Estimating Style Sheets

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. It includes estimating templates, which are similar to Estimators and Style Sheets in MacNail.

Estimating Style Sheets

A Style Sheet is used to store the 'style' of construction on an estimate or estimator for the MacNail construction estimating software. For example, it might store a 'typical' ranch house with 1/2" wallboard, 2x4 wood framing, hardboard siding and 3-tab roofing.

The Style Sheet lists each Specifications line item code from the estimate originally used to create the Style Sheet, along with the quantity formulas that were found in its 'units used' column.

The code column in the Style Sheet stores the item code number for each item in Specifications.
The units used column stores the 'units used' formula for each item. It may be zero, a number, or a formula referring to the 'suggested' value to its left.

You can change any of the suggested values in a Style Sheet by typing in a new value or formula. For more information about Style Sheets, see pages 57-58.