Changing Estimating Formulas

NOTE-- In 2000 we retired MacNail and BidMagic (our previous estimating programs), and introduced Goldenseal construction estimating software. There are still die-hard MacNail users out there, so we keep the manuals online for them! Goldenseal is an integrated program that also includes accounting, job costing and project management features. We don't use Excel to run Goldenseal, so it does not have spreadsheet formulas in it.

Modifying a Construction Formula

Sometimes you will want to adjust the 'suggested' number of units by modifying its formula in the MacNail construction estimating software.

For example, you may want to mix two types of foundation--100 square feet of 8' cinder block, and the rest 12 ' blocks. To enter these conditions:

1. Jump to the masonry section (E.1). You can get there by using the scroll controls on the right side of the window. HINT: Choose *Go To Category... from the MacNail menu, and double-click on 'masonry' (you may need to use the scroll controls in the dialog box to find it).
2. Click on the 'units used' column next to 8' blocks.
3. Type in 100. Your project will now include 100 square feet of 8' blocks.
  4. Click on the 'units used' column next to 12' blocks.
5. Choose *Include in Bid from the EDIT menu. (This will erase any numbers that may be in the cell and replace them with a formula.)
6. Now look in the formula bar (near the top of the screen, just below the menu bar). You will notice a formula there--it is what carries the 'suggested units' over to the 'units used' column.
7. Click in the formula bar, just to the right of the formula.
8. Type a - (minus) sign.
9. Click in the 'units used' column of the 'cinderblock wall' row. Its cell address will be put into the formula.
 10. Click the mouse on the check mark (just to the left of the formula), or type the ENTER key.
11. The 12' cinderblock price will now be figured for all but 100 square feet of foundation (notice the dollar figures in the subs column). The quantity of 12' cinderblocks will be adjusted automatically if foundation dimensions are changed.