Grid Layout
The below layout has a start and end offset of 12" and a repeat of 26' for grids 1-4. You will see this commonly used with prefabricated metal buildings.
Sorry, not that I know of. I use offsets when I know the size of the space and want an easy way to control the first and last column lines. If you want to see a grid line then I don't see a need to use the end offset. You can achieve this by adding another grid line and not labeling the end grid lines.
I use the properties palette to enter information during layout and later to make modifications. The space evenly, manual and Repeat options are a pulldown and the spacing will either be informational or editable depending on your selection.
The short answer would be edge treatment. Overhangs and edge style can be adjusted or added for several edges in one action which can be useful. See below for an example.
I would say both. It depends on what you want from the model in terms of data and your preferences for section and elevation presentation. Information regarding soffit and fascia profiles etc. can be accessed through the use of property set definitions if you are looking to build scheduling or estimates.
Other methods to create the edge treatment below would be to create another two slabs and maybe add a curb using a wall.
For the Grid issue:
Right-click on the Grid tool on the Status Bar, and choose Grid Settings (only choice). [Alternate: Type DSETTINGS at the command line and press the ENTER key. Select the Snap and Grid tab if it is not already current.]
Enter the desired values in the Grid spacing area. Do this in your template file(s) if you want all new drawings to start with these settings.
CTRL+3 will toggle the visibility of the Tool Palettes, assuming that is what is not visible, and that they are just turned off, and were not moved to a position that is off-screen.
