What is MacNail Spec Writer?

NOTE-- In 2000 we retired the MacNail construction software package. Goldenseal is the successor-- it's a complete software package for Macintosh and Windows that handles contract writing, plus accounting, construction estimating, and project management, Both programs create contracts and subcontracts, but Goldenseal is newer, and much easier to use.

Contract Writing Overview

The Spec Writer program creates plain English contracts, subcontracts, and detailed project specifications for use in the construction industry. It's a very useful part of the MacNail construction management software.

Creating Contracts

Spec Writer comes fully configured, so it can create useful legal documents without any additional work on your part. Simply choose New Contract from the Specs menu, select the contract components you'd like to use, and a construction contract will be assembled automatically.

A contract is built from four types of components:

* Stock clauses that describe the project and add short sentences for various situations.
* Header files that include 'boilerplate' legal language.
* Specifications, short project descriptions that come from an estimate or schedule.
* Footer files, which are similar to headers, but placed at the end of the contract.

A contract can be built from any or all of the components.

Using Contracts

Spec Writer makes several kinds of printed reports.

* It creates contracts between builder and client, builder and designer, or designer and client.
* It creates subcontracts between builders and specialty subcontractors.
* It creates spec sheets which can be added to any contract, or used as an informal description of the project.

Each type of file can be set up to look however you'd like, and then printed for use in your business.