Construction Cost Subcategories

Because there are so many steps in the average construction project, The MacNail construction management software allows you to split each of your cost categories into smaller subcategories.

EXAMPLES: A general contractor might want to break Framing (the main category) into floor framing, wall framing, and roof framing (subcategories). A plumber might want to break Fixtures (the main category) into toilets, vanities, tubs/showers, and kitchen sinks (subcategories).

Both the cost categories and subcategories in a MacNail estimate are itemized in the Clearinghouse portion of the worksheet, while just the main categories are shown in the Summation.

You do not need to use subcategories. If you prefer to work with a 'one layer' system, with main categories only, then your estimate will not have a Clearinghouse.

If you decide to use subcategories, each main category must have at least one subcategory. You can have a maximum of 99 subcategories under any main category.

To create a new estimator that has subcategories in it, first make a Category Sheet, typing in a hierarchy of subcategories as well as main categories (see pages 165-167). You can then use the New Estimator command to create an estimator 'shell' using that category and subcategory format.