National Estimator Quick Start | Getting Started & Installation

Getting Started with National Estimator

National Estimator is a construction cost estimating program with an exceptionally large database – over 4,000 pages of labor, material and equipment costs. You can page through these costs one screen at a time or use the electronic index to search by keyword for exactly the information you need. When you find what you’re looking for, split the screen in two so your estimate is on the bottom half of the screen and the database is on the top half. Then copy and paste into your estimate. Type the estimated quantity. The program extends prices and totals columns automatically. Add your overhead and profit as a percentage and then print the estimate.

Job Cost Wizard takes your estimates to the next level: Turning estimates into invoices you can send out in a window envelope. Exporting to QuickBooks where you can track actual costs against estimates. Opening an Estimate in Job Cost Wizard is the starting point for using Job Cost Wizard.

If you’re a Windows™ user, you know most of the National Estimator program already. But even computer novices can be writing labor and material cost estimates in an hour or two. National Estimator may be exactly the program you’ve been looking for. The only way to be sure is to give it a try. The first step is installing the National Estimator software.

The installation program creates a Construction Estimating program group and puts icons in that group. Information on the next page explains how to use each of these icons. If you have trouble installing the National Estimator, call Craftsman tech support at 760-438-7828.

Construction Estimating Program Group