Collecting Material Supplier Prices

NOTE-- We retired MacNail estimating in 2000, and replaced it with Goldenseal construction estimating software. There are still some die-hard MacNail users, so we keep the manuals online for them! Goldenseal also includes accounting, project management and contract writing features. It gives you several ways to simplify the process of gathering construction material prices from suppliers.

Collecting Construction Material Prices

Before the MacNail construction management software can calculate the latest material unit prices, you'll need to gather material prices from your suppliers, then enter them into the computer.

Some prices can be gathered and entered 'on the fly' as you notice price variations. Others will probably be handled only once or twice a year, as you update all your prices 'in bulk'. The MacNail construction software allows you to collect and enter material prices either way!

Getting Prices 'on the fly'

You'll probably be able to keep tabs on the price of some materials very frequently. For example, if you do your own framing, you probably order 2x4's and other framing lumber on practically a daily basis.

To collect the latest price for frequently-used items, use billing invoices, delivery tickets, phoned-in price quotes, or any other source of price information. As you notice price changes, simply type them into the computer as described on page 101.

HINT: If you are using MacNail Accounting, the Material Log can be a valuable source of price information-- especially if you take the time to itemize invoices on a line-by-line basis.

It's not always worthwhile trying to keep up with short-term price fluctuations in 'volatile' items such as plywood, cedar and copper-- especially because your bids really should be based on the price for a few months from now anyhow, and today's price may not even apply then! Price changes in slower-moving items such as concrete and (usually) lumber are better entered 'on the fly'.