BidMagic Construction Estimating Software-- Sloped Ceilings

Estimating Sloped Ceilings

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 It has been replaced by Goldenseal construction estimating software.

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

Sloped Ceilings

When calculating basic construction areas, The BidMagic estimating software assumes that all ceilings are square. If you enter sloped ceilings correctly, the calculated areas will be extremely close to reality.

If most of the ceiling is flat, (Example 1) use the height of the flat part for ceiling height. The calculated wallboard area will be slightly too high, but it usually won't be too far off to be worrisome.

If most or all of the ceiling is sloped (Example 2), use the average ceiling height--which will usually be halfway between the low point of the roof and the high point.

If you have a sloped ceiling that is fairly steep, its ceiling area will increase. To account for this, you may want to add to the total ceiling area on the Miscellaneous Dimensions card. The area of a ceiling will increase by the following amounts for different slopes:

pitch (inches per ft) degrees
area increase

1

5

0.3%

2
10

1.4%

3
14

3.1%

4
19

5.4%

6
27

11.8%

8
34

20.2%

10
40

30.2%

12
45

41.4%

14
50

53.7%

16
54

66.7%

18
57

80.3%

24
64

123.6%

When working with a sloped ceiling, you may want to add slightly to the cost of hanging wallboard on the ceiling. If you need to frame one of the end walls with a sloping top plate, you'll also want to add some time for the additional framing labor that will be required.