Measuring Estimate Dimensions

NOTE-- In 2000 we retired MacNail and BidMagic (our earlier estimating computer programs), and replaced them with Goldenseal 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. Goldenseal includes seven project dimension buttons, which let you fill in a set of measurements that are similar to what you'd use in MacNail estimates.

Measuring Construction Project Dimensions

We still can't get around measuring from the blueprints...but at least, with the MacNail construction estimating software, you only need to do it once!

NOTE: It should become possible, over the next few years, to receive your project dimensions on disk from the designer, and have the computer enter them without your help!

Most of the job dimensions are straightforward. Measure them off the plans and elevations with a scaling ruler or a digitizer (call us for the current list of compatible digitizers).

When measuring walls from floor plans, measure right through door and window openings. It saves time. Door and window areas will be automatically subtracted later on, whenever it is appropriate.

At Turtle Creek,we are still old-fashioned about the actual counting of units off the prints. We keep a running total of each item on a scrap of paper using an analog recording device sometimes known as a 'pencil'. We enter numbers into the computer only when we've gone through all the drawings.

A good way to make sure you don't miss anything--use a yellow 'highlighter' pen (or chalk if you have to return the prints). Mark over each wall as you add its length into the total. The highlighter also works well for checking off things like window and door counts and custom specification details. It can save you some real embarrassments later on!

All units are measured in lineal feet or square feet unless otherwise noted. The size of each unit is listed as a part of its description.