NOTE-- We
retired the MacNail estimating program in 2000, and replaced
it with Goldenseal construction estimating
software. There are still a significant number of die-hard MacNail
users, so we keep the manuals online for them! Goldenseal
is an integrated program that also includes accounting, scheduling and contract
writing features.
You can also create new line items 'from scratch' in Goldenseal, though usually
it is easier to find a similar construction
assembly,
and then duplicate and change it.
Creating New Construction Line Items
You can create a brand new Specifications line item by
typing it directly into a blank line created previously with the Add Rows Here or Clear Rows commands.
To
create a new line item:
1. Type a brief description of the new item into column A.
NOTES: If you are warned that 'Locked cells cannot be changed', first choose Unprotect Document from the Options
menu. To see column headings, choose Display from the Options menu, and turn on 'Row and Column Headings'.
2. Decide on the most appropriate unit size for the construction item (lineal feet, square feet, each, etcetera) and type
that into column B.
3. If there is a similar item in the same category, you can copy its 'suggested' formula and
paste it into column
C of the new row. Otherwise, you can build your own 'suggested' formula for use by The MacNail construction management
software (see page 67).
4. To have the suggested quantity automatically included in the cost of the project, choose Include in Bid from the Edit
menu. To make sure it is not included, choose Remove from Bid from the Edit menu. See pages 208-209 for more on the use of
these two commands.
5. To change the price calculations or the skilled wage rate in columns E, F and G, choose Specs Formulas from the Formula
menu.
6. Labor and material costs per unit are typed into columns H, I and J. Figure out the number of skilled hours of work needed
for one unit of work, and type it into the 'skilled man-hr/unit' column. Do the same for the unskilled hours
of work per unit and the material cost per unit. See pages 80-85 for ways to compute unit prices.
7. In column K, type a code number for the new item. You can use decimals, and there is no size limit-- but it must be
a number. For best results, choose a number that hasn't been used elsewhere.
HINT: To see if one or several code numbers are already in use, type them in, select the row or rows containing them, then
choose Check for Duplicates from the Formula menu.
8. After typing in a code number, choose Flag Item from the Formula menu. It will 'flag' the selected row or
rows so the MacNail construction estimating
software will know that the items are new or changed. You can also manually 'flag' the items yourself
by typing a negative code number in step 7.
9. When you are finished typing in new items, choose Protect Document from the Options menu. Leave the password box blank,
and click OK. Working with the document protected will keep you from accidentally damaging formulas or other sensitive contents
of the estimating worksheet, while you are working with the estimating worksheet in the future.
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