Spec Writer includes one or more Clauses files, which store
a contract clause for each line item in an estimator. You can add more clauses to the MacNail construction
management software , or you can change any existing clauses.
Each clause in a Clauses file is stored as a sentence fragment. Spec Writer
uses 'Smart Grammar' to assemble
the fragments into a complete sentence or paragraph, whenever you make a new contract or subcontract.
Smart Grammar gives you several advantages:
*
It stores clauses more compactly, since it doesn't need to store every word.
*
It handles construction quantities and plurals correctly.
*
It lets you switch easily to a different sentence style throughout the contract.
*
It lets you vary the sentence structures in different lines of the contract, to make it sound more interesting.
*
It gives you the option to include prices, allowances and other options.
NOTE: If you don't want to use sentence
fragments, you can enter the clause as a Cell Note (see page 38).
The MacNail project management software provides several types of editing
tools to make it easier to work with clauses in the Spec Writer.
*
Use the Show this Clause command to check the wording of any clause, to make sure it sounds right (see page
121).
*
Use the Phrase Type command to change the sentence structure in a clause (see page 123).
*
Use the Subcontractors command to change the list of subcontractors used, and apply a name to the Clauses
file (see page 127).
*
Use the Irregular Verbs command to make sure non-standard verbs are handled correctly (see page 127).
*
Use the Irregular Nouns command to enter non-standard plurals such as 'feet', 'porches' and 'dozen' (see
page 131).
*
Use the Clause Extras command to add 'stock' phrases which are used at the end of more than one clause
(see page 135).
*
Use the Set Flags command to determine how a phrase handles allowances, costs and sentence order (see page
139). |
