Create a Project
Overview
In this article, we’ll cover how to enter information for a new project:
Tip: You can create two separate projects if you want to track the Pre-construction and Construction phases separately. This allows you to set a budget for the pre-construction work and track time and expenses against it.
Getting Started
There are two ways to create a new Project from the left sidebar.
Click the Create New dropdown and select Project.
Or, click Projects to display the Projects page and click Create Project.
Create a Project
The Add New Project popup opens.
Enter the Project Name.
- The Project Name is used on the Client Summary for cost-plus projects and is otherwise used internally to identify the project.
- You can use the client's residence, client name(s), or project address. Examples: Smith Residence, John and Jane Smith, 123 Main Street
Click Add. The project dashboard > Overview tab displays.
- The breadcrumbs at the top of the page displays the Project Name.
- Tabs just below link to all components of that project.
Project information
Next, it’s time to set up some project information.
Enter the Address for the project. Example: 123 Albany Avenue, Toronto, ON, M6G 2W8
In the Contract Type dropdown, select Fixed Cost or Cost Plus.
Notes
- By default, all projects are set to Fixed Cost when created.
- Cost Plus projects will include a Client Summary tab.
- You can only change the Contract Type prior to:
- The estimate is approved
- A change order is approved
- Or you have inputted the first expense
- Refer to the article Understanding Projects for more information about Fixed Cost and Cost Plus contract types.
Select the Project Type in the dropdown. Project Types are added in Company Settings.
Finance
By default, the mark-up percentage set on the Company Settings page will populate into each COG field on the Overview tab. Refer to the article Set Up Markup Costs.
- If you would like to adjust these by COG, you can do so when setting up the project or before you have an approved estimate, change order, or entry of your first expense on the project. After this point, these fields become locked.
We recommend you maintain the same markup percentage on all COGS in the project.
Dates
Enter the Start date for the project.
- Typically this is for the construction phase but can be used for the pre-construction phase.
Enter the Estimated Duration, Weeks.
- Enter the number of weeks you expect the project to take. This number is used in labor calculations.
Note: There are 4.31 average weeks in a month, so if you’re thinking of a project that takes six months to complete, that is 26 weeks, not 24. It is always better to round up when estimating weeks, as projects tend to take longer than expected.
Example: 6 [months] x 4.31 [weeks] = 25.86 > round up to 26
In the Project Status dropdown, select Active or Inactive.
- Active – By default, the project status is set to Active.
- Inactive – When the project is completed, return to this field and select Inactive.
Client
*All Client fields are required.
Enter Client Name(s). Note: Client Name(s) display on estimate proposals, change orders, and client summaries.
- You can enter multiple client names by separating them with a comma. Example: John Smith, Jane Smith
Enter the Client's Phone Number.
- You can only enter one phone number at this time.
Enter Client Email address(es).
- You can enter multiple client email addresses by separating them with a comma. Example: john.smith@email.com, jane.smith@email.com, etc.
Members
Note for Cost Plus Projects: Review Charge Rates for Team Members in the project.
- Charge rates are populated based on Company Settings > Team Members > Charge Rate $.
- Changes made to Charge Rates in Project Settings do not change rates in Company Settings.
- Tip: We recommend you manage charge rates in Company Settings so they will apply to all new projects you create. Refer to the article Edit a Team Member > Change Pay and Charge Rates.
Click Save.
Projects Dashboard
All projects are visible from the Projects dashboard.
- Projects can be filtered by Status and Date Range.
- Projects are listed by order of the most recent Start Date.
