2017 TS4 Building Challenges Discussion Thread

[Playalot]

The 2017 Building Challenge is now live with our first challenge being dedicated to toddlers. Each month we will post a new challenge with it's own rules. You can enter just one or them all. Of course we hope you will enter them all but that is entirely up to you.

At any time you can ask MrsFlynn or Playalot for clarification or the rules or post any general questions here in this thread. Please do not post anything that is a strategy or tip so that we can ensure everyone has a fair opportunity for completing each challenge.

Let the 2017 Building Challenge Begin!

Here is a link to the rules and challenge:

S4 Building Challenges Rules
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=27852.msg458762#msg458762

Toddler Surprise! Challenge (Building Challenge #1 2017)
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=27853.msg458763#msg458763


Start Date: Wed. Jan.18th
Photos Due: Wed. Feb.22nd


Entry Rules:

1 entry per member, per contest.
8-10 photos of the build including one birds-eye view with roof down and walls up and one photo at street-level view with roof up and walls up.

Take photos without drawings/text on photos. We need clear shots of the build. Write a description either under the photo or link you send as part of your entry.

Example Entry Photos:

Street View
Bird's Eye View
Front
Middle
Back


How-To Enter:

1. Upload photos of your build to an image hosting service.
2. Share the image link and description of build with us via pm. (How-To: PM)
- You can use Imgur for example:

Photo Sharing Using Imgur.com
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=22892.msg403214#msg403214

[lesleyj42]

I started participating in the tournament challenge on this forum last fall, but I didn't know there was a building challenge too. This makes me very happy.

Looking forward to participating.

[wfgodot]

Is object resizing allowed?

[MrsFlynn]

Thank you for asking, MoveObjects (MOO) is NOT allowed. Enlarging Objects IS allowed.

@MrsFlynn I have edited your post to reflect the correct rules. Sorry for putting you wrong this morning. 

[lesleyj42]

So MOO is allowed? I thought the Bheeda toddler renovation rules said MOO was not allowed. Just want to be sure before I start.

[Alex]

Can we use bb.showhiddenobjects?

[MrsFlynn]

Thanks for asking about the cheats. I have pmed Play to get some clarification on the cheats - if they're actually allowed or not.

[Playalot]

Sorry about the delay in answering. For the Toddler Challenge:

MOO is NOT allowed

bb.showhiddenobjects is NOT allowed.

Enlarging Objects IS allowed.



@lesleyj42

[Playalot]

Can we use bb.showhiddenobjects?

No, no cheats like this allowed in the Toddler challenge.

[Hechicera]

I have never tried this. I just mocked something up according to the instructions, with $19,500, no cheats or even resize. 

But, I do have a question regarding the included details and the personalities. Since Jesminder has the mixologist aspiration, is three+ barstools on a counter an acceptable replacement for the dining table and two chairs?

[Playalot]

I have never tried this. I just mocked something up according to the instructions, with $19,500, no cheats or even resize. 

But, I do have a question regarding the included details and the personalities. Since Jesminder has the mixologist aspiration, is three+ barstools on a counter an acceptable replacement for the dining table and two chairs?

This is really a strategy question and as such I will simply reply that the rules state which items are required.  And I'll leave it up to you to decide what items may reflect the young couples personalities etc. I'm really happy you're giving it a go as that is what it is all about.

[vancanuckfan86]

Sounds like fun - I just completed the other challenges....I think I'll give this one a try - not that decorating is my strong suit, lol  .

[Alex]

I think there's a typo on the rules page. You've got:

Your budget is $20,000. You must bulldoze the lot and start with an empty apartment. You will need to enable testingcheats on and then use the cheat money 20000

but then later, in the 'setting up your file' bit

Next type money 19500 and hit Enter. Finally, type testingcheats off and hit Enter.

Presumably the first line is right?

[coolsim9999999]

I'm going to finish up the party challenge, and then, do this building one, starting tomorrow.  This looks so cool, Play and MrsFlynn .  I'm glad there's a building challenge again!

[Hechicera]

... not that decorating is my strong suit, lol  .

You and me both. A real life decorator I know, who has seen my real house calls my style "Sparse", with her face guarded and being as polite as possible given her line of work.

[Playalot]

I think there's a typo on the rules page. You've got:

Your budget is $20,000. You must bulldoze the lot and start with an empty apartment. You will need to enable testingcheats on and then use the cheat money 20000

but then later, in the 'setting up your file' bit

Next type money 19500 and hit Enter. Finally, type testingcheats off and hit Enter.

Presumably the first line is right?

*massive face palm* yes 2000 is the correct figure. I've corrected that now. Sorry... proof reading obviously didn't work there! Thank you for bringing that to our attention. 

[Playalot]

Awesome to have you on-board @coolsim9999999   

Thanks for everyone's patience. It's amazing how much there is to think about setting these challenges up (this is my first time giving it a go... lol, like you can't tell!!) but it's been a blast so far and of course MrsFlynn is a pro. 

[coolsim9999999]

Awesome to have you on-board @coolsim9999999   

Thanks for everyone's patience. It's amazing how much there is to think about setting these challenges up (this is my first time giving it a go... lol, like you can't tell!!) but it's been a blast so far and of course MrsFlynn is a pro. 

Thanks, @Playalot!  I already have some ideas about how to approach this challenge, and I'm very excited about it !

[Magpie2012]

Are we going to have a "Hall of Fame" for the winners? Not something complex like Boss-man has for the Tournament, just a page where it says the challenges (in date order) with the winning entry under each heading.

[Playalot]

@Magpie2012 yes we will have a post acknowledging the winners.

[MrsFlynn]

Just a reminder that our toddler building challenge is still going on. We have a little less than two weeks to go. Photos are due to us by Wed. Feb.22nd.

Please see the post linked below for more details.

2017 TS4 Building Challenge
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=27854.msg458772#msg458772

Thank you to all that have entered so far!!

[Alex]

Um, the 22nd is a Wednesday! Is the deadline next Wednesday or next Thursday?

[Playalot]

Um, the 22nd is a Wednesday! Is the deadline next Wednesday or next Thursday?

Wednesday 22nd. 

(I've corrected that now.)

[MrsFlynn]

Thank you to all that have entered. We will be posting photos of everyone's apartments and announcing the winner within the next couple of days.

[MomOfMany]

Will there be new Building Challenges? I wish I had seen this sooner so I could have participated. Also will there be voting of any kind?

[MrsFlynn]

Play and I are working on the next Challenge that will start in March. We will post more information on that later. No, voting for the past challenge. Play will be posting who won when she gets the chance.

[Playalot]

There will be more challenges. I'll try to get a schedule posted soon. Real life suddenly became super busy over the last few days so I am running a bit late with posting the winner of our first challenge. Watch this space!

[MrsFlynn]

Lesleyj42 is the winner of the Toddler Challenge

See Lesley's Entry in the link below:
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=28122.msg461795#msg461795

Congrats!!

It was a tough choice picking the winner. There was a few of them that just called to me - So warm and inviting that you could picture yourself living there.

Sorry for the repeat, but wanted to post the winner here too. - The entry thread is now open for comments.

[Playalot]

Super excited that we have announced the winner for the Toddler Challenge. Congrats to @lesleyj42  our winner.

[Metropolis Man]

Grats to lesleyj42.

[MarianT]

Congrats, @lesleyj42! I really liked your apartment, nice color combinations.

[lesleyj42]

Thanks, everyone! Jesminder and Arun are some of my favorite townies from San Myshuno. I really enjoyed remodeling their apartment for their new addition.

Thanks again to @Playalot and @MrsFlynn for putting so much personality into a building challenge. I had lots of fun with this build, and the next one looks awesome, too.

[Playalot]

Please note that today I made a slight change to the way MOO may be used. Now the rules state that the move objects cheat can be used for anything outside the house.

Retirement Dreams Challenge (S4 Building Challenge #2 2017)
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=28177.0

Edited by Playalot 5th March

[wfgodot]

I don't really understand the fishing spot in Ivan's list?

[Playalot]

I don't really understand the fishing spot in Ivan's list?

Using MOO and showhiddenobjects and the search function in build mode can produce interesting fishing options.

[MrsFlynn]

We'd like to post a reminder that we require entry photos be in .jpg format, please. They are easier to upload to an image hosting service, plus easier to load for the viewer. As keep in mind some members are using mobile or slower internet.

If you don't know how to convert .png files into .jpg. We do suggest using Irfanview.

How To: Use IrfanView to convert photos into .jpg format
http://www.wikihow.com/Use-IrfanView

Download IrfanView from Cnet.com
http://download.cnet.com/IrfanView/

If you don't want to use that program. You can use your own photo editor, load the photo and export the images as .jpg.

How To: Edit Photos - Basics using Paint.net
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=25578.msg432278#msg432278

[MrsFlynn]

Thank you to all that have entered!!   We have some more time before the deadline. Which is 2 weeks from today. Thurs. Mar.30th.

Play and I are looking forward to seeing more entries. See the post linked below for challenge details:

Retirement Dreams Challenge (S4 Building Challenge #2 2017)
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=28177.0

[MrsFlynn]

Voting is now open for our Retirement Dreams Challenge. See link below for the poll and details.

Retirement Dreams Challenge Poll - Cast Your Vote!!
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=28342.0

[MrsFlynn]

Poll is to close tomorrow Thurs. Apr. 6th and the winner will be announced Fri.

We wanted to post a reminder to vote if you haven't already. Everyone is allowed to vote!!

Retirement Dreams Challenge Poll - Cast Your Vote!!
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=28342.0

[MrsFlynn]

The winning entry is:

Entry #8 - Alex with 6 votes
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=28342.msg464113#msg464113

We'd also like to give a shout-out to our two runner-ups:

Entry #1 - Deenahax with 5 votes
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=28342.msg464104#msg464104

Entry #7 - Twocatash12 with 5 votes
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=28342.msg464112#msg464112

Congrats to the winners!!

I'm posting our Winners announcement here in our challenge discussion thread. To make sure it's noted here too.

[coolsim9999999]

I saw a building challenge posted by @Playalot in the gallery.  That looked like the new building challenge to me, but I can't find the ruleset or any other information on the forum.  Maybe I missed it somehow.

[Playalot]

It's coming soon... don't do anything with that download yet. 

[coolsim9999999]

Thanks Playalot.  I thought I missed something --- I won't look at that download until the challenge is up.  It will be interesting to see what the whole challenge is !

[MrsFlynn]

I've posted our new challenge. Information linked below.

Foundations? What Foundations? (S4 Building Challenge #3 2017)
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=28419.msg465204#msg465204

I've also merged the questions in with our discussion thread.

Also, sorry for posting a few times about this. One post was the actual information post, one was the announcement, and I posted one here in the discussion thread.

If you have any questions/concerns about this challenge or any other of our challenges, please post in this thread.

[deenahax]

Quick clarification on the foundations building challenge:
As stated above, the top down view should still resemble the original lot. This means:
no over hangs for more space and
no adding basements.

-- Does that mean it has to be a one floor structure? I understand we can do split level.

[MrsFlynn]

In the rules specific for this challenge is does state:

You may adjusting the height of the foundation but any steps up need to be incorporated into the existing foundation as you may not add on a porch or veranda.
Creating split level rooms in the foundation is permitted.

Not sure what a split level room is? You'll find that explained here:
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/tutorials/building/split-levels-lofts.php

If you'd like to read over the challenge information:

Foundations? What Foundations? (S4 Building Challenge #3 2017)
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=28419.msg465204#msg465204

Also, we'd like to add:

No basements, no underground building at all,  but anything above ground is fine as long as it does not overhang the original shape... so no adding extra space through hangovers. 

To answer the question - Yes to split levels, and you get to decide how many floors you want above ground.

[MrsFlynn]

Thank you to all that have entered!!

We wanted to post a reminder for those who are still thinking about entering - Deadline for photos is Fri. May 19th

Please be sure to upload images to Imgur in .jpg format so the photos are easier to work with, upload and view. It also helps make sure that the challenge remains anonymous and fair for everyone - the builds get judged by their own merits, not by who built it.

More information on the Challenge in the post linked below:

Foundations? What Foundations? (S4 Building Challenge #3 2017)
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=28419.msg465204#msg465204

How to: Convert photos to jpeg format
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=25154.msg427387#post_JPG

If you're wondering why do the photos have to be in .jpg format?

Not only are .jpg file sizes a lot smaller than .png, they're easier to upload to image hosting sites, easier to view because they load quicker and easier to work with.

Read the post linked below about About the default images that come from Sims 4. It's an interesting read, and will explain in more detail why it's better to use .jpg for sharing on the internet.

Sharing photos on the forum
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=25154.msg427387#msg427387

[Playalot]

Hi everyone. Just thought I'd give you all the opportunity to post some ideas on the kind of building challenges you might like to see come up in the months ahead. Or maybe just give some feedback on how you think it is all going so far etc.

It's all very well with me coming up with ideas etc but if it is not touching on the kind of building projects or themes you would like to try then it isn't really serving the community correctly. 

Let me know below what you think. 

[coolsim9999999]

@Playalot --- I love the ideas that you've come up with in these building challenges!  They're all unique and all great.  Therefore, whatever you come up with will be awesome !

I liked not having a budget on the current building challenge, but I don't mind if other challenges have one --- although, building without a budget has always been my favorite way to build --- in this case, if challenges would still be challenging, as this one is.

I can't come up with a challenge idea tonight, but I'll post here if I do.

[Playalot]

Thanks for the feedback coolsims 

[deenahax]

I've been playing with the idea of multi-unit/structure lots like townhouses, motels and resorts. Of course they don't function that way but the lots look cool.

Also I really liked the foundations challenge, what about another with a partial build to start with? For example, converting a restaurant to home or a home to a office building.

[Playalot]

Great ideas deenahax. I forget that for challenges the lots don't actually need to function for normal game play! Thanks for the feedback. 

[coolsim9999999]

I think that your ideas are good, deenahax.  I would enjoy that as a challenge possibility.

[coolsim9999999]

@MrsFlynn and @Playalot --- I forgot where you guys put the link to vote on each building challenge.  Will it be in the same place for each challenge?

Thanks a lot !

[MrsFlynn]

The Entry/voting threads for each challenge will be on the Building Challenges board
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?board=112.0

The entry/voting thread for the Foundation Challenge will be put up either later today (afternoon or evening)

[coolsim9999999]

Thanks, MrsFlynn for letting me know where voting for each building challenge will take place --- I am looking forward to it !

[MrsFlynn]

We have 8 -wonderful- entries!! Thank you!!

Please choose 1 from the 8 entries in the thread posted below. One vote per member. All members can vote.

http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=28519.0

Results will be shown after the close of the poll. Winner will be announced in this thread, Mon. May.29th in the afternoon or evening. We'll let you know who created which build then.

[MarianT]

@MrsFlynn, temperatures have been so cool in our neck of the woods that it does feel like April rather than May. Still, I think you'll be announcing the winner on May 29th. Great idea for a challenge, and the entries are all lovely.

[Playalot]

@MrsFlynn, temperatures have been so cool in our neck of the woods that it does feel like April rather than May. Still, I think you'll be announcing the winner on May 29th. Great idea for a challenge, and the entries are all lovely.

Thanks! And yes... announcement day May29th 

[Magpie2012]

Not sure whether we are allowed to reply on the thread, since I've been away from the Forum for a while. However, I just had to tell the contestants that they are so super talented and it was so difficult picking just one! And, I hope these will be up on the Gallery, both as full homes and separate rooms, very soon!!!

Good luck everyone!

[Playalot]

@Magpie2012 yes, totally ok to chat here about building challenge and I agree. It's been amazing watching the builds come in! It takes me days to pick just one as I have to go away and think about it and then view them all again and so on. Good to see you again Mags. 

[MrsFlynn]

I found when I went to change how many we could vote for, (because we got 8 entries, and it's -way- to hard to just pick one.) It allowed for that change. But I wasn't able to choose my 2nd choice.

Play and I talked it over and decided to try resetting the votes and add back who got what votes might help. It didn't. It won't allow edits in that manner.

Could we get everyone to re-vote, please? - You can now vote for 2 entries!!

Foundation Challenge Poll - Cast Your Vote!!
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=28519.0

Voting close date has been changed to Mon. May 30th as well to help give extra time to revote.

We're really -really- Sorry for the inconvenience. We won't be doing that again!!

Thank you!!

-- Sorry for the double post - here and on the challenge board. We want to make sure everyone sees the message to revote. The double post on the challenge board will be deleted after the poll has closed.

[coolsim9999999]

Challenge Idea --- small lot, big family with only base game allowed

Must haves:
Roof deck, which spans the entire roof
3 floors below the roof, as well as 2 basement levels required
Base game only --- everywhere on the lot --- to increase difficulty for many participants
Must be on a 20X15 lot of your choice (to increase difficulty)
Built for 2 parents and 6 children to increase difficulty, in general --- each child must have a bed, desk, dresser, toys, and at-home playground of some kind
All cheats allowed
No budget

[MrsFlynn]

*Squee* Thank you SO much for re-voting everyone!! It's looking really good!! This has made me very happy!!

Errm, sorry for the over-excitement. 

[Brisayshi]

I entered the Foundation Challenge contest, but I never got any messages back and my entry isn't displayed I sent my submission to @Playalot and @MrsFlynn. Would either of you be able to see if perhaps my message never got through to you?

[MrsFlynn]

We are looking into the issue and will pm you when we find out more.

I entered the Foundation Challenge contest, but I never got any messages back and my entry isn't displayed I sent my submission to @Playalot and MrsFlynn. Would either of you be able to see if perhaps my message never got through to you?

[Playalot]

@Brisayshi I have sent you a PM. So sorry this happened but I didn't receive a PM. 

[MrsFlynn]

The winning entry is:

Entry #7 - Alex with 10 votes
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=28519.msg466338#msg466338

We'd also like to give a special mention to our runner up:

Entry #4 - Twocatash12 with 5 votes
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=28519.msg466335#msg466335

Congrats Alex and Twocatash!!

[coolsim9999999]

When it's time for a new building challenge, will there be a new topic under the main Building Challenges category?  If not, where will new building challenges be located or where will the link to each be?

[MrsFlynn]

I have put a post of links together regarding the building challenges. This is to hopefully lessen any confusion of where things will be posted.

Building Challenge Info
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=28577.msg466773#msg466773

[MrsFlynn]

We will be having a new challenge for June/July. More details will be shared on Monday. However, we'll share a little hint.

“It can hardly be a coincidence that no language on earth has ever produced the expression, 'As pretty as an airport.”
― Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul

[coolsim9999999]

I can't wait for the new challenge!  That quote, "hint" means that the next challenge will surely be very interesting .

[Magpie2012]

O_O
This I gotta see!!!

[MrsFlynn]

The June/July challenge is on!!!

Details are linked below. 

Airport Challenge Details:
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=28619.msg467163#msg467163

Please PM both Play and MrsFlynn if we haven't received your entry within 24hrs of when you sent it.

If we get more than 8 entries we get to cast two votes in the poll!!

[MrsFlynn]

We just wanted to post a reminder about the challenge.

Photos Due: Mon. July. 17th

Airport Challenge (S4 Building Challenge #4 2017)
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=28619.msg467163#msg467163

Please PM both Play and MrsFlynn if we haven't received your entry within 24hrs of when you sent it.

[MrsFlynn]

Voting is open for our Airport Challenge -
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=28805.0

Voting results will be shown after poll closes - Mon. July. 31st in the afternoon or evening, pacific time.

[MrsFlynn]

The winning entry is:

Entry #2 - Deena with 6 votes
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=28805.msg468717#msg468717

It was a tie with the other two entries created by CoolSim and Cyn.

Congrats Deena!!

If you'd like these creations in-game, they may be available in the Gallery soon.

We have a challenge planned for Aug/Sept. We're still working out the details. We'll let you know more around mid August.

[coolsim9999999]

Congratulations Deena!  Great build .

Edit:  my airport is in the gallery under #carlsguide.  I called my airport Bermuda Triangle Airport

This was a great challenge.

[Playalot]

Congratulations @deenahax  ! All looking very fine indeed! 

Glad you enjoyed it coolsim.

[MrsFlynn]

Build a house for a big or small family. More details in the post linked below.

Families Wanted (S4 Building Challenge #5 2017)
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=28890.0

Please PM both Play and MrsFlynn if we haven't received your entry within 24hrs of when you sent it.

If we get more than 8 entries we get to cast two votes in the poll!!

[MrsFlynn]

We just wanted to post a reminder for the challenge. Photos are due in by next Monday. Sept. 11th. Details of the challenge in the post linked below, along with an example of some entry photos and screenshot tips.

Families Wanted (S4 Building Challenge #5 2017)
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=28890.0

Example Entry Photos and Screenshot Tips:
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=28577.0#post_ExEP

Please PM both Play and MrsFlynn if we haven't received your entry within 24hrs of when you sent it.

[MrsFlynn]

Voting is open!!
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=28994.0

Voting results will be shown after poll closes - Mon. Sept.25th in the afternoon or evening, pacific time.

[MrsFlynn]

The winning entry is:

Entry #4 - Twocatash with 7 votes
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=28994.msg470402#msg470402

Congrats Twocatash!!

------------
Voting thread now open for posting

Families Wanted Challenge Poll - Winner Announced!!
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=28994.0

[coolsim9999999]

Congratulations Twocatash! Great build .

[Playalot]

Congrats Twocatash! 

[Metropolis Man]

Grats Twocatash.

[MarianT]

Congratulations, @twocatash12!

[MrsFlynn]

Here's one builders can sink their teeth into - Recreate Sims 3's Wolff Manor and bonus points for creating the family!! Details in the link below:

Recreate Wolff Manor (S4 Building Challenge #6 2017)
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=29089.msg471517#msg471517

Building challenge info below, including some screenshot examples and tips.
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=28577.msg466773#msg466773

[MrsFlynn]

I added a couple/few extra photos to the challenge information post.

Recreate Wolff Manor (S4 Building Challenge #6 2017)
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=29089.msg471517#msg471517

Also, If you have Sims 3 installed, you can get into the game and have a look at the house if you like.

[MrsFlynn]

We just wanted to post a reminder for the challenge. Photos are due in by Mon. Dec.04th. Details of the challenge in the post linked below.

Recreate Wolff Manor (S4 Building Challenge #6 2017)
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=29089.msg471517#msg471517

Please PM both Play and MrsFlynn if we haven't received your entry within 24hrs of when you sent it.