Basic Estimate Dimensions

NOTE-- In 2000 we retired MacNail and replaced it with Goldenseal project estimating software. There are still die-hard MacNail users, so we keep its manuals available online. Goldenseal also includes accounting, job costing and project management. There is a Basic Dimensions button on Goldenseal Estimates, where you can enter floor areas and wall lengths.

Basic Dimensions

To see 'suggested' basic dimensions in the MacNail construction estimating software, choose Calculate Now from the OPTIONS menu. The suggestions are based on the maximum length and width, and the number of stories. Type in new numbers if the suggestions are not correct. If you aren 't working on a listed floor, leave it blank.

If your project has more than three stories, the additional stories (beyond the third) will be considered to be duplicates of the third story.

HINT: If the top floors are not identical to each other but some lower floors are, 'fudge' the floor order so the third story handles the duplicates.

Floor Areas

Type in the gross area (in square feet), measured from outside to outside. For additions, include the entire area of the addition, plus any areas that will be worked on in the existing building. For gut/rehabs, include the area that will be gutted and rebuilt. For remodeling projects, include the area that will have some kind of work done to it. In formulas, use areaB, area1, area2 and area3 for the area of each floor. Upperarea will give the total area upstairs. Totalarea will give the total area (including basement).