Unit Costing in MacNail

NOTE-- MacNail estimating was replaced by Goldenseal construction estimating software back in 2000. There are still die-hard MacNail users, so we keep the MacNail manuals online for them! Goldenseal also includes accounting, job costing and project management features. Goldenseal has a very good system of calculating construction costs, mostly by way of Assemblies.

How MacNail Estimating handles Unit Prices

Most estimating books (and some computer estimators) give you unit prices as straight dollar costs. Since prices vary in different parts of the country, you then need to apply a 'regional modifier' so the book figures will match your own local conditions. You also need to purchase price updates frequently, and you'll have to do some heavy 'fudging' if prices change drastically before the new price book is published.

The MacNail construction estimating software uses a slightly different approach that allows you to create a permanent, personal set of unit prices that matches your own local conditions and your own style of construction. It gives you a 'price book' that will help you to estimate your projects accurately for many years in the future.

With the MacNail construction management software there is no need for you to be dependent on someone else to provide you with new unit prices, as the cost of labor and materials changes over the years!