In this example, we will create a template for calculating the components and labor for a 8 ft. partition with the Length tool. The template will use a combination of Extensions, Estimating Items and formulas. It will also include baseboards and labor. This example will be presented with Imperial (US) measures.
1) Click on the "Length Template" button.
2) This will open the "Create a new template" window.
3) Insert a significant name which will make it easier to identify in the future.
4) Go to the "Extensions" tab.
5) Select the first extension to associate with the partition and configure it.
6) Enter all the other required extensions:
7) We are now going to add some "Estimating Items". Here, we will add baseboards and their installation cost. Go to the "Estimating Items" tab, then click on the "" button.
8) Configure the baseboard first.
The Estimating Item will be inserted in the list when the "Select" button is clicked.
The required length equals the length of the partition multiplied by 2 since there are baseboards on both sides of the wall. The first dimension will be the length of the partition, measured by the Length tool. Double-click on "Length" in the results list to insert the first dimension in the "Formula Builder".
Now, we have to edit the formula with the "" button.
The associated formula will be: [Length] * 2
[Length] : (measured by the Length tool)
* 2 : Constant added by the user to account for the baseboards on the 2 sides of the partition.
Note : the results of the extensions can also be a value of the formulas:
Click the "OK" button to validate the formula. It will appear in the "Create a new template" window:
9) Let's now add the baseboard installation by repeating the operation of step 7):
The Estimating Item will be inserted in the list when the "Select" button is clicked.
Now, we have to edit the formula with the "" button.
The associated formula will be: [Length] * 2
[Length] : (measured by the Length tool)
* 2 : Constant added by the user to account for the baseboards on the 2 sides of the partition.
Click the "OK" button to validate the formula. It will appear in the "Create a new template" window:
Now we have everything we need: 3 extensions and 2 estimating items.
As many Estimating Items as necessary can be entered in the template. Identical Items can be repeated with different formulas or joined in a single entry with the appropriate formula to avoid repetition in the Estimating grid.
10) Add a comment in the template to describe it:
Once the template is completed, click "OK" to insert it in the template list. A template can then be modified, duplicated or deleted.
11) Usage of the template in the takeoff and estimating process:
In the "Home" tab, the template will be available by clicking on the black arrow located under the appropriate measuring tool. In this case, the Length.
Proceed with measuring with the usual method.
As soon as a measure is taken, the estimating results will start to appear in the "Estimating Items" tab of the Properties panel. The Estimating Items will also be displayed in the Estimating panel:
At this step, the user can modify the prices and markups of each Estimating Item.
Ultimately, the results in the Takeoff, Estimating and Quote reports: