Use the Building Information screen to enter the following:
Use the buttons at the bottom of this screen to do the following:
Cancel: Cancel the creation of the new estimate, returning to the Estimates screen. If you click Cancel, nothing that you entered is saved.
Next >: Move forward to the next Guided Entry screen (Occupancy). This button is not available until the total occupancy percentage on the next screen is 100%.
Finish: Close Guided Entry and move to the Estimate Detail screens to continue data entry, calculate the costs or display reports.
Enter any type of information to identify the estimate (maximum 50 characters).
Examples:
Assessment: Enter the Parcel Number
Insurance: Enter the Policy Number
Appraisal: Enter an Appraisal Number or a File Number
Estimate ID is required, and you can use it to search for an estimate when you want to change, recalculate or delete it.
Enter the 5-digit United States ZIP Code or 6-character Canadian Postal Code for the property. This entry is required. Commercial Estimator uses the ZIP/Postal Code to determine the default local multiplier, region and climate. The local multiplier adjusts the costs for a specific geographical location, and is taken by Commercial Estimator from Section F of the Marshall Valuation Service.
Note: Commercial Estimator does not have Local Multipliers for all Postal Codes in Canada. For further information, see Using Canadian Postal Codes.
ZIP/Postal Code is required, and you can use it to search for an estimate when you want to change, recalculate or delete it.
Enter the number of stories in the building. For a multistory building, Commercial Estimator uses the number of stories to adjust the costs for high-rise construction (by taking into consideration the additional framing required in multi-level buildings as well as the cost of raising material and labor to the upper floors).
Stories in Building is required.
Enter the total building area, which is the total area on all floors based on the building's exterior dimensions. When calculating total floor area, do not include any of the following: Basements, mezzanines, balconies, unfinished attics, exterior porches, decks, patios or garages.
Total Building Area is required.