Goldenseal Construction Estimating Software Topics-- Assemblies in Assemblies

Including Assemblies in Other Assemblies

Can I include an Assembly as a component in another Assembly?

Sure, Goldenseal construction estimating software allows you to build construction assemblies from any components, including other assemblies.

To add an Assembly as a subcomponent in another Assembly, follow these steps:

Choose Assemblies from the Costs menu.
Open the "parent" assembly.
Click in the last row of the Assembly's component table.
Hit the Enter key or Return key to add a row.
Enter Assembly into the Cost Area column.
Enter a specific Assembly into the Cost Item column.
Enter the quantity into the Qty/Quantity column.

Advantages of Assemblies As Components

Building Assemblies from other Assemblies can help you make "super assemblies" that include a complete set of work. For example, you can build a "complete wall" Assembly that includes siding, sheathing, framing, insulation, drywall and painting, all in one line item.

Large Assemblies are particularly good for rough estimates, since you can make an Estimate with fewer line items.

Disadvantages of Assemblies as Components

Using Assemblies as components in other Assemblies can also cause confusion, since it will be harder to "debug" errors that might be several levels away from the actual Assembly you include in an Estimate.

Larger Assemblies are also less flexible. You might need hundreds of "complete wall" assemblies to cover all possible permutations of wall construction.

Because larger Assemblies may cover work done at different times and by different types of workers, they also create a less accurate schedule, and are more difficult to split into separate Bids.

Click here for more about estimating in the Getting Started manual.
Click here for more about estimating in the Reference manual.

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