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FILE MANAGEMENT IN THE BUILDER-BOS ESTIMATOR |
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To "Save" the file you are working on and then re"Load" the file to continue working on it |
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To begin building your customized Builder-BOS Estimator cost database |
Download the database worksheet. Many of the cost inputs are loaded by default, but to increase the accuracy of the estimate, it is best practice to customize the cost inputs to reflect actual costs in your region. You only have to enter costs for the items you regularly use in your estimates. If you use an item that is not included in the default list, add that item in the "Enter....specification" cells available. |
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Build your customized "BBOS Estimator Template" |
Complete the "Company Information", "Soft Cost%", and "Labor" sections on the "Take-Off" tab. Enter the custom cost inputs from the Pricing Database Worksheet at each detail page. Save the file. Go to "Downloads" on your computer, rename the file as "BBOS Estimator Template" and save to an appropriate file on your computer. |
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Create an estimate using the "BBOS Estimator Template" |
Access the Builder-BOS Estimator on the website. "Load" the customized "BBOS-Estimator Template" from your file. Go to the "Take-Off" tab and begin entering the information requested. When you have completed the entry process on the "Take-Off" tab, go to each relevant "Detail Page" and enter the information there. The totals for each detail page will be automatically transferred to the "Const Budget" page to build your Project estimate. |
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Save an estimate |
You can save an estimate at any time, whether it is completed or not. Just click on "Save". The file will be saved as a .json file in your "Downloads" folder. Rename to the Project ID, preserving the .json file type, and move to the project folder. When you wish to continue work on the estimate, "Load" the saved file. |
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Update costs on the customized "BBOS Estimator Template" |
Access the Builder-BOS Estimator on the website. "Load" the "BBOS Estimator Template" from your file. Update any information you wish. "Save" the file and rename as "BBOS Estimator Template". Move the template to the file on your computer and answer yes to overwrite. The updated template will be the foundation for any future estimates, but will not change prices on existing estimates. |
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Continue working on an estimate in progress |
Access the Builder-BOS Estimator on the website. Click on "Load" and navigate to the specific project folder where you have saved the project estimate file on your local computer. Select the project file and resume work on the estimate. |
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If the file does not load correctly |
You may be trying to load a version of the file into an update of the platform in which there was a structural change. If that is the case, return to the Builder-BOS Estimator, select the "Previous Versions" button, select the Builder-BOS Estimator version dated prior to the creation date of your file, and load your file into that version. |
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For instructional videos on how to use the Builder-BOS Estimator |
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