Estimating Templates

The BidMagic estimating software makes it easy to create estimating templates so your estimates will start right out matching the type of projects you normally do. Templates save you time, since you won't have to re-enter the same information over and over again for each estimate that you create.

Creating a new Template from another Template

Any BidMagic template can be turned into a new template that you can use for a different type of construction. To make a new template, follow these steps:

1. Open any the BidMagic construction estimating software template.
2. When asked for a file name, click Cancel to work on the template itself.
3. Choose Save As from the File menu to make a new copy of the BidMagic template. Type in a file name for the new template. HINT: You may want to call the new template Ranch Estimator, Townhouse Template, or some other name that describes the type of work it handles.
4. Choose Preferences from the Navigate menu, and make sure Keep this File as a Template is turned on.
5. If you are starting with the original BidMagic that we sent to you, you can skip to step 9. If you are using an estimate or another template to which you've already made changes, choose Clear Dimensions from the Bid menu.
6. Choose Clear Specifications from the Bid menu.
7. Choose Lock Dimensions from the Bid menu, then choose Lock Specifications from the Bid menu.
8. Go to Basic Costs, Overhead and Soft Costs, and enter values that match the type of project for which the project is designed.
9. Choose Dimensions from the Navigate menu. Click on the button that best describes the construction type you'll be using.
10. Ignore the Room or Basic Dimensions cards, since they will be different for each specific project that you do. HINT: When creating a template, you only need to enter items that will be the same in most or all of the projects that you'll bid with the template.
11. Go to the Foundation and Roof cards, and set them up with your 'standard' type of work. Ignore all locked fields. Enter quantities that match your 'standard' project in fields that are not locked.
12. Go to the Structural Dimensions card, and enter the structural thicknesses and stud/joist/rafter spacings than you normally use.
13. Skip the Exterior Dimensions card. On the Miscellaneous Dimensions and Finish Dimensions cards, enter values for your 'standard' project in all unlocked fields.
14. Go through each Specifications card, and use the pop-up buttons to enter all line item costs that you include in most or all of the projects that you do. Keep the items locked, so the 'suggested' quantity will be used for them. NOTE: Nearly all items will have a suggested quantity of zero in the template. When you enter actual project dimensions in the estimate itself, they'll be converted to more reasonable values.
15. On each Specs card, also use the pop-up button at top center to figure costs Labor & Material, Sub & Materials, Subs Only or Flat Price, depending on the way you normally do them.