Estimator Style Sheets

NOTE-- We retired MacNail estimating software in 2000, and replaced it with the Goldenseal construction estimating program. There are still quite a few MacNail users, so we keep the manuals online for them! Goldenseal is an integrated business software program that also includes accounting, scheduling and contract writing features.

Creating Estimating Style Sheets

A Style Sheet is a compact way to store information about a particular 'style' of construction. It is simply a list of Specification items, along with the formulas in the '# of units used' column for each of item. You can make a style sheet from any estimating worksheet, and apply the style to any other estimating worksheet.

For example, you can create a 'townhouse' Style Sheet and a 'suburban ranch' Style Sheet to make it easy to set up projects of those types.

To make a new Style Sheet with the MacNail construction estimating software:

1. Open an estimating worksheet-- either a project estimate or a customized estimator.
2. Go through Specifications, and use the 'Include in Bid' and 'Remove from Bid' commands to specify exactly what will be a part of the project.
3. Choose Get Style from the Format menu.
4. You'll be asked to type in a name for the new Style Sheet.
5. If an estimate or estimator is the active document, you'll be able to use it as a source for the Style Sheet. Otherwise, you'll be asked to choose an estimate from those that are available in the Current Estimates folder.
6. The MacNail construction management software will extract a list of codes and 'units used' formulas from the estimating worksheet, and create a new Style Sheet from them.