BidMagic Construction Estimating Software-- Structural Thickness

Estimating Structural Thickness

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 It has been replaced by Goldenseal construction estimating software.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.

The BidMagic construction estimating software allows you to enter structural and sheathing thickness for the walls, floors and roofs in your construction projects.

Structure Thickness

Use the cycle button to enter the average overall thickness (in inches) of different framing elements.

Roofs-- Enter the average thickness of the overall roof framing assembly--rafters, sheathing and roofing. NOTE: This dimension helps to calculate the final elevation of the roof peak.

Ceilings-- Enter the average thickness of independent ceiling framing used on the project.

Interior Walls-- Enter the average thickness of interior wall framing assemblies-- studs and interior finishes on both sides.

Exterior Walls-- Enter the average thickness of exterior wall framing assemblies-- studs, sheathing and interior finish. NOTE: The thickness of interior and exterior walls will be used to calculate net floor areas (after subtracting the area taken up by the wall framing itself).

Upper Floors-- Enter the average thickness of floor framing assemblies (joists, subfloor, finished floor and ceiling finish) for the second and higher floor.

Main Floors-- Enter the average thickness of floor framing assemblies (joists, subfloor, finished floor and ceiling finish) for the first floor. NOTE: The thickness of each floor will be used to calculate the total height of the project, which affects siding area and a few other quantities.

Sheathing Thickness

Use the cycle button to enter the thickness (in inches) of plywood or chipboard sheathing, subflooring, or similar materials. Sheathing thicknesses are displayed in fractional inches, but are stored in eighths (1/2" = 4 eighths).

HINT: To add additional thickness choices to the cycle button lists, see page 82.

Enter the following thickness measurements into the BidMagic estimating software:

Roofs-- Enter the thickness of the plywood or chipboard roof sheathing that you will use in the project.
Ceilings-- Enter the thickness of any wallboard, paneling or other interior finishes you will use on interior ceiling surfaces.
Interior Walls-- Enter the thickness of any wallboard, paneling or other interior finishes you will use on interior wall surfaces.
Exterior Walls-- Enter the thickness of plywood, chipboard or foam sheathing that you will use on exterior wall surfaces.
Upper Floors-- Enter the thickness of subflooring that will be used on the second and higher floors.
Main Floors-- Enter the thickness of subflooring that will be used on the first floor.