Using the Quality Factor

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 MacNail users! Goldenseal estimates also include a quick adjustment factor.

Quick Adjustments

The fastest way to calibrate the HyperEstimator or Hyper Remodeler construction estimating software is to use the construction quality control, located on the Fixed Costs card.

Once you have entered basic dimensions and specifications for your test project, simply slide the house up or down and hit the calculate button-- and keep trying different positions until the estimate matches what the project should actually cost.

NOTE: The construction quality factor will affect some items more than others. For example, as you slide the house up, trim and plumbing fixtures will increase in price much faster than excavation and demolition.

Once you have set the right construction quality factor for several jobs, you can get a "feel" for the correct position to use for different types of projects. Before sitting down with clients to give them a planning price, you may need to adjust this quality factor up or down, to suit the income range, neighborhood or expectations of the clients.

NOTE: When doing "high end" work, much of the cost difference will come from differences in specifications-- oak instead of pine, tile instead of vinyl, and so on. The quality factor only accounts for the "intangibles", so it has more impact than you might think! What most builders consider "high end" work should only require a quality factor of between 1.1 and 1.4.