Offset all components from level

[Mbruno-JDB]

We consult on a variety projects with a variety of architects.  Some will have a level and a matching TOFF level that components can be placed on.  However, some will just have a level, then all of their components will have an offset to allow for the future finished floor.

We always copy/monitor our levels from the architect's model and use those levels to create our views.  In the case where every component needs an offset, is there an easy way to ensure that all components get the offset when they are inserted, other then creating our own TOFF level?  I'm currently looking at a model that has an offset of 2-29/128".

I can't rely on a drafter to manually offset every item by 2-29/128".

[ToanDN · Accepted solution]

You can always move the copied-monitored level up to the elevation you want and Accept Difference.

[Mbruno-JDB]

If I did this, would the levels still be monitored with the difference?

I once had a project, where late in CDs, the architect added a 4" floor finish and asked us to move all our equipment up 4" so it would show correctly in their model. I raised our level by 4". They made us put the level back and offset each item by 4".

[SteveKStafford]

Using C/M to acquire new levels that match theirs is useful versus creating our own.

A slightly different take on @ToanDN suggestion, we can create our own levels and match the offset they are using for floor finishes (hopefully it is just one value, floor materials vary). Use the Monitor aspect of C/M. Revit will then warn us if their main level changes while allowing us to create views based on our own levels.

Fwiw, I prefer to see finish floor elements built relative to the structural slab elevation/level and then offset "up" equal to their intended thickness. I think it imitates construction more realistically. Only elements that are installed on finish floors would require an offset to be input and some content will offset to the floor surface without extra effort, work plane based families will be associated with the floor surface for example.

[ToanDN]

---

@Mbruno-JDB wrote:
If I did this, would the levels still be monitored with the difference?

I once had a project, where late in CDs, the architect added a 4" floor finish and asked us to move all our equipment up 4" so it would show correctly in their model. I raised our level by 4". They made us put the level back and offset each item by 4".

---

Revit always monitors the difference but it is up to you what action you are going to take.  In this case, you copy their structural level and move it up to the desired finish elevation.  When they send the updated model with a finish level, simply align the level you copied to match the new finish level.  No need to copy monitor the new level.

[colinqBYUV9]

If I'm understanding correctly you would like to set a collection of components at a specified offset from a level. eg. all light fittings to be offset from the floor level by x.

If so, Global parameters would be worth testing. To do this - 

• go to the Manage Tab
• select Global Parameters
• Create a new length parameter - (I would call it something very obvious like - "2400 offset")
• go to your family and the relevant offset parameter - click on the little grey square at the right hand side of the input area and your global parameters dialogue will open. 
• select the relevant parameter and you should be set.
• if you need to change the offset at a later date, go to the global parameters, rename and change the value. All of your family components should adjust accordingly. 

I've noticed that some families don't allow the global parameters to be assigned to some parameters and I can't tell what situations that occurs (maybe someone else can comment on that).