New Construction Estimator Files

New Construction Estimator from another Estimator

To make a new construction estimator from an existing estimator, follow these steps:

1. Choose New Estimator from the File menu.
2. Type in a file name for the new file.
3. If the original estimator is already the active document (in front), click From this File, then click OK. A copy of the active document will be saved under the file name entered in step 2.
4. If an estimator is not the active document, click on From another Estimator, then click OK. You'll see a list of all available estimators. Choose one, and a copy of it will be created and saved under the file name entered in step 2.

These steps will 'clone' an existing estimator. You can freely make changes to the new estimator, since the first estimator is still intact under its original name.

New Construction Estimator from an Estimate

To make a new construction estimator from a project estimate, first open the estimate and make sure it is the active document (with its window in front). Choose New Estimator from the File menu, then type in a file name for the new file. Click From this File, then click OK.

The MacNail construction management software will make a copy of the estimate and save it using the file name you typed in. The original estimate will still be available under its original name.

Use this approach to create an estimator for projects that are similar to a project estimate that you've already made.
Before you make an estimator from an estimate, first be absolutely sure that you didn't remove any of the original MacNail estimating formulas when you made the estimate! If you typed over formulas in the Clearinghouse or Summation while entering material or subcontractor quotes, or typed over any dimensional formulas, the estimator will not work properly.

NOTE: If you did remove one or more of the original estimating formulas, you can copy them from another estimator and paste them back into the new estimator.

After making a new estimator from an estimate, clear all of the non-italic numbers in Dimensions so you'll be starting with a completely 'blank' project. After you have done that, check Specifications for numbers that might have been typed directly into the 'units used' column. They will show up in all future estimates unless you remove them first!