Using Assemblies

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. Its assemblies include both labor and material components, and their format is much easier to use, than in MacNail.

Using Assemblies in Material Unit Prices

After you make changes to an Assemblies file in the MacNail construction management software, choose Update Material Prices from the Data menu to use them to calculate new material unit prices. Be sure to check 'All items' when asked which prices to update. See page 104 for further instructions.

You can then use the Move Prices command to get the new material unit prices into your Price Master and estimator files (see page 95).

Using Assemblies for Material Takeoffs

MacNail Scheduling uses the Takeoff Master to create material takeoff lists. This file is compiled from one of your Assemblies files, using information from it and the corresponding Price Sheet. To make a new Takeoff Master after changing an Assemblies file:

1. Choose Get Takeoff Materials from the Data menu.
2. If you are using only one set of material price files, a new Takeoff Master will be created automatically from the MacNail Assemblies and MacNail Price Sheet files. If you are using more than one set of material price files, you'll be asked which one to use as a source.
3. The Takeoff Master will be created automatically. It will be used by MacNail Scheduling the next time you make a material takeoff.