Estimator Specifications

NOTE-- We retired the MacNail estimating program in 2000, and replaced it with Goldenseal construction estimating software. There are still a significant number of die-hard MacNail users, so we keep the manuals online for them! Goldenseal is an integrated program that also includes accounting, scheduling and contract writing. Goldenseal lets you choose categories from a pop-up list, so you don't need to remember codes.

Estimator Specifications Columns

Subcontractor cost-- (column G) for items figured on a sub and materials or subcontracted basis, this cell calculates subcontractor costs.

NOTE: Choose Specs Formulas from the Formula menu to switch the method of computing Specifications items between Labor and Materials, Sub and Materials and Subcontracted.

Skilled hours per unit-- (column H) the number in this cell is part of your labor cost database. It is the number of skilled hours it will take to finish one unit of work.

Unskilled hours per unit-- (column I) the number in this cell is also part of your labor cost database. It is the number of unskilled hours it will take to finish one unit of work.

Material cost per unit-- (column J) the number in this cell is the material cost (in dollars) for one unit of work. Usually this number is maintained with the Update Material Prices command, but you can also type a number directly into this cell in the estimator, if you haven 't created a material assembly for the item.

Code number-- (column K) this number identifies the cost line item when sharing prices between the estimator and the Price Master or other estimators in the MacNail construction estimating software. The code number is also used when linking to MacNail Scheduling or MacNail Spec Writer. This number should be a unique number (use the Check for Duplicates command to make sure it is). A negative code number is used to 'flag' a line item as new or changed. Choose Flag Items from the Format menu to flag the selected row or rows.