Questions do more than just feed values to fields during model takeoff. When used to their full potential, questions enable models to perform calculations, set conditions to determine values, and even control which items and assemblies are generated into the spreadsheet. A special kind of formula, known as a question formula, gives models the capacity for logic.
Although similar to regular formulas, question formulas are found only in models. Instead of operating on variables, question formulas use the responses to questions to calculate the value for a variable. All of the same operations that work in regular formulas are allowed in question formulas.
With question formulas, a model can do the following:
- Perform calculations using the responses from one or more questions. For example, the answers to 'What is the garage length in feet?' and 'What is the garage width in feet?' could be used to calculate the Wall Length' variable in the Stud Wall assembly.
- Set up conditions to determine the proper value for a field. For example, asking 'What is the garage height in feet?' could supply the Stud Wall assembly with 12" footings for an 8' wall or 18" footings for a 12' wall.
- Prevent an optional item or assembly from being generated into the estimate. For example, asking 'Do you want a two-car garage?' could select the 16' door item for a YES reply or the 8' door item for a NO reply.
Tip: You can also use question formulas to feed values to the location, WBS, and (with a Sage Estimating (SQL) license) adjust productivity fields.