HVAC Estimating Services
Forté Estimating offers HVAC estimating services for HVAC contractors and subcontractors bidding on residential, commercial and industrial projects. Our estimators have a strong background of hands-on trade experience and detailed takeoff software, which results in accurate estimates ready for bidding, with current material and labour pricing, and support for HVAC takeoff services and HVAC cost estimating.
As a specialty subcontractor or general contractor that must add an hvac estimate to a larger bid package, you’ll find this much detail of work is exactly what you’re looking for in order to accurately price your work and make competitive bids.
From your plans and specifications, we create a full package of ductwork estimating services, arranged in a way that can be given to suppliers for material pricing, or serve as the basis for your own review of the ductwork bid.
Contact Us Today And Get 30% Off On Your First Cost Estimate!
What Is HVAC Estimating?
The HVAC estimating involves determining the quantity of ductwork, equipment and controls needed for the HVAC system in a building.
Our takeoffs measure ductwork by size and length, count equipment such as air handlers and rooftop units, and recognize controls and specialty components that are called out on the mechanical drawings.
These quantities are not just for the bid, they directly impact material ordering and scheduling after the project is awarded, so getting it right the first time can save you problems down the road after you win the project with an inaccurate hvac takeoff.
Our HVAC Takeoff Process
All ductwork estimating services starts with a complete review of the drawings and/or specifications, then a detailed quantity takeoff is performed organized by the categories that are most important for pricing.
After quantities have been taken, a second estimator looks over the takeoff to catch measurement errors or scope gaps before the bid is put out to the bidder, and to verify that quantities have been accurately taken.
What's Included In Our HVAC Estimate
An equipment schedule containing the manufacturer model and capacity will be provided along with a ductwork quantity schedule by size & type of insulation for mechanical contractor quoting.
Delivered as a spreadsheet and PDF file, files can be customized to fit your company’s preferred takeoff template or bid format if you have one.
Key Considerations for HVAC Estimating
Our estimators work directly off of the mechanical engineer’s drawings and schedules for equipment capacity and ductwork sizing as these calculations are dependent on the building design itself. Insulation requirements for ductwork is also treated separately because it has a different material cost from duct that does not have insulation.
Residential vs. Commercial HVAC Estimating
Residential HVAC estimates are usually simpler with single zone or multi zones along with standard equipment; Commercial HVAC estimates can be more complex involving rooftop units, multi zone systems, and integration with building automation.
Why Trade Contractors Choose Forte
We know the trade, from the field, and that’s why specialty subcontractors prefer using Forte for their HVAC bidding. That industry expertise ensures that we are able to capture scope information that a generalist estimator might overlook, before we even submit a number.
We also provide flexible pricing for hvac estimating, from project pricing to a monthly retainer fee for a subcontractor bidding this scope on a regular basis, and who wants partner who will consistently provide them with a dependable, consistent and reliable bid.
Bid more, Win more!
Get Our Estimating Services To Step Up Your Winning Game!
Contact us Now
Call us now and upload your construction project plans with all the specific details to explain the scope of work that includes construction drawings, specifications and other specific documentation.
Receive your schedule
Our expert team of BIM Estimators manages to deliver the final draft for review and consult through an email or call to consult and finalize the construction project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you reference load calculations when estimating HVAC equipment?
Yes, we do check the mechanical engineer’s load calculation and equipment schedule to ensure equipment capacity and ductwork sizing are correct for the designed system.
Can you account for ductwork insulation requirements?
Yes, insulated and uninsulated ductwork are counted separately, because they have different material costs and installation costs.
Are you an estimator of building automation and controls?
Yes, Controls and Building Automation components are included in HVAC estimate if specified on Mechanical drawings.
Do you have an idea of the size of major equipment such as rooftop units?
Yes, large equipment items are planned separately by the type and model, and capacity, to enable accurate manufacturer/contractor quotations.
How quickly can you turn around a hvac estimate?
Typically, most HVAC estimates could be done in 24-48 hours for a standard project, and larger or more complicated projects can be completed within 3-5 business days.