For estimates with change orders, the estimate will be separated into containers called "blocks." These blocks allow you to modify the base bid or a change order independent of other blocks. The base bid is the Default estimate block. Each change order is contained in its own block and labeled with its ID and Description.

Lock or unlock an estimate block

Locked estimate blocks cannot be modified and show a red lock icon in the tree view on the Estimate Detail tab. By locking certain estimate blocks, you can isolate the base bid or specific change orders for modifications.

Lock the base bid

Locking the base bid will prevent modifications to all the nodes it contains.

To lock the base bid:

• Create a new change order and select yes in the Lock Base Bid dialog. This dialog appears only after the first change order.

  — OR —

• Right-select any of the following nodes and select Lock Base Bid in the menu:
  • Base Bid (only when a change order exists)
  • Pay Items (base bid only)
  • Indirect Items (base bid only)
  • Work Breakdown Structures (base bid only)

Unlock the base bid

To unlock the base bid, right-select any of the nodes mentioned above and select Unlock Base Bid.

Lock or unlock a change order

Locking a change order will prevent modifications to all the nodes it contains.

To lock or unlock a change order:

1. Open the Estimate Detail tab and select the change order you want to lock from the tree.
2. On the change order's detail form, select the Locked check box to lock the change order or deselect it to leave it unlocked.

What can be changed in a locked estimate block

For a list of actions that can change a locked estimate block, please see: KBA - Actions in Estimate that affect locked estimate blocks.

Global edits and Auto-Distribute

Global edits and Auto-Distribute will affect all unlocked blocks of an estimate. Locked estimate blocks will not be affected.

Filtering by estimate block

You can filter information by estimate block on the following tabs:

• Item Listing tab
• Estimate Detail tab
• Item Pricing tab

To filter by estimate block, select the Filters & Groups command tab and select the Display Estimate Block dropdown menu to select the base bid (Default) or any single change order.

Filtering options are also available on the following tabs:

• Summary tab — Use the radio buttons in the Summarize section to select Entire Estimate, Base Bid, or Change Orders.
• Audit Trail tab — Use the Source dropdown menu to select All, Estimate, or specific change orders.

Find components in locked estimate blocks

You can find components in locked estimate blocks, but cannot replace them. The replace button is disabled when the currently found component is in a locked estimate block. Performing a Global Replace All only replaces components in unlocked estimate blocks.