SpecWriter Demo Manual  
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INTRODUCTION
  1. SpecWriter is an Excel spreadsheet program designed to write specifications and prepare estimates for residential and light commercial construction projects.
  2. SpecWriter works by providing you with a Checklist of specifications from which you select those that apply to your project.
  3. Once you've selected your specifications, the menu command "Generate Specifications" will copy them to the Specifications page, re-group them by section, number, outline and format them to create your customized specifications.
  4. SpecWriter's Checklist contains over 4,000 pre-written specifications for your immediate use.
  5. You can add, edit, overwrite or delete anything on the checklist, which means you can customize it specifically for your business.
  6. You can change the checklist and re-generate new specifications at any time.
  7. You may also create an Estimate Worksheet with the same categories and specifications.

WHAT YOU NEED
  1. A Windows 95 or 98 based computer.
  2. Microsoft Excel 97 or Excel 2000 or Microsoft Office 97.
  3. Some experience starting programs and opening files.

INSTALLATION
  1. The installation program that will effortlessly install the SpecWriter demo file.
  2. To install the Demo File from the CD:
    • Insert the CD into your CD drive.
    • Wait a couple of minutes - the CD's menu program will start automatically.
    • Select "Install SpecWriter 5.0 Demo"
  3. To install the Demo File from our website, please follow the instructions on the Download page.
  4. The installation program will...
    • Create an icon on your desktop named "SpecWriter Files".
    • Create a folder on your hard disc named "c:/PowerTools/SpecWriter".
    • Copy "Randall Residence.xls" into the folder.
  5. That's all there is to it!

OPENING THE DEMO FILE
  1. The Randall Residence demo file is a typical mono slab / block / stucco subdivision home.
  2. To open the Demo File from the Windows Desktop:
    • Double-click the SpecWriter Files icon.
    • Double-click the Randall Residence icon.

DEMO FILE LIMITATIONS
  1. While using the Demo File, you can...
    • Print or Preview any document.
    • Change the Checklist selections or wording, or the Estimate.
    • Generate any document you wish, as many times as you wish.
  2. You can not change the Company or Customer Name, switch to the Excel Menu, or save the file.

 THINGS TO DO
  1. FIRST, use Specifications | Generate Specifications to re-generate the specifications to fit your printer.
  2. Use Specifications | Print Specifications to print the Randall Residence Specifications.
  3. Use Estimate | Print Estimate to print the Estimate.
  4. Change the Specifications by...
    • Reviewing a specific section of the Specifications.
    • Go to that Category on the Checklist.
    • Observe how the Checklist is selected.
    • Change several of the selections to other choices.
    • Use Specifications | Generate Specifications to re-generate the Specifications.
    • Review the revised Specifications and observe the impact of your changes.
  5. Change the Estimate by...
    • Using Control-L to lookup measurements from the Takeoff.
    • Using Estimate | Presentation Options to view the different Estimate styles.
    • Entering different costs in the Estimate and observe the effect on the Estimate Summary.
    • Changing the Overhead and Builder's Compensation percentages in the Estimate Summary and observe the effect on the numbers.

WHEN YOU'RE FINISHED
  1. Use File | Close Project File to close the file.

ORDERING INFORMATION
  1. SpecWriter is $295.00 delivered by Internet.
  2. You may pay for your order by VISA, MasterCard or Check.
  3. You may place your order by...
    • Going online at www.PowerToolsSoftware.com
    • Call us at 407-831-6088.
    • Fax the order form to 407-831-6088.
    • Mail the order form to:


      • PowerTools Software, Inc.
      8345 NW 66th St #9817
      Miami, FL 33166-2626

  4. Upgrades are FREE for the 1st year after you purchase SpecWriter.
  5. Orders are shipped via Priority Mail. Purchasers requesting next day delivery please add $25.00.


PLEASE REMEMBER to re-generate the specifications prior to printing them on your printer.


TO RE-GENERATE the Specifications:

  1. Select "Specifications"
  2. Select "Generate Specifications"
  3. This will format the pages to fit your printer.
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