Estimator Line Items

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 features. It is easy to add or change any construction line items in Goldenseal estimates.

Construction Specification Line Items

The MacNail construction management software makes it easy for you to add, clear or delete line items in Specifications (see pages 46-48). You'll also be able to create new Specifications line items-- either by typing them in, by copying them from another estimating worksheet, or by using the Move Prices command to move them from another location (see page 56).

Each Specifications line item represents a different material 'assembly'-- for example, interior wall framing using 2x3 metal studs. The line item stores a unit price for you-- in this case, the cost of one lineal foot of wall framing. This unit price is used to compute the actual construction cost for each line item that has a non-zero number in the 'used' column.

NOTE: For a more detailed explanation of 'unit price' estimating, see pages 76-85.

You'll want to have a Specifications line item for each 'chunk' of construction that you use reasonably often in your projects. When you go through Specifications, you'll then be able to see a detailed checklist of the different construction choices that might be used on your projects. You can then use the Include in Bid and Remove from Bid commands to decide which of the possible construction choices will actually be used on this particular job.

MacNail Estimating worksheets come with a 'stock' price book of about 900 Specifications line items-- each one a unit cost for one specific type of construction. With MacNail Customizing, you'll be able to tinker with this 'price book' and make it fit your own style of construction more closely.

You will probably find that it's well worth the time it takes to create new line items, since your list of unit price line items is a permanent 'price book' that will serve you faithfully for many years to come!