Estimating Multiple Stories

NOTE-- We replaced MacNail with Goldenseal construction estimating software back in 2000. There are still die-hard MacNail users, so we keep the manuals online for their use! Goldenseal is an integrated program that also includes accounting, job costing and project management features. It uses the same basic dimension measurements as MacNail, with a few improvements. For projects of more than three stories, you'll use the same approach in Goldenseal, as in MacNail.

Multiple Story Projects

The MacNail construction estimating software is designed for buildings with a maximum of three upper stories, with or without a basement.

You can use it for multiple-story buildings as long as they have the same floor plan on upper floors.

For a five story project, for example, type in 5 for stories in Dimensions. The MacNail construction estimator software will automatically multiply all third-story items by three (the first and second floors will be treated separately).

If the top floors are not identical to each other but some lower floors are, you can 'fudge' things--enter the dimensions for the unique floors into the Floor 1 and Floor 2 cells, and the dimensions for the identical floors into the Floor 3 cells.