Using the Manual Method
Also known as Free Entry Mode or the Eyeball Method
Free Entry Mode allows you to estimate work based on experience rather than measurements. Many contractors can quickly assess labor and materials simply by looking at a job. For example, you may already know that washing the exterior of a house will take a small crew half a day to complete.
Free Entry Mode relies entirely on your experience. It should only be used when you are confident in your time, labor, and material assumptions. For complex jobs or unfamiliar scopes, production rates provide more consistent results.
Opening Free Entry Mode
To use this estimating method, click the Free Entry Mode Estimating button on the Estimate page.
Entering work details
Describe the work you plan to perform, then enter:
- The number of days required to complete the task
- The number of employees needed
- The materials required for the job
Creating an area
When finished, enter a title such as Washing in the Room or Area field. This creates a group header so you can add additional items later.
Always enter a clear and descriptive area name. This name becomes the main group header in the estimate and is required when editing or adding items later.
Click Add to save the area.
Editing items
Once an area has been added, you can adjust materials or labor at any time. Right-click the item and choose Edit, click the pencil icon, or click directly inside the materials cell to access the materials editor.
Repeat this process for each task you are bidding on.
If you have any questions, please contact support@thepaintestimator.com.