To create a custom component:
Once you are logged into the system, click on the Tools link at the top of the screen.
Click the Custom Components link.
Click the Create New Custom Component button. NOTE: Required fields are marked with an asterisk.
Enter a 4-digit Code between 8000 - 9999 to identify the new component.
Type in the Name for the component.
Type in a Unit of Measure.
Type in the Base Date in mm/yyyy format (NOTE: Date must be between 10/1975 and current).
If you referenced an M&S source for the costs, use the drop-down lists to specify the Source, Section, and Page number; otherwise, use the Other Source text box to specify your source.
Enter the minimum and maximum Quantity values allowed for the component.
Using the checkboxes, specify whether the custom component cost should be trended from the base date to the report date, whether the local multiplier should be applied to the cost, and/or whether a percentage entry should be allowed for the floor area in addition to the number of units.
In the Cost Per Unit section, enter the costs for each of the quality levels. If you don't have costs for each level, enter just the main quality levels (low, average, good, and excellent) then click the Calculate button to have the system calculate the fair and very good costs. NOTE: The cost for each quality level must be less than or equal to the cost for the next quality level. If you have only one cost, enter that cost for all quality levels.
Under the Program-Specific Items section, specify under which Construction Systems the new component should appear and the Report Location.
Finally, enter a Description for the custom component.
When complete, click the OK button.