Estimating Summation

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. In Goldenseal, you can get a summary of project costs by making a Report for the estimate, or by printing a Proposal form that uses a category breakdown.

Estimating Summation

To see the Summation section in the MacNail construction estimating software, choose *Summation from the MacNail menu.

If you are using the multiple-window display, the Summation is in the lower right window.

The Summation is a one-page presentation report that:
* Shows a detailed breakdown of both hard construction costs, and soft costs such as supervision, overhead, land costs, and taxes. To 'hide' the soft costs by distributing them among the hard costs, see page 137.
* Shows a per-square foot price for each line item --useful for comparing the bid against 'rule of thumb' methods.

Each line of the Summation contains a formula that brings numbers in from either the Clearinghouse or the Specifications. You can 'override' any of the calculated numbers by typing in your own numbers, if desired.

WARNING: Do not 'override' formulas in the Summation unless you are absolutely sure you no longer need the calculated values. It may be very difficult to restore the formulas, if you need them back! See page 169 for information on restoring damaged formulas.

For example, if you receive a framing subcontractor quote of $1500 for all labor and materials:
1. Click on the subcontractor column in the Framing row.
2. Type in $1500. If you are warned that the cell is locked, choose Unprotect Document from the OPTIONS menu.
3. Click on the labor column in the Framing row.
4. Type in 0 (zero).
5. Click on the materials column in the Framing row.
6. Type in 0 (zero).