Create an estimating job
To create a new job, you need to define a few properties.
The first step when starting a new estimate is to create a new estimating job and define its properties.
- Open the
module.
The Select <Module> Job dialog opens.
- Click Add.
The <Module> Job Edit dialog opens.

Continue to defining the properties on the tabs.
By clicking the buttons, you can find more settings.
Define general settings
Define client settings
On the Client tab, you can record the client and the primary contact for the job, which makes finding a specific estimate much easier.
Define paint settings
On the Paints tab, you can create and edit the paints used for an estimating job.
The paints listed on the Paints tab are applied to all painted items by default unless you assign a paint system to them.
Define paint systems
You can define a default paint system that consists of one or more paint products, for each of which you can define the number of coats needed. When you select a paint system in an estimating job, Tekla PowerFab calculates the applicable costs and adds them to the estimate.
If you do not assign a paint system to the items on the Paint Systems tab, all paints listed on the Paints tab will be applied to all painted items by default.
For information on creating default paint systems, see Manage default paint types and paint systems.
Define clean systems
You can create and modify job-specific clean systems.
For information on creating default clean systems, see Manage default cleaning types and clean systems.
- In the Estimate Job Edit dialog, select the Clean Systems tab.
- Click New Clean System.
- Type a description for the cleaning system.
- Use the arrow buttons to move the cleaning types that you want to include in the clean system to the Included list.
- To add or reduce the times each cleaning type requires, change the value in the Quantity field.
- If you only want to apply the cleaning system if cleaning is included in the labor code of the item, select the Check Labor Code For Include Cleaning checkbox.
- To set the clean system as the default clean system used for new items, select the Default checkbox.
- Click Add Clean System.
After creating the new estimate, you can attach any associated documents such as the letter of invitation, drawings, and specifications.
See Manage files for an estimating job
Next you can proceed to adding materials. There are several ways of doing this. You can enter material manually using the input fields. You can also use accessories to add secondary parts or connection material. These must be applied manually, either from a general library or by creating a job-specific accessory. You can also use parametric assemblies, or import material data directly from an external model.


