Estimating Navigation Commands

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 does not use Excel, so estimates don't need to fit into a spreadsheet format.

Navigation in Estimating Worksheets

The third block of MacNail menu commands helps you to navigate through a MacNail Estimate or Estimator. These commands will only work if you have an Estimate or Estimator as the active document.

Fixed Costs

Choose Fixed Costs to jump to the Fixed Costs portion of an estimate or estimator in the MacNail construction estimating software. This is where you will enter wage rates, fudge factors, and other basic numbers that affect your cost of doing business.

NOTE--- In Goldenseal estimating, this data is stored in Cost Items.

Dimensions

Choose Dimensions to jump to the Dimensions portion of an estimate or estimator in the MacNail construction estimating software. This is where you will enter project measurements taken off of blueprints or other site drawings.

NOTE--- In Goldenseal estimating, click the Dimensions buttons on an Estimate, to enter project dimensions.

Specifications

Choose Specifications to jump to the Specifications portion of an estimate or estimator in the MacNail construction estimating software. This is where you will enter the actual construction items that will be included in the project.

NOTE--- In Goldenseal estimating, use an Item breakdown to list specifications for the project.

Clearinghouse

Choose Clearinghouse to jump to the Clearinghouse portion of an estimate or estimator in the MacNail construction estimating software. The Clearinghouse breaks prices down into cost categories and subcategories. Not all estimating worksheets have a Clearinghouse

NOTE--- In Goldenseal estimating, use a Report or Printed Form to view a breakdown with subcategories.

Summation

Choose Summation to jump to the Summation portion of an estimate or estimator in the MacNail construction estimating software. The Summation is a one-page summary of costs, showing main cost categories and soft costs only.

NOTE--- In Goldenseal estimating, use a Report or Printed Form to view a breakdown of cost categories.