Fixed Costs

NOTE-- In 2000 we retired MacNail and BidMagic (our previous estimating programs), and replaced them with Goldenseal construction estimating software. There are still die-hard MacNail and BidMagic users, so we keep their manuals online! Goldenseal includes similar estimating software features, plus accounting, job costing and project management. There are no Fixed Costs in Goldenseal, but the labor Cost Items, and soft cost line items accomplish the same thing.

Estimate Fixed Costs

To get to the Fixed Costs section:

* Choose *Fixed Costs from the MACNAIL menu.
* If you are in multiple-window display, choose *Fixed Costs, then click the zoom box of the upper left window (see page 170).

The Fixed costs area lets you adjust the MacNail construction estimating software for conditions in different parts of the country.

Each fixed cost item includes:
* A brief description.
* A cell where you will type in a number.
* A variable name for that item. Use the variable name when changing formulas (see page 168).

Most fixed cost items should only need occasional adjusting, due to inflation or other overall changes in prices. Once you have set fixed costs to your satisfaction, you will probably change them once a year.