Converting Construction Categories

NOTE-- We retired the MacNail estimating program in 2000, and replaced it with Goldenseal construction estimating software. There are still a significant number of die-hard MacNail users, so we keep the manuals online for them! Goldenseal is an integrated program that also includes accounting, scheduling and contract writing. Goldenseal also includes category systems that you can use to group and summarize your estimates.

Construction Estimating Categories

To convert a file from one category system to another, first make sure that the active file is an estimating worksheet, Price Master, Category Sheet or Cost Control worksheet from the MacNail construction management software. Then follow these steps:

1. Choose Code Systems from the Data menu.
2. If the file is an estimating worksheet or a Price Master, you'll be asked which code system to work on. Click 'Category codes', then click OK. Otherwise, you can proceed to the next step.
3. Click on a new category code, then click OK.
4. If the active file is an estimating worksheet, Category Sheet or Cost Control worksheet, the file will simply be assigned a new category name.

If the active file is a Price Master, all existing categories (in the 'cat' column) will be converted to the matching items in the new category system, as stored in the Category Code Master (see previous page). This conversion process may take a while.

WARNING: Before converting a Price Master, be sure the new and old category systems have both been entered in the Category Code Master!