HVAC estimating & takeoff services
Mechanical takeoffs from plans and schedules: equipment by the each, ductwork by the pound and the foot, piping by size, plus insulation, controls, testing and balancing.
How we estimate HVAC
HVAC pricing lives in the ductwork and the equipment schedule. We count every unit on the schedule by tag, then measure ductwork by size and gauge and convert to pounds of sheet metal, the way fabrication shops price it, while also reporting linear feet so field labor can be checked.
Hydronic and refrigerant piping, duct and pipe insulation, diffusers and grilles by count, dampers, controls points, rigging, and testing and balancing are each carried separately so the estimate maps directly onto the subcontractors and suppliers who will furnish them.
- Drawings used
- M-100 HVAC plans, M-200 piping plans, M-500 details, M-600 equipment schedules, Spec 23 05 00 / 23 31 00 / 23 37 00 / 23 09 00
- Reported in
- EA · LB · LF · SF · PT · LS
- Format
- Editable Excel workbook, division tab with sheet references; PDF summary; written exclusions and assumptions.
- Turnaround
- Confirmed after we review the set and the project date.
Excluded by default
- Electrical power and disconnects to equipment (Division 26)
- Structural supports and roof openings
- Gas piping to equipment (Division 22)
- Fire and smoke damper wiring to fire alarm (Division 28)
- Utility company service upgrades
- Extended warranties beyond manufacturer standard
Line items in an HVAC takeoff
Every group below is a separate section of the workbook. Units shown are the units the estimate reports in.
Equipment
EA- Rooftop units by tonnage and configurationEA
- Air handlers, condensing units, heat pumpsEA
- VAV and fan-powered boxesEA
- Exhaust fans by type and CFMEA
- Unit heaters, cabinet heaters, radiant panelsEA
- Boilers, chillers, cooling towers and pumpsEA
Ductwork
LB · LF · SF- Rectangular duct by size and gaugeLB / LF
- Round and spiral duct by diameterLB / LF
- Flexible duct by diameterLF
- Fittings, transitions and elbowsallowance / EA
- Duct liner and external wrapSF
- Hangers, supports and seismic bracingEA / LF
Air distribution
EA- Supply diffusers by size and typeEA
- Return and exhaust grillesEA
- Volume, fire and smoke dampersEA
- Louvers and intake hoodsEA
- Access doorsEA
- Sound attenuatorsEA
Piping
LF · EA- Chilled and hot water piping by sizeLF
- Refrigerant line sets by sizeLF
- Condensate drain pipingLF
- Valves, strainers and specialtiesEA
- Pipe insulation by size and thicknessLF
- Expansion tanks, air separators, glycol feedEA
Controls & TAB
PT · LS- DDC controller and points by typePT
- Thermostats and sensorsEA
- Control wiring and conduitLF
- BMS integration and graphicsLS
- Testing, adjusting and balancingLS / EA
- Commissioning supportLS
Installation
LS · EA- Rigging and crane for rooftop equipmentEA / DAY
- Roof curbs and supports (coordinate Div 07)EA
- Startup and manufacturer servicesEA
- Duct pressure testing and cleaningLS
- Core drilling, sleeves and firestoppingEA
- Permits and inspections allowanceLS
A HVAC takeoff, as delivered
| Description | Qty | Unit | Sheet | Material | Labor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTU-1 through RTU-4, 7.5-15 ton, gas heat | 4 | EA | M-601 | 96,000 | 12,000 | 108,000 |
| Rectangular duct, 26 ga galv., 8"-24" | 6,850 | LB | M-101 | 27,400 | 41,100 | 68,500 |
| Flex duct 8" dia., max 5'-0" | 620 | LF | M-101 | 2,480 | 3,720 | 6,200 |
| Diffusers, grilles, dampers, 96 EA | 96 | EA | M-101 | 9,600 | 5,760 | 15,360 |
| Duct wrap, 1.5", supply & return | 5,200 | SF | M-101 | 6,240 | 7,800 | 14,040 |
| Controls, thermostats, TAB, startup | 1 | LS | M-500 | 14,500 | 9,800 | 24,300 |
| Division 23 subtotal | 156,220 | 80,180 | 236,400 | |||
Specific to this trade
Why is ductwork priced by the pound?
Sheet metal shops fabricate by weight: gauge, size and length convert to pounds of galvanized steel. Linear feet are reported alongside so field labor productivity can be checked, but the pound is the purchasing unit.
How are fittings handled?
As a percentage of straight duct weight, typically 20 to 30% depending on layout complexity, stated on the estimate. Runs with many elbows and transitions get the higher end.
Is testing and balancing included?
As a separate line, because TAB is usually a third-party contractor and its cost depends on the number of terminals, not the size of the equipment.
HVAC bid due soon?
Send the relevant sheets and we'll come back with a price and a date.