Pricing Quirks

There are a few items in our construction estimating database that may need adjusting, depending on the type of business you run.

NOTE-- We retired the MacNail and BidMagic estimating programs in 2000, and replaced them with Goldenseal construction estimating software. Goldenseal is an integrated program that also includes accounting, scheduling and contract writing. We keep these instructions online for our die-hard BidMagic MacNail users! The calibration process for the Goldenseal estimating software, is similar to that for our older programs.

Blown insulation

Our blown insulation prices are based on rehab work. They include drilling holes, blowing insulation, then plugging the holes.

If you are using blown insulation on new construction, reduce the labor to about 1/3 of its existing value. If using insulation subcontractors you may be able to drop it even further.

Framing

Our framing costs are based on moderately high-end projects. For tract housing or fairly simple new construction, you can probably reduce the prices by 25-50%. For extremely custom work, you'll probably want to add a similar percentage.

Subcontracted items

Our concrete and wallboard costs are mostly based on smaller remodeling projects, with the work done by our own crews. If you subcontract these items, you may want to reduce the unit prices to match your own actual costs.

Plumbing, electrical and HVAC have a database designed for "rough estimating" only. We expect that you'll get a firm quote from your subs, and replace our estimate with the actual cost. If you do the work yourself or need to "second-guess" your subs more accurately, you'll probably want to spend a little time creating a more complete database for these items.

Material handling

We include material handling in our hard construction costs, rather than treating it as a separate cost item.

If you want to itemize material handling, add it as a separate line item under General Conditions. You may need to reduce some of the unit prices slightly to compensate.