Estimate Specifications

The final step in a BidMagic estimate is to describe exactly which materials and construction methods will be used in the project. Use the Specifications section to do this.

NOTE: Specifications is where most of the 'serious' estimating work takes place for most projects.

Specifications covers all areas of construction-- it divides them into 31 categories, each with its own card.

Specifications uses a 'checklist' approach. To enter specific construction costs, follow these steps:

1. Go through each card in the Specifications portion of BidMagic project estimating software, using the Right Arrow button, the Compass button, or the Specifications Directory card.
2. Check each subcategory on each card, and use the pop-up buttons to determine which costs will actually be included in the bid. HINT: Some line items may be too long to display in the available space. If you click the mouse on the item name, the title will temporarily expand to the right so you can see the entire item name.
3. If some costs are not listed, enter an 'other' cost (see page 58), or use the Unit Price Editor to add a new line item cost.