Estimating Unusual Items

The BidMagic estimating software offers several ways to handle unusual construction details.

One of a Kind Costs--as an Addition

In some cases you can use a regular unit price that is close to the unusual item, and then use the 'other' choice to enter just the difference in cost.

For example, to enter framing costs for a curved wall:

1. Go to the Specifications card that best describes the item --in this case, Wall & Roof Framing.
2. Click on the pop-up button next to the subcategory that best describes the item--in this case, Exterior Wall Framing. Choose a 'normal' construction item such as 2x4 wall framing.
3. Compute (or guess) how much extra it will cost to do the curved framing, over and above the 'normal' cost for plain wall framing.
4. Click on the pop-up button for another blank item in the same subcategory, and choose Other from the menu.
5. Type in a brief description of the additional cost, and the dollar amount you'd like to add for it.

One of a Kind Costs--as a new Unit Cost

For a weird item that you may see again, create a new unit cost so you can include it in future projects (see page 258). The unit cost can be for a full item, or for an 'add on' cost that you'll attach to a more basic type of construction just when you need it.