Changing Unit Cost Formulas

NOTE-- We retired MacNail estimating in 2000, and replaced it with Goldenseal construction estimating software. There are still die-hard MacNail users, so we keep the manuals online for their use! Goldenseal is an integrated program that also includes accounting, scheduling and contract writing features. Goldenseal lets you enter subcontracted work either as unit costs, or as a separate Bid.

Unit Price Formulas

To enter a unit price formula for a subcontracted item in the MacNail construction estimating software, you will create a custom formula using Excel's formula bar. To do so:
1. Click in the column G cell.
2. Type an = (equal sign). If you are warned that the cell is locked, choose Unprotect Document from the OPTIONS menu.
3. Click on the units used column in the same row. Its cell address will be added to the formula.
HINT: You can see the formula in the formula bar which is located just below the menu bar at the top of the screen.
 4. Type * (multiplication sign), then type the per-unit price.
5. Type the ENTER or RETURN key to enter the formula into the spreadsheet.
6. The price for this item will now change if you later decide to change the number of units used.

NOTE: Use this formula for labor or materials also.

WARNING: If you create a custom unit price formula, converting between *Labor and Materials, *Sub and Materials, and *Subcontracted in the FORMULA menu may create an erroneous formula. To restore the original formula (or one similar), Copy and Paste those cells from an adjacent item (see also page 169).