Estimating Overall Project Dimensions

NOTE-- In 2000 we introduced Goldenseal construction estimating software, and retired both our older computer software programs (MacNail and BidMagic). There are still die-hard users of both programs, so we keep the manuals online for their use! Goldenseal is an integrated program that also includes accounting, job costing and contract writing features. It uses construction dimensions that are very similar to the ones in MacNail. When in an Estimates record, click the Dimensions buttons to see them.

Estimating Construction Dimensions

When the Smith estimate is completely saved, choose *Dimensions from the MacNail menu. This will move you to the Dimensions section of the spreadsheet.

Type the following measurements into the MacNail construction estimating software:

1. First, type in your 'guesstimated' project cost. You don't need to be very accurate--this number is only used for a few things such as building permits. We anticipate a final cost of about $25,000 for this job. If it turns out to be much different, we can always come back and change this number later.
2. Type in the square footage of the yard (the area in lawn--in this case, about 300) and the lot size (the total square footage of the entire lot--in this case, a half acre, or 20,000).
HINT: In a protected document, if you type the ENTER key each time you finish typing a number, you will automatically jump to the next data entry cell.
3. Type in the number of living units (1).
4. Type in the longest length (20) and widest width (16, a total of 12 feet for the main addition, plus an extra 4 feet for the entry area).
5. Type in the number of stories to be worked on (1).
6. Type 2 for construction type (addition).