If you are new to National Estimator Cloud, the best way to find materials is usually to start with the Index Window.
The Index Window helps you find the wording used in the costbook and can make it easier to locate materials, especially if your first search term is too specific.
Step 1: Open your costbook
Before searching for a material, open the costbook you want to use.
Related article: Open Costbook
Step 2: Open the Index Window
Use the Index Window to begin your search. This is often the fastest way to find a material because it helps you work from the terms used in the costbook, instead of guessing the exact wording.
Related article: Index Window
Step 3: Start with a simple keyword
Enter a short, common single word for the material you want.
Examples:
siding instead of exterior vinyl clapboard siding
drywall instead of 5/8 inch fire-rated gypsum wallboard
concrete instead of a long product description
Start simple and broad.
Step 4: Try a few common variations
If you do not find the material right away, try another common name or a broader term.
Examples:
vinyl siding → try siding
sheetrock → try drywall
roof shingles → try roofing or shingles
2x4 → try framing or lumber
A material may be listed under:
a broader category
a trade term
a standard product name
a singular or plural version of the word
Step 5: Browse nearby entries
When you find a term that is close, review nearby entries in the Index Window.
This can help you find:
alternate names
related materials
the exact wording used in the costbook
Step 6: Try another costbook
If you still do not find the material, open another costbook and search again.
Some materials may be easier to locate in a different costbook.
Quick example
If you are trying to find vinyl siding, try this order:
Open the costbook
Open the Index Window
Search siding
Try vinyl siding
Browse nearby siding entries
Use the Contents Window if needed
Try another costbook if needed