BidMagic Construction Estimating Software-- Longest Length & Width

Estimating Project Lengths and Widths

NOTE-- We retired the BidMagic construction estimating software program in 2001. It has been replaced by Goldenseal construction estimating software.

We still include this BidMagic estimating software program manual as a convenience for users of our older program. Many features are similar, in Goldenseal estimating.

Longest Length and Widest Width

Enter measurements for the project 'footprint'--the maximum area that is covered by any stories in the project. For new construction, use the entire structure. For an addition, use the addition only. For a gut/rehab construction project, use the portion of the building being gutted. For a remodeling project, use the total size of new additions only (if any).

For Longest Length, measure the furthest distance from one end of the project to the other. The direction to use depends on the type of roof line you have on the project.

For a flat roof, measure parallel to the longest wall.

For a shed roof, measure at right angles to the direction of roof slope. For a typical townhouse, Longest Length will actually be used for the width of the building.
For a gable or gambrel roof, measure parallel to the ridge (at right angles to the direction of roof slope).
For a hip, mansard or complex roof, or an irregular building outline, measure parallel to the longest wall.

NOTE: Exclude porches, decks and sheds. For the handling of garages, see page 224.

Also enter the Widest Width--the longest building dimension at right angles to the Longest Length.

NOTE: The 'enclosing rectangle' described by the longest length and widest width is used to suggest the largest possible floor area, gable widths, eaves length, and a few other dimensions.