Estimating Building Quantities

NOTE-- In 2000 we retired MacNail and replaced it with Goldenseal project estimating software. There are still die-hard MacNail users, so we keep its manuals available online. Goldenseal also includes accounting, job costing and project management. You'll enter the basic measurements for a Goldenseal Estimate into the first dimensions screen.

Units

For a typical one family dwelling, type in 1. If you are building a duplex, type in 2. For multiple-unit projects, type in the number of living units. Units is the variable name to use in formulas.

Maximum Length

Type the longest length of the project (in feet) into the Maximum Length cell in the MacNail construction estimating software. Measure parallel to the eaves. For an addition, use the longest length of the new addition only. For hip roofs or roofs with no eaves, choose the longest dimension to be the length. Maxlength is the variable name to use in formulas.

Maximum Width

Type the longest width in the project (in feet) into the Maximum Length cell in the MacNail construction estimating software. Measure perpendicular to the eaves. For an addition, use the widest width of the new addition only. For hip roofs or roofs with no eaves, choose the shortest dimension to be the width. Maxwidth is the variable name to use in formulas.

Total number of Stories

Type in the number of stories that will be worked on. For a split level, use the maximum number of stories that are 'stacked' in one section. Do not include finished basements. A finished attic should be considered as a story, rather than as an attic. Partly-finished or unfinished attics should not be counted as a story. Stories is the variable name to use in formulas.

Construction Type

Type in 1 for new construction, 2 for an addition to an existing structure, 3 for a fairly complete gut and rehab of an old structure, and 4 for anything else.