Micah,

1. Each grid line can only be assigned one cost type. If you are estimating an item with several cost types, you need at least one line per cost type. If the lines are related, you can create an assembly to relate quantities and ease the entry. You can also simply use the little arrow in the second grid column to relate quantities or learn to use formulas to relate quantities. Having separate lines for each cost type seems cumbersome at first, but it gives you better visibility and control over how the item is calculated.

2. Make sure the job has the appropriate tax district assigned. To get the right sales taxability, you need to use parts that are marked (in your case) as materials. If you are not using parts, the system doesn't know that a line is for materials until much later in the data entry process so the system won't assign the tax district to the line. Use a grid view that shows the tax district and cost type to review and catch sales taxability problems.

3. I'm a certified consultant, not a professional estimator, so I can't answer this item. What I've found is that estimators that take the time to build their database of parts, assemblies, grid templates and takeoff templates with Sage 100 Contractor Basic Estimating tend to become fiercely loyal proponents of the program. Those that don't take the time to learn how to use the program and build it to their own way of thinking about production, with their costs and their production rate, will struggle and complain.