Negative Estimating Dimensions

Problem

getting -ve or extremely low numbers in construction dimensions summary for exterior wall areas, paint areas, etc. Applies to estimates in MacNail construction estimating software.

Diagnosis

general procedure: for anything that calculates wrongly, examine the formula and trace it back to cells and defined names.
In particular, check ceiling heights- they must be entered and non-zero.

Solution

To calc exterior wall area, MacNail construction estimating software subtracts the estimated areas of windows and doors, at 18 sf for doors, 6 sf for windows. If they are working with smaller doors and windows, change these #'s to get more accurate figures.

Comments

Entered 1/21/93 by Vinay. Updated 11/17/2010.