Estimating Clearinghouse

NOTE-- We retired MacNail estimating in 2000, and replaced it with Goldenseal construction estimating software. 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, scheduling and contract writing features. In Goldenseal, you'll see a breakdown by subcategory in either a Report, or a printed Proposal form that you can give to the client.

Estimating Clearinghouse

To see the Clearinghouse section in the MacNail construction estimating software, choose *Clearinghouse from the MacNail menu. In the multiple-window display, the Clearinghouse is the lower left window.

The Clearinghouse gives you a detailed look at the estimate. It displays each of the construction subdivisions from Specifications, and sums them into each main division.

Only MacNail and CSI Estimators have a Clearinghouse. Short and Quickie Estimators send Specifications information directly to Summation. See page 108 to enter quotes directly into the Summation.

Use the Clearinghouse to:
* Catch typos, missing items, and other errors. Take a minute to glance through the Clearinghouse and check the numbers make sure they match your intuitive feel for what the job should cost.
WARNING: Do not 'override' formulas in the Clearinghouse unless you are absolutely sure you no longer need the calculated values. See page 169 for information on restoring damaged formulas.
* Enter firm subcontractor and supplier quotes.

For example, if your framing subcontractor gives you a quote of $1000 for a deck (including all materials):
1. Click on the deck row, subcontractor column.
2. Type in $1000. If you are warned that the cell is locked, choose Unprotect Document from the OPTIONS menu.
3. Type ENTER or RETURN.

See page 49 for more examples of entering numbers into the Clearinghouse section of the MacNail construction estimator software.