In the previous article (Adding and Deleting Takeoff Item Results), we showed you how you can add Takeoff Item Results to the Worksheet Tab. Sometimes, though, you may need to add a Result that is not related to or based on any Takeoff Item in your project (something that you don't measure by drawing takeoff). We call these "Manual Results" and they can be anything you want.
Adding a Manual Result Row
Sometimes, you need to add some cost to your bid without that cost being associated with a Takeoff Item.
To add a Manual Result,
- Right-click within the grid, or
- Click the button on the main menu
A new line item is added to the top of the Results grid and the Manual Results Editor dialog box opens.
- Fill in whatever details you want. If there is no takeoff "quantity" associated with this entry, leave it as "1 each" and then fill in the costs below.
- Click Save
The Manual Result data is added to row.
Manual Results have no Takeoff Item No. associated with them, their color is always black, and they always show "Manual" as their Takeoff Item Group.
Add/modify Labor, Material, Subs, Equipment, and Other costs as usual in the Grid or in the Editor dialog box.
Manual Results are always displayed at the top of the grid.
Editing a Manual Result
You can edit the pricing for a Manual Result directly in the grid or in the Manual Result Editor dialog box.
To change the details of the Manual Result (Name, Total, or UOM), you must open the Manual Result Editor dialog box.
- Highlight the Manual Result line you want to edit
- Double-click it, or
- Click the button.
The Manual Results Editor opens where you can make whatever adjustments are necessary.
Remember, if you add a Manual (or Takeoff Item) Result row and later decide you do not need it, you can always Delete it (below).
To modify the Details or Results for any Takeoff Item, (even a Takeoff Item Result you added to the Worksheet Tab manually), you must edit the Takeoff Item itself or the takeoff associated with that Takeoff Item on the Takeoff Tab.
If you add the same result, such as "Length" or "Count" multiple times for the same Takeoff Item, it may become difficult to tell them apart. If this becomes a problem, just create a "Custom Formula" with the same calculations but named slightly different. See Related articles for information on Custom Formulas.
Deleting a Manual Result Row
Highlight the Manual Result line you want to delete and click the button on the toolbar - confirm the deletion or cancel.
You can remove Manual Results and Takeoff Item Results that you don't want to see. If you remove a Takeoff Item Result by accident, just add it again (see Previous Article). If you delete a Manual Result, you have to start from scratch and add a new Manual Result.
Next, we are going to cover exporting the Worksheet Tab. Exporting the Worksheet Tab is very different from exporting the Summary Tab, we will cover exporting to Excel and Quick Bid in the articles that follow, and then complete this Chapter with copying Worksheet Tab data (rows) so you can paste that data into a different program (such as Excel or an e-mail).