Estimating Exterior DImensions

NOTE-- In 2000 we retired MacNail and replaced it with Goldenseal foundation 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 an Exterior Dimensions button on each Estimate, where you can enter the foundation and landscaping dimensions listed here.

First floor Height

Type in the difference between the average ground elevation and the elevation of the walking surface on the first story. If the floor is below the average ground level, type in a negative number. If it is above the average ground level, type a positive number into the MacNail construction estimating software.

Footer Depth

Type in the distance from the average ground elevation down to the foundation footers. This will always be a positive number.

For a stepped foundation, type in the difference between the average ground level, and the average footer level.

Ground Slope

Type in the slope of the ground around the building, measured in inches of vertical rise per foot of horizontal run.