout

Released: February 25, 2015

PlusSpec Launch

After years of development, and months of Beta testing, we are proud to announce that we have officially launched the Full version of PlusSpec: PlusSpec 2015.

PlusSpec is a new building design, planning and estimating BIM software, that brings together the power of Computer Aided Drafting (CAD), Estimation, 3D Modelling, 2D Planning and Building Information Modelling (BIM) – into one easy-to-use package.

PlusSpec offers architects, designers and builders, total design freedom, and incorporates parametric modelling within the native SketchUp platform, so that any design option can be sketched out and explored quickly and easily in either BIM or free-form 3D.

PlusSpec uses real products from real manufacturers, and allows full quantity/material take-offs and pricingto be automatically calculated and collated in a report – all with a simple click of a button.

At PlusSpec, we share the SketchUp mantra:

‘Great tools are ones you look forward to using…They let you do what you want without having to figure out how. They help with hard or boring tasks so that you can focus on being creative, or productive, or both’

PlusSpec has been designed by Architects and Builders, for Architects and Builders.

The first and only rule of PlusSpec, is that there are no more rules!

Customization: Now you can create and customize your own wall-types/materials and structural framing. Any new wall-types/materials or framing that you create will be saved in your personal library, and available for you to select, at the click of a button. You can also edit your custom materials at any time. With PlusSpec 2015, you have total design freedom. You can design with parametric modelling, which you can customize – or you can use the free-form 3D sketching with the native SketchUp tools.

Shortcuts: In PlusSpec 2015, you can associate shortcuts on your keyboard for all of the PlusSpec tools, to best suit your own personal workflow.

Pricing: PlusSpec 2015 enables you to add prices to every material or component in your model. Literally everything that you draw can have a price associated to it – and PlusSpec will remember it for your next projects. Now when you click your take-off, all of your materials will be quantified AND priced. You can associate labour prices in sqm or lineal meter, and you can even add a margin. If you are an Architect, you can track project costs throughout the design process – and understand cost implications as they happen. If you are a Builder, you can say goodbye to wasting away your hours, tediously preparing quantity take-offs. PlusSpec will give you your life back – and dramatically reduce errors.

This is a Game Changer!!!

We have made many other improvements to PlusSpec 2015, such as:

IFC attribution.

• IFC attribution has become automated! Now you can use your Sketchup models in any IFC compatible software.
• Walls now = IfcWall
• windows = IfcWindow
• Joist and beams =IfcBeam
• Stairs = IfcStair
• Floors=IfcFloor
• Footings =Ifcfooting
• Roof =IfcRoof, etc

IFC Spaces Tool

• Create IFC spaces from your floors, or from floor coverings
• Name your rooms
• Set your ceiling heights
• Demonstrate the room size in 3d
• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Footing Tool

• Create strip footings that don’t have to join back up
• Create, find and manage materials (drag & drop)
• Create bearers and joists and change spacing
• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Slab Tool

• Create and remove openings after they have been drawn
• Footing only option
• Right-click menu options
• Create, find, and manage materials (drag & drop)
• Demolition option
• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Joist Tool

• Create, find, and manage materials (drag & drop)
• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Floor Tool

• Create, find, and manage materials (drag & drop)
• Existing and demolition options
• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Wall Tool

• Create, find, and manage materials (drag & drop)
• New Split walls icon
• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Wall Surface Tool

• Create your own tile-able images and place them over any surface. Or, find pre-made materials, and simply drag and drop these materials straight into your model. You can manage materials and sync them by clicking the Sync button.
• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Window Tool

• Window Tool can change glass type, head height, frame type and colour…even window tinting.
• Copy and place windows in the same wall
• Define residential or commercial windows
• Change the material that the windows are made from: Timber; Aluminium; PVC; etc
• Create custom windows to suit standard glass sizes
• Associate heads for brick work or for framing. These sizes can be changed or attributed by your engineer
• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Door Tool

• Associate hinges, door stops, screws, architrave sizing (to one side or both sides), & change door styles
• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Post Tool

• Create, find, and manage materials (drag & drop)
• Change draw location: top bottom centre outside, by pressing the right arrow key on the keyboard
• Existing and demolition options
• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Roof Tool

• Create, find, and manage materials (drag & drop)
• Remove ‘Hip Cap’ field
• Demolition options
• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Roof Tool (face)

• Create, find, and manage materials (drag & drop)
• New ink to tutorials and tips & tricks

Roof Editing Tool

• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Ceiling Tool

• Create, find, and manage materials (drag & drop)
• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Stair Tool

• We now have 12 different stair types and all of these stairs can make thousands of variations.
• We added in a head height reference for stair void openings
• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Scene Tool

• Add IFC spaces scene

BIM Tool

• Create new layers
• IFC classification
• Install price
• Buy price
• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Purge Tool

• Make your model work more efficiently The purge tool, this will get rid of all of the unnecessary textures and components in just one click.
• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Help Tool

• We made help easy to find! Every tool has access to associated tutorials.
• New beginner & advanced tutorials
• New Tips & tricks section

Released: October 10, 2016

This update includes the following improvements:

• Updated splashscreen.
• A new internal bifold door option (single & double) has been added.
• Skirting enable/disable issue has been fixed.
• Slab drawing issue has been fixed. Previously, if you tried to generate a slab from an edge/line made up of multiple segments, the slab would not have been formed correctly. This is no longer a problem.

Download Update

Released: September 16, 2016

Click HERE to see the FULL Release Notes

New Paint Tool for better communication:

• Introducing the most powerful and easy-to-use Paint Tool EVER!

Full range of Taubmans Paints for the Australian Material Library:

• With over 5040 colours to select from. This gives you the ability to apply paints/colours to just about anything inside of PlusSpec!

Hip Roof Tool:

• Now includes fascia options.
• Now includes gutter options.
• Boxed & raked eave options.
• Plumb & angled fascia options.
• Eave/soffit material can now be chosen.
• Timber/lumber fascia option.
• Fascia/barge materials for gables can now be chosen and enabled/disabled.
• Reverse dutch gable option added to the ‘Edit Roof Pitch’ Tool.

Skillion/Shed Roof Tool:

• Improved draw method: now each side of the roof will explain if the fascia will be plumb or angled; if the fascia material will be removed; and if the overhang will be enabled/disabled.
• Now includes fascia option.
• Now includes gutter option.
• Boxed & raked eave options.
• Plumb & angled fascia options.
• Eave/soffit material can now be chosen.
• Timber/lumber fascia option.
• Raked or flat ceiling option for insulation.

Wall Tool:

• When you draw a wall, you will now see a bold, black line. This line indicates which wall alignment has been nominated to draw from.
• Help text will now appear as you draw walls. This will enable you to better understand which side of your wall is the external material, and which side of your wall is the internal material.
• Raked ceiling option for internal lining (eg. plasterboard) has been added.
• External wall reveals around windows and doors now have the wall material applied. Previously these reveals were shown white.

Section Hatching Tool:

• Stucco hatching option added
• Existing and Demolition hatching options added

Slab Tool:

• Slabs can now be drawn without a footing.
• Construction details have been updated to make more sense.
• Slabs and footings are now one object.

Ceiling Tool:

• The ceilings now have a thickness.

Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools:

• The joist direction will now determine the direction of the flooring.

Rafter Tool:

• The ridge sizing error has been fixed.

Settings Tool:

• More Takeoff units have been added: Materials & components can be imperial or metric in takeoff (mm, cm, m, in, ft, yd).

General Improvements:

• The Search Materials feature has been improved to make it quicker and easier to use.
• The ‘Create Similar’ option has been added to more tools.
• PlusSpec right-click menu items are now in capitals to make them easier to find/see.
• An Arch window has been added to the Component Tool.
• Updated splash screen and links to tutorials.
• The ‘None’ option has been removed from some material fields.
• General Performance improvements and upgrades.

Released: June 10, 2016

What’s new in PlusSpec 2016+?:

NEW Tools

• Section Tool – You can now assign a hatch, colour or texture to each PlusSpec material – and when you change/move your sections, they will update live! And the best part? It’s super easy to use! (Please note that the Section Tool will only work for walls/slabs, etc that have been drawn using PlusSpec 2016+).
• Capping & Flashing Tool – The new capping and flashing tool allows you to quickly and easily add any combination of flashings, cappings and gutters to your model.
• Ceiling Joist Tool – You can now generate Ceiling Joists from the Roof tool. Draw Ceiling Joists in exactly the same way as Floor Joists.
• Dincel Wall Tool – Australian users will be happy to hear that you can now model your projects using the Dincel construction system!

Updates

• Lightweight Multi-Skin wall added to the Wall Tool which is a common wall construction for USA, Europe and Asia
• Masonry products have been joined together for more wall customisation like block and brick walls and more
• Full Austral Bricks product ranges have been added
• Search Material function for material fields
• Material geolocation according to your area/region (currently only available for AUS library)
• Three point drawing methodology for the Joist Tool (same as the Truss Tool)
• Skillion & Dutch Gable truss options added to the Truss Tool
• Ability to change the takeoff units have been added to Settings
• Round timber post option added to the Post Tool
• Search Layer option in BIM Tool
• Documentation scenes have been set to color by default as well as other updates to the scenes
• Updated tutorials
• General performance improvements

Released: March 02, 2016

What is new in PlusSpec 2016?:

Do you prefer to watch videos, than reading? If so, you may like to take a look at our What’s New in PlusSpec 2016 Overview video, instead:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYaYn3lnsfk

Or, take a look at our In depth 2016 update Tutorial video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIdOL_5zyWU

This update includes the following new features and improvements:

NEW Tools

• North Tools – The new North tools allow users to geolocate their site, and then set Project North, which will adjust the site and North Point accordingly. Sun and Shadow Diagrams will be set at Project North, but accurately capture the sun to real world conditions. Users will now also be able to automatically generate Sun & Shadow Analysis plans, with the addition of a new scene set.
• Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP) Tool – The new MEP tool allows you add more information to your model to aid early error detection and clashes. Currently, you can select from hot and cold water, grey water, gas, recycled water, steel pipe, fire pipes, exhaust & air conditioning ducting and electrical conduit.
• Roof Truss Tool – The new Truss tool allows you to create trussed roof framing.

Updates

• Fractional measurements (e.g 9′ 1 1/8″) & ratio pitches/angles (e.g 1:4) are now supported in dialogues.
• Walls have been given a thickness for plasterboard/moulding, and better visualisation for 2D & 3D scenes.
• Reflected Ceiling Plan (RCP) scenes have been added to the Scene Tool.
• Cornice options have been added to the Ceiling Tool.
• Advanced voids/cutouts for slabs, joists, flooring & wall surfaces.
• Advanced slab recess & penetrations.
• Merged Roof Tools: There is now a Skillion Roof Tool & a Hip Roof Tool.
• Fascia, gutter profiles, valley, ceiling insulation & sarking options have been added to the Hip Roof Tool.
• Stramit roofing products have been added to the Roof Tools (for our Australian users).
• Timber LVL headers have been added as an option for windows & doors.
• Materials have been updated & added. Make sure you sync your library!
• Door materials have been moved to the Door Tool dialogue.
• Inside the Job Tool you can now add your company logo & enter site classifications, which will also be displayed in takeoffs.
• Inside the Settings Tool, you can now select which Material Library (Country) to use, select the currency symbol that best suits your region, as well as the ability to choose the units (metric or imperial) to write/display in all PlusSpec dialogues.
• You can now export your takeoff/estimate directly into Excel, in XML format.
• The Machine ID mismatch error has been fixed.
• The Tag Tool has an updated dialogue, and also a reply field.
• The Stair Tool now has winder stairs & an updated dialogue, which allows you to create & apply materials.
• The component option fields have been moved to new dialogue.
• Intuitive dimension strings now guide the insertion of windows and doors. These dimensions can be toggled so that doors and windows can be inserted or offset by exact distances, and from different points (exterior wall, interior wall, frame, etc).
• A French door type has been added.
• All doors and windows can now be opened inward/outward (previously, windows could only open outward).
• The Layer field in the BIM Tool is now in alphabetical order.
• More tutorials have been made for our new and existing tools.

Released: November 04, 2015

What’s new in 2015 – 1.3.5?:

This update includes the following:

• Multi-Skin Wall, which allows plasterboard thickness & has the option for cavity insulation
• Solid Wall, which includes concrete walls
• Skirting in the Flooring Tool
• Block & Beam option in the Joist Tool
• Tag Tool, which gives you the ability to point out areas in your project for easier collaboration & communication
• More image types able to be used when creating materials
• Ability to switch between material libraries (AUS, US & UK – with more coming soon)
• Water Tank, Corner Brick Sill & Round Window components added to the Component Tool
• Updates to Take Off / Estimation Tool
• Updates for scenes including the new Presentation scene
• Updates to tool dialogues
• Bug fixes

Released: May 29, 2015

What’s new in 2015 – 1.3.4?:

This update includes the following:

• Fix machine mismatch error when changing internet connections
• Bi-fold windows & doors can now open both inwards & outwards
• Updates for lintels in windows & doors
• Kitchen & Laundry Corner Benches added to Component Tool
• Updates for scenes and layers
• Updates for the Post Tool
• Bug fixes

Released: May 25, 2015

What’s new in 2015 – 1.3.3?:

This update includes the following:

• Component previews added to the Window, Door & Stair Tools
• LVL materials added to Rafter Tool
• Spreader options added to downpipe component
• Demolition & Existing options added to Roof Tool
• Bug fixes & improvements

Released: May 18, 2015

What’s new in 2015 – 1.3.2?:

This update includes the following:

• Bug fixes and General improvements
• Machine ID fixes

Released: May 14, 2015

What’s new in 2015 – 1.3.1?:

This update includes the following:

• Roof Framing
• Special Windows (Corner & Gable Windows)
• Miscellaneous (Brick Sill & Downpipe)
• Ancillaries (Frame Hardware)
• Water Feature, Toilet Roll Holder, Surface Water Pit, Skip Bins & Hedges
• Improved export for Layout

Released: February 25, 2015

PlusSpec Launch

After years of development, and months of Beta testing, we are proud to announce that we have officially launched the Full version of PlusSpec: PlusSpec 2015.

PlusSpec is a new building design, planning and estimating BIM software, that brings together the power of Computer Aided Drafting (CAD), Estimation, 3D Modelling, 2D Planning and Building Information Modelling (BIM) – into one easy-to-use package.

PlusSpec offers architects, designers and builders, total design freedom, and incorporates parametric modelling within the native SketchUp platform, so that any design option can be sketched out and explored quickly and easily in either BIM or free-form 3D.

PlusSpec uses real products from real manufacturers, and allows full quantity/material take-offs and pricingto be automatically calculated and collated in a report – all with a simple click of a button.

At PlusSpec, we share the SketchUp mantra:

‘Great tools are ones you look forward to using…They let you do what you want without having to figure out how. They help with hard or boring tasks so that you can focus on being creative, or productive, or both’

PlusSpec has been designed by Architects and Builders, for Architects and Builders.

The first and only rule of PlusSpec, is that there are no more rules!

Customization: Now you can create and customize your own wall-types/materials and structural framing. Any new wall-types/materials or framing that you create will be saved in your personal library, and available for you to select, at the click of a button. You can also edit your custom materials at any time. With PlusSpec 2015, you have total design freedom. You can design with parametric modelling, which you can customize – or you can use the free-form 3D sketching with the native SketchUp tools.

Shortcuts: In PlusSpec 2015, you can associate shortcuts on your keyboard for all of the PlusSpec tools, to best suit your own personal workflow.

Pricing: PlusSpec 2015 enables you to add prices to every material or component in your model. Literally everything that you draw can have a price associated to it – and PlusSpec will remember it for your next projects. Now when you click your take-off, all of your materials will be quantified AND priced. You can associate labour prices in sqm or lineal meter, and you can even add a margin. If you are an Architect, you can track project costs throughout the design process – and understand cost implications as they happen. If you are a Builder, you can say goodbye to wasting away your hours, tediously preparing quantity take-offs. PlusSpec will give you your life back – and dramatically reduce errors.

This is a Game Changer!!!

We have made many other improvements to PlusSpec 2015, such as:

IFC attribution.

• IFC attribution has become automated! Now you can use your Sketchup models in any IFC compatible software.
• Walls now = IfcWall
• windows = IfcWindow
• Joist and beams =IfcBeam
• Stairs = IfcStair
• Floors=IfcFloor
• Footings =Ifcfooting
• Roof =IfcRoof, etc

IFC Spaces Tool

• Create IFC spaces from your floors, or from floor coverings
• Name your rooms
• Set your ceiling heights
• Demonstrate the room size in 3d
• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Footing Tool

• Create strip footings that don’t have to join back up
• Create, find and manage materials (drag & drop)
• Create bearers and joists and change spacing
• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Slab Tool

• Create and remove openings after they have been drawn
• Footing only option
• Right-click menu options
• Create, find, and manage materials (drag & drop)
• Demolition option
• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Joist Tool

• Create, find, and manage materials (drag & drop)
• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Floor Tool

• Create, find, and manage materials (drag & drop)
• Existing and demolition options
• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Wall Tool

• Create, find, and manage materials (drag & drop)
• New Split walls icon
• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Wall Surface Tool

• Create your own tile-able images and place them over any surface. Or, find pre-made materials, and simply drag and drop these materials straight into your model. You can manage materials and sync them by clicking the Sync button.
• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Window Tool

• Window Tool can change glass type, head height, frame type and colour…even window tinting.
• Copy and place windows in the same wall
• Define residential or commercial windows
• Change the material that the windows are made from: Timber; Aluminium; PVC; etc
• Create custom windows to suit standard glass sizes
• Associate heads for brick work or for framing. These sizes can be changed or attributed by your engineer
• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Door Tool

• Associate hinges, door stops, screws, architrave sizing (to one side or both sides), & change door styles
• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Post Tool

• Create, find, and manage materials (drag & drop)
• Change draw location: top bottom centre outside, by pressing the right arrow key on the keyboard
• Existing and demolition options
• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Roof Tool

• Create, find, and manage materials (drag & drop)
• Remove ‘Hip Cap’ field
• Demolition options
• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Roof Tool (face)

• Create, find, and manage materials (drag & drop)
• New ink to tutorials and tips & tricks

Roof Editing Tool

• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Ceiling Tool

• Create, find, and manage materials (drag & drop)
• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Stair Tool

• We now have 12 different stair types and all of these stairs can make thousands of variations.
• We added in a head height reference for stair void openings
• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Scene Tool

• Add IFC spaces scene

BIM Tool

• Create new layers
• IFC classification
• Install price
• Buy price
• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Purge Tool

• Make your model work more efficiently The purge tool, this will get rid of all of the unnecessary textures and components in just one click.
• New link to tutorials and tips & tricks

Help Tool

• We made help easy to find! Every tool has access to associated tutorials.
• New beginner & advanced tutorials
• New Tips & tricks section