Using this Estimating Manual

NOTE-- In 2000 we retired MacNail and BidMagic (our earlier estimating computer programs), and replaced them with Goldenseal 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.

Using this Construction Estimating Manual

Please go through the first three sections of this manual in order. If you are an experienced computer user, you should be able to skip over many of the detailed instructions.
* This Introduction will give you some background information about the MacNail construction estimating software.
* Getting Started gives you instructions for loading the program onto your hard disk, and for starting your first estimate.
* The Tutorial lets you go through a sample project so you can see how MacNail construction estimating software works.
* The MacNail Estimating Worksheets and Estimating Manager sections contain instructions about the menus and worksheets that run MacNail.
* The Customizing, Linking, and Reference sections cover specific MacNail functions in greater detail
* There is also a complete Glossary. If you don't recognize a computer or construction term--you can look it up!

We suggest that you use MacNail on one or two finished projects (or projects that you have already estimated by other means), before you tackle actual bids. This gives you the information you need to adjust MacNail so it will perform accurately under your particular conditions.