NOTE-- We
replaced MacNail with Goldenseal construction
estimating software back in 2000. There are still die-hard MacNail
users, so we keep the manuals online for their use! Goldenseal
is an integrated program that also includes accounting, job
costing and project
management features. The calculations in Goldenseal are a little
simpler than the many formulas in MacNail, and it updates prices
automatically when you enter or import changes in component
prices.
How MacNail Calculates
The MacNail construction estimating software does quite a bit of number
crunching as it assembles a bid price. If you are planning to do some major customizing on it, it's
a good idea to know just what it does.
To help customizers, we'll track the MacNail software as
it calculates an item from start to finish.
NOTE: To see the column letters referred
to below, choose Display from the OPTIONS menu, and turn on Row and Column headings.
1. Fixed
Costs--MacNail needs to know your basic operating costs before it can calculate prices for you. The
wage rates and other items stored in Fixed Costs are used in several different places, later on.
2. Dimensions--Before it can begin, the MacNail construction estimator software also needs to know the overall
size of the project. The construction dimensions stored in this portion of the worksheet will be
used in several different places, later on in
the calculations.
3. Calculated Dimensions--Some of the dimensions (marked in italic) are 'best guesses' that are calculated
from other, simpler dimensions. They use formulas that can be viewed in the formula bar, if you would like to see exactly
what math is being used. You can change any of the calculated values by typing in a new number, if the suggested value
is not correct.
4. 'Suggested Units'--The values you enter in Dimensions are used to 'suggeste' a number
of units for each items that might go into a project. You can see the 'suggested units' in column C of
the Specifications list. Notice that the calculated values are only a suggestion--you don't have to use
them, if they aren't right.
5. 'Units Used'--The key spot for estimating is the 'units used' column (column D) in
the Specifications list. This is where you decide whether an item will be included in the bid, and how much will be
included. In many cases, you will use *Include in Bid to make it equal to the 'suggested units'.
6. Unit Prices--Each construction item in the Specifications list includes a price database (columns H, I,
and J).
7. Item Calculations--Formulas in columns E, F and G of the Specifications list multiply the labor unit prices
by the number of units used, and by the wage rates stored in Fixed Costs. This gives an actual labor price for that
item.
The material unit price is multiplied by units used to give you an actual material price.
If the item is being subcontracted, labor and/or material costs will be put in the subcontractor line instead.
A few items are also multiplied by other quantities: for example, paint coats, or ceiling heights.
8. Specifications categories--Each category row in Specifications (in bold) sums up the total of all the items
below it. It also multiplies the total by the labor, material and subcontractor fudge factors from Fixed Costs.
9. Clearinghouse--If a Clearinghouse level is included in the estimate, each Specifications category will be sent
to a separate line there. The subdivisions are then summed, and put into totals. If there is no Clearinghouse, the
numbers from Specifications are sent directly to the Summation.
10. Summation hard costs--The total actual prices for each major construction category are assembled in the Summation.
They are multiplied by a fudge factor from Fixed Costs, on the way. These 'hard costs' are then summed
together into a Subtotal line.
11. Summation soft costs--Overhead, profit, contingencies, and other 'soft costs' are also assembled
in the Summation. Some of them are percentages that were set in Fixed Costs, some are financial items set in Dimensions,
and a few are typed directly into Summation.
12. Bottom line--the total bid price is displayed at the bottom of the Summation. It is also shown in the top
right corner of the worksheet, where it is more visible for 'what-if' work.
|
