Drop Down Validation and Values

[lukapsu]

Hi, I'm creating a service estimator with drop-down Data Validations.
Based on the user input, the estimator will spit out total amount of hours needed to complete the project.
For example; One of the questions is "DB Type". The two possible drop-down options are SQL or Paradox. If the user selects SQL, that's 8 hours of profesional services. If the user selects Paradox, that's worth 4 hours.
If it's a "Centralized Install" that's 8 hours, if it's "De-Centralized" that's 16 hours. etc.
I have about 10-15 questions like this in the entire worksheet.

I need to know how to assign 8 hrs for the SQL selection, and 4 hours for the Paradox selection. Or 8 hrs to the "Centralized" and 16 hours to "De-Centralized"
At the bottom of the worksheet, I will have a cell that will display TOTAL amount of hours needed for the project based on all of the entries.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

 

[lukapsu]

=IF(B7="","",VLOOKUP(B7,DBHours,2,0))+IF(B8="","",VLOOKUP(B8,EmpHours,2,0))
+IF(B9="","",VLOOKUP(B9,WebSuiteHours,2,0))+IF(B10="","",VLOOKUP(B10,OrgNoHours,2,0))
+IF(B11="","",VLOOKUP(B11,SuperNoHours,2,0))+IF(B12="","",VLOOKUP(B12,InstalTypeHours,2,0))
+IF(B13="","",VLOOKUP(B13,LocationNoHours,2,0))

I added the IF statement to all of the VLOOKUP formulas, and I still get the
#VALUE! when a cell is left blank.
Since I'm almost done w/ the estimator, I'd like to stick with the VLOOKUP formula. Any other ideas on my error?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Brian from Maui]

I'm guessing that one of the Vlookups returns a text. If you enter those formulas in separate cells, evaluating becomes much much easier. You've got lots of room in your worksheet.