Starting Jobs

When you take on a new project, you will set up a new Job Cost Control worksheet for it. This worksheet will let you see an 'estimated versus actual' comparison for each construction category, broken down into labor, materials and subcontractors.

If you estimated the project with MacNail Estimating, you will be able to get the 'estimated' numbers directly from the estimate or condensed estimate. Otherwise, you will start 'from scratch' and type in your own estimated costs.

To use the MacNail construction accounting software to set up a new Job Cost Control worksheet for the Smith job, when you don't have a MacNail estimate:
1. Choose *New Job Cost Sheet from the FILE menu.
2. A dialog box will be displayed. Click on From Scratch. Click on Firm Bid unless you are working on a 'cost plus' basis. For now, do not check Use Clearinghouse subcategories.
3. You will be asked for a project name. Type in Smith.
4. A list of possible cost control blanks will be displayed. Choose MacNail 1 layer cc blank.
5. A new cost control worksheet will be created for the Smith project.
6. (optional) Type in estimated costs for each construction category.