Estimating Clearinghouse

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. To see its equivalent to the MacNail Clearinghouse, either use a printed form that has a subcategory breakdown, or look at an estimating report that shows subcategories.

Step 4--View the Bid Price

You can see a detailed summary of costs in the Clearinghouse section of the MacNail construction estimating software. The 'bottom line' and a more general breakdown are displayed in the Summation section.

Clearinghouse

The Clearinghouse level is a detailed summary of costs. Use the Clearinghouse level to:
* Double-check the accuracy of each part of your bid.
OR
* Type in subcontracted items that are given to you as a firm price for an entire section of the bid.

To go to the clearinghouse level:
* Choose *Clearinghouse from the MacNail menu.

If your roofer has quoted a fixed price of $500 for all roofing work and roofing supplies, enter the quoted amount into the Clearinghouse level. To do so:
1. Scroll down to the Roofing section.
2. Click in the main Roofing row, in the subcontractor column.
NOTE: If the worksheet is protected, choose Unprotect Document from the OPTIONS menu.
3. Type in the subcontractor bid of $500.
4. Notice that you may be replacing the original formula which took the sum of the items listed in this section. In this case, you don't mind losing the formula, since you now have a more accurate price.
5. In some cases, the worksheet may include labor or material prices. If so, remove them by entering a 0 (zero) into the labor and mat (material) columns for the same row.

For some subcontractors, you may be subcontracting for labor only --and still provide the materials yourself.

For example, you may have a labor-only quote of $700 from your framing subcontractor. To include it in the bid:
1. Make sure you have all framing items entered in specifications (so the cost of materials will be calculated correctly).
2. Go to the Clearinghouse.
3. Click in the labor column of the FRAMING category.
4. Type in a zero. This will remove the calculated labor cost from the bid.
5. Click in the subcontractor column of FRAMING.
6. Type in the bid price of $700.