Packaged rooftop units (RTUs)
cost concentrated in equipment and ductwork; relatively little piping.
Division 23, Mechanical
Mechanical Estimating Services for HVAC Contractors
A mechanical bid has three big pieces (equipment, air distribution, and piping) plus the work that turns them into a working system: setting the equipment, connecting it, starting it up, and balancing it. Most estimates get the first three roughly right. Bids are lost in the details between them.
Our mechanical estimating services price the full HVAC scope (CSI Division 23): equipment, ductwork, piping, insulation, controls interfaces, startup, and testing and balancing.
Division 23Equipment, duct, piping, controls
Excel + PDFWith marked-up drawings
ZIP-code pricedLocal material and labor rates
24 to 48 hoursTypical turnaround
System Type Shapes the Estimate
Different HVAC systems put the money in different places:
Split systems and VRF
significant refrigerant piping, branch selectors, many indoor units, and condensate piping.
Chilled and hot water systems
chillers, boilers, pumps, air handlers, and extensive hydronic piping, valves, and specialties.
Dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS)
ventilation equipment paired with another system for space conditioning.
Residential systems
furnaces, heat pumps, and simpler duct systems.
We structure the estimate around the system type so the major cost drivers are easy to review.
Equipment: Quotes, Setting & Rigging
Major HVAC equipment is usually priced from vendor quotes. Our estimate:
- Lists every piece of equipment from the schedules, with capacity and options
- Carries equipment pricing from your vendor quotes, or estimated pricing until quotes arrive
- Prices setting labor, rigging, and crane time based on size, weight, and location: a rooftop unit on a five-story building needs a different pick than a ground-mounted condenser
- Includes vibration isolation, curbs, and supports
Air Side
- Supply, return, exhaust, and outside air ductwork
- Fittings, dampers, and accessories
- Air devices: diffusers, grilles, and registers
- Duct insulation and liner
- Exhaust fans and terminal units (VAV boxes, fan-powered boxes)
For detailed duct quantities by gauge and weight, see our duct takeoff service. Duct takeoff →
Water and Refrigerant Side
- Hydronic piping: chilled water, heating hot water, and condenser water
- Refrigerant piping for split and VRF systems
- Condensate drainage
- Valves, strainers, expansion tanks, air separators, and specialties
- Pipe insulation
Detailed pipe takeoffs by size, material, and joining method are covered in our piping estimates. Piping estimating →
Startup, Balancing & Commissioning
These closeout items are frequently left out of mechanical bids:
Equipment startup
by factory or contractor technicians
Testing, adjusting, and balancing (TAB)
often subcontracted
Commissioning support
attending functional tests and correcting deficiencies
Owner training
and O&M manuals
Warranty
extended equipment warranties if specified
We list each as its own line so you can confirm whether it's yours.
Controls Interface
Controls are often a separate contractor, but the mechanical estimate must still account for control valves, dampers, sensors in ductwork, and coordination. We note the controls split clearly. MEP estimating →
Who Uses Mechanical Estimating
- HVAC and mechanical contractors
- Sheet metal contractors bidding the full mechanical scope
- General contractors checking mechanical bids
- Industrial contractors pricing process ventilation Industrial estimating →
Checklist
What to Send
- Mechanical drawings and equipment schedules
- Division 23 specifications
- Architectural and structural drawings for routing and roof access
- Vendor equipment quotes, if you have them
- Addenda
Send Your Files
Upload the drawings through our quote form, share a Google Drive or plan-room link, or email them. Large sets travel best as a shared folder.
Upload Your Plans →Or email info@primeestimation.com.
Excel + PDFWith marked-up drawings
Deliverables
What You Receive
- Equipment list with setting and rigging costs
- Ductwork, piping, insulation, and air device quantities
- Labor hours by system
- Startup, TAB, and commissioning lines
- Clarifications and exclusions
- Excel and PDF files
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in a mechanical estimate?
HVAC equipment, ductwork, air devices, hydronic and refrigerant piping, insulation, setting and rigging, startup, testing and balancing, and related labor.
Do you price HVAC equipment?
We can carry your vendor quotes or estimated equipment prices until quotes arrive. Single-trade takeoffs typically run $250 to $600.
Do you estimate VRF systems?
Yes, including refrigerant piping, branch selectors, indoor units, and condensate.
Is plumbing included?
Plumbing is usually separate; see our MEP and plumbing services.
Ready to Get Started?
Price the Whole Mechanical System
Send your mechanical drawings, schedules, and specs. We'll quote the estimate and delivery date.