Construction Estimator Setup

NOTE-- MacNail estimating program was retired in 2000, and replaced with Goldenseal construction estimating software. There are still a few die-hard MacNail users, so we keep the manuals online for them! Goldenseal is an improved program for small businesses, that also includes accounting, scheduling and contract writing features. It is easier to use than MacNail, and doesn't use Category Sheets or Estimator Blanks at all.

Setting up an Estimator Blank

The The MacNail construction management software stores Estimator headings, Fixed Costs and Dimensions in an Estimator Blank file. If you would like to make changes to those sections of the estimator, make changes to an Estimator Blank before you use it to create a new estimate.

To make a new Estimator Blank, choose New Customizing File from the File menu, then click Estimator Blank. In the second dialog box, type in a name for the new file, choose an existing Estimator Blank to use as a source, then click OK.

In an Estimator Blank, you can add new fixed costs or dimensions, or delete existing ones. You can make cosmetic changes to the worksheet, or change the names of headings. These changes will then show up in any new estimators that you create from the Estimator Blank. See pages 61-65 and 171-172 for more about changes that can be made to Estimator Blanks.

Setting up A Category Sheet

The Category Sheet stores information about a new construction estimator that you will create 'from scratch'. It contains the categories and optional subcategories to use, along with the number of rows in each category, the type of labor/material/subcontractor formulas, and the skilled wage rate to be used.

To make a new Category Sheet, choose New Customizing File from the File menu, then click Category Sheet. See pages 165-169 for more about creating new Category Sheets.