Estimating Gross vs Net Areas

The BidMagic construction estimating software calculates gross area for many finish components. You can adjust any quantities.

Adjusting Gross Areas

In most cases, the quantity that is suggested when you lock the gross dimensions will be correct. If you do need to make adjustments to any of the gross dimensions, unlock them and add or subtract as needed.

You may need to adjust the gross areas in any of the following cases:

• Additions-- If just a little work will be done in the existing structure, add it here. For example, if replacing wallboard on the existing side of the 'junction' wall, add its area to the suggested quantity.
• Gut/Rehabs-- If just a little work will be done in parts of the structure that weren't included on the Basic Dimensions card, add it here. For example, if doing some minor floor repairs in an area not otherwise included in the project, add it to the Finished Floor area quantity.
• Garages-- If treating the garage as part of the main building (see page 224), subtract the area of the garage from the Finished Floor area.
• Partly Finished Rooms-- When doing partial work, either subtract the work that will not be done, or add additional work that wasn't entered previously (see page 370).
• Unusual Exteriors-- In some projects with unusual roof lines, you may need to adjust the siding area to match what is actually needed on the project.