Negative Numbers in Estimate

Problem

Negative numbers for totals, or negative price per sq ft in a bid from BidMagic Construction Estimating Software

Diagnosis

Negative problem-- best way to approach it is to calculate, have them hit the little button that gives a detailed cost breakdown, and see where the negative #(s) is/are. If it's in many places, it's probably a negative constructoin dimension somewhere. If in just one section (or in one section plus general conditions, which is mostly a % of the total) then go to the specs card for that section.

Solution

Negatives usually occur in flooring, and are frequently due to a negative 'unallocated flooring' at higher cost than the flooring types selected. Something similar can also happen in windows or doors, or (rarely) in other sections also.

Also possible--lacking of 'finished floor' in dimensions 7-- user hadn't clicked on the floor button for wallboard for any of the rooms, that is where finished floor is entered. Hence the 0 for finished floor area at dim 7, hence negative 'unallocated floor' and the overall negative price. To fix this, type the actual floor area into the 'finished floor area' of dimensions 7.

Comments

sometimes even if all the numbers look right on flooring specs, the program may be using old #'s: try nudging the numbers up and back down, then recalculating.

Entered 11/9/92 by Vinay. Updated 10/21/2010.

NOTE-- We retired BidMagic estimating software back in 2002, and replaced with Goldenseal-- which is integrated estimating software and project management software (plus optional accounting software).