Lesson 4-- Estimate Dimensions

Goldenseal construction estimating software uses estimate dimensions to calculate quantities for each line item in an estimate with an item breakdown. They make estimating quicker and more accurate.

This lesson shows you how to use the construction dimensions in the Sample Company File. Some of the other starter files that come with Goldenseal use a different set of dimensions.

Entering Dimensions

To enter dimensions for a construction estimate, use the Sample Company File or Construction Starter File, and follow these steps:

Click on house Estimate Dimensions from the Options menu, and choose Basic Dimensions from the submenu. You can also click on the Form Type button at lower left to choose a dimension.
The estimate window will switch to a dimension layout which shows basic measurements for a construction project.
Click in the Widest Width field, and enter the width of the building
Hit the Tab key to move to the Longest Length field. Type in the building length.
Hit the Tab key to move to the next field. Note that many of the fields recalculate automatically.
Keep selecting fields until you have filled in all dimension fields that apply to this project. HINT: If a dimension doesn't apply to this project, leave it blank.
When you've finished with one dimension layout, click OK. You'll return to the main part of the estimate.
To enter more dimensions, choose Estimate Dimensions from the Options menu, and choose the next Dimensions layout. Enter dimensions there, the same as you did for basic dimensions.
Repeat step 8 until you have entered all dimensions.
When you are finished entering dimensions, click the Update Quantities button to fill the measurements into the items listed in the estimate.

HINT: For more information about specific dimensions, check the Reference Manual on the CD, or watch the help text on the left side of the window.

Popups and Checkboxes

The Project Type and Number of Stories dimensions use a popup field. To enter a value, click on the field and choose an item from the popup menu).

A few dimensions use a checkbox. To enter a value, click on the field to turn it on or off.

Calculated Dimensions

Goldenseal estimating software calculates some dimension quantities from other dimensions. Calculated dimensions have a padlock to the right of the number field.

When the padlock is locked, the calculated field is automatically updated whenever there is a change in any field whose value it uses.

When the padlock is unlocked, you can type in a value for the field. The value in an unlocked field will always stay the same, unless you re-lock the padlock to return to the calculated value.

To switch the padlock, click on it. It will switch between locked and unlocked status.

NOTE: A few calculated fields are always locked, and can never be changed. Those fields have a gray padlock which cannot be unlocked.

Location Dimensions

Goldenseal also lets you enter measurements for different locations in an estimate. For the construction dimensions in the Sample Company File, locations are used for individual rooms in a remodeling project.

To enter locations, follow these steps:

Choose Estimate Locations from the Options menu, and choose Add Location from the submenu.
Type in an name for the location, then click OK.
You'll see a location dimension layout.
Enter measurements, the same as for regular dimensions.
Click OK when you are finished entering room measurements.
Repeat steps 1 to 5 for each additional room. Each estimate can have any number of separate locations.
When you are finished entering room dimensions, click the Update Quantities button to fill the measurements into the items listed in the estimate.

Using Dimensions

To use dimension quantities, click the Update Quantities button in the main part of the estimate. It will fill quantities into each line item that is currently in the estimate.

Goldenseal uses estimate dimensions as a 'suggestion' for the quantity of cost items and assemblies that are included in an estimate.

HINT-- After you update dimensions, you can click on any line item in the breakdown table, and type in a different quantity.

When you add items to an Item breakdown, Goldenseal starts with the suggested quantity. If you don't like the suggested quantity, you can type in a different amount.

If dimensions change after you've entered breakdown items, click the Update Dimensions button to recalculate quantities for each item.

WARNING-- If you previously typed in a quantity, Goldenseal will replace it with the calculated amount, so you may need to double-check the quantities again to make sure you have what you want.

Dimension Calculations

To see the way dimensions are calculated, choose Calculations from the Options menu, and choose Calculated Dimensions from the submenu.

To see the dimension that is used for each item in an estimate, choose Cost Items or Assemblies from the Costs menu, and look at the Suggested Dimension field.

To change the appearance of a dimensions layout, choose Custom Layouts from the Options menu, and choose Estimate Dimensions from the submenu.

Finishing Up

In this Lesson you've seen how to enter project dimension measurements into the Goldenseal estimating software.

You might want to grab your tape measure now, and start finding some dimensions to enter! Do you have any pets, lawn ornaments or chic hats which perhaps might provide numbers for your estimates?

HINT: Did you know that the all-time record height for a chic hat is slightly over 74 inches tall? It was worn by Ethyl Mosfetter in Kornflake, Indiana on Easter Sunday, 1947 (and has still never been topped). You can still see it right next to the Popcorn Museum in the Kornflake Municipal Building annex (visiting hours 12-3, Mon/Tues/Fri).