On many commercial projects, the mechanical scope carries one of the highest dollar values of any trade. A small error in equipment pricing or ductwork weight can swing the total by tens of thousands of dollars. Dedicated HVAC estimating brings the detail this scope demands, and it fits within our broader MEP estimating services for projects that need every system priced together.
Two contractors with the same equipment prices can bid very different numbers based on labor. Duct installation heights, pipe sizes, joint types, and crane picks all change field hours. Accurate labor units turn a competitive price into a profitable job.
New refrigerants, higher SEER2 and IEER efficiency minimums, VRF systems, and dedicated outdoor air units have changed what HVAC systems cost to buy and install. Old unit prices and outdated templates no longer reflect the market. Current, system-specific pricing keeps your bids accurate.
We price complete mechanical scopes for offices, retail centers, schools, hospitals, and mixed use buildings. Every estimate covers equipment, ductwork, piping, controls, insulation, and testing. Mechanical contractors and GCs get a full, bid ready HVAC number organized by system and area.
We estimate furnaces, heat pumps, air handlers, condensers, ductwork, and ventilation for new homes, additions, and replacements. Pricing reflects current SEER2 equipment and A2L refrigerant requirements. Residential HVAC contractors quote homeowners and builders accurately.
We take off rectangular, round, and spiral duct by size and gauge, then calculate sheet metal weight, fittings, seams, sealant, and hangers. Labor is priced based on duct size, installation height, and access. Sheet metal contractors get quantities and costs they can fabricate and install from.
We price chilled water, heating hot water, condenser water, steam, condensate, and refrigerant piping by size, material, and joining method. Valves, specialties, supports, and testing are included. Contractors get accurate pipe and labor costs for hydronic and refrigerant systems.
We price rooftop units, air handlers, fan coils, split systems, unit heaters, exhaust fans, and energy recovery units based on scheduled capacities. Equipment is matched to current market pricing and flagged for long lead times. This keeps the largest cost items in your bid accurate.
We estimate variable refrigerant flow systems, mini splits, branch selectors, refrigerant piping, and controls. Line lengths, refrigerant charges, and indoor unit counts are carefully verified. Contractors bid one of the fastest growing HVAC system types with confidence.
We price chillers, boilers, cooling towers, pumps, heat exchangers, and expansion tanks along with plant piping and rigging. Crane picks and equipment setting labor are included. Contractors get dependable numbers for some of the most expensive parts of a mechanical system.
We count diffusers, grilles, registers, VAV boxes, fire and smoke dampers, and volume dampers from plans and schedules. Each item is priced with installation and connection labor. Small items add up quickly, and we make sure none are missed.
We estimate building automation systems, DDC controllers, sensors, thermostats, control wiring, and integration points. Points lists are developed from sequences of operation where available. Contractors and owners see the true cost of controlling the system.
We measure duct wrap, duct liner, pipe insulation, and equipment insulation by thickness and type according to specifications and energy code requirements. Jacketing and outdoor protection are included where needed. Insulation subcontractors and mechanical contractors get complete quantities.
We price TAB work, startup, functional testing, and commissioning support based on system size and outlet counts. These closeout costs are often forgotten during bidding. Including them protects your margin at the end of the job.
We estimate equipment replacements and system upgrades in existing buildings, including demolition, refrigerant recovery, crane lifts, curb adapters, and modifications to existing ductwork. Work in occupied buildings is priced with realistic access and scheduling limits. Contractors and facility managers get reliable budgets for upgrade projects.
Each building type places its own demands on heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. We price every HVAC scope around the comfort, air quality, and code needs of the facility it serves.
Mechanical contractors outsource full HVAC estimates so they can bid more projects without adding estimators.
Residential companies use our estimates to quote new construction and replacement jobs accurately.
Sheet metal shops rely on our ductwork takeoffs for fabrication planning and competitive bidding.
GCs use our HVAC estimates to check mechanical subcontractor bids and confirm scope coverage.
Owners rely on our pricing to budget new systems and compare contractor proposals.
Facility teams use our replacement estimates to plan capital budgets for aging equipment.
Engineering firms use our estimates to provide cost opinions and compare system options for clients.
Sending your mechanical drawings is all it takes to get started. Here is how we turn them into a complete HVAC estimate.
Send mechanical drawings, equipment schedules, specifications, and any bid forms or vendor quotes you already have.
We review the HVAC scope, confirm inclusions such as controls and TAB, and send a fixed fee with delivery time.
Our estimators take off equipment, duct, and piping, apply current pricing and labor units, and complete a senior review.
You get an organized estimate by system and area, with quantities, material costs, labor hours, and clear exclusions.
Browse real samples of our takeoffs, cost estimates, and drafting work to see the level of detail you can expect on your own project.
Fees depend on building size, system types, and the level of detail required. A single rooftop unit replacement costs much less to estimate than a hospital with central plants and complex controls. We review your drawings first and send a fixed fee before starting.
Residential and small commercial HVAC estimates are usually delivered in one to three business days. Larger commercial projects with central plants and detailed ductwork typically take three to six business days. We plan around your bid due date.
We take off ductwork by size, shape, and gauge, then calculate total sheet metal weight along with fittings, seams, sealant, and hangers. Labor is priced based on duct size, installation height, and access conditions. This approach matches how sheet metal contractors fabricate and install.
We use industry recognized mechanical labor units, including MCAA based data, adjusted for project conditions such as working height, congestion, occupied buildings, and union or open shop labor. This keeps labor hours aligned with real field productivity.
Yes. Equipment is priced using current manufacturer and distributor data, including the impact of A2L refrigerant equipment and recent price increases. If you have vendor quotes, we can use them directly in your estimate.
Yes. Unless you tell us otherwise, our HVAC estimates include building automation controls, testing, adjusting, balancing, startup, and commissioning support. These items are listed separately, so you can carry them or exclude them based on your bid strategy.
Yes. We price furnace, heat pump, air conditioner, and air handler replacements, along with duct modifications, line sets, electrical connections, and permits. Estimates reflect current SEER2 standards and refrigerant requirements.
Yes. We apply union, open shop, or prevailing wage rates based on your project location and requirements. For public projects, we use the applicable Davis Bacon or state wage determinations.
Yes. When the owner supplies equipment, we exclude the purchase cost and price receiving, rigging, setting, connections, and startup. Owner furnished items are clearly identified in the estimate.
You receive the estimate in Excel and PDF, organized by system, floor, or area. It includes equipment lists, duct and pipe quantities, material costs, labor hours, and assumptions. We can also match your company’s bid template.
Our HVAC estimating team prices systems shown on your drawings. If you need the system engineered first, including load calculations and equipment selection, our MEP design services team can provide sealed designs.
Yes. We compare mechanical subcontractor bids with the drawings and our independent estimate, highlighting missing scope, exclusions, and pricing differences. This helps GCs select the right mechanical contractor with confidence.
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815 BRAZOS ST STE 500 AUSTIN, TXCall Us
737-263-3910Mail Us
sales@bluetechestimating.comWin more bids. Control your costs. No more budget surprises.
or email us at sales@bluetechestimating.com
