Mechanical Estimating Services Designed to Help You Win More Bids
In the mechanical trades, there is no such thing as a “simple” project. Whether it’s a high-rise HVAC retrofit, a complex hydronic piping network, or an industrial process system, the variables are immense. A single oversight in the pipe schedule or a miscalculation of sheet metal gauges can lead to devastating “profit bleeds” during the construction phase.
At Aris Estimating, we provide the technical horsepower to ensure your bids are accurate, competitive, and fully comprehensive. We don’t just count items; we analyze the mechanical specifications, equipment schedules, and site conditions to provide a 360-degree view of your project’s financial requirements.
Why Mechanical Estimating is High-Risk, High-Reward
Mechanical systems often represent 20% to 40% of a total building’s cost. With the volatility of raw material prices such as copper, stainless steel, and aluminum and the increasing complexity of BIM (Building Information Modeling) requirements, manual estimating is no longer sufficient.
Aris Estimating provides the edge you need through:
- Hyper-Granular Material Lists: We quantify everything down to the last gasket, hanger, and specialized valve.
- Labor Productivity Modeling: We utilize MCAA (Mechanical Contractors Association of America) and PHCC labor units as a baseline, then adjust for project-specific difficulties like “high-work” (lifts/scaffolding) or “congested-site” factors.
- Commodity Price Monitoring: Our estimates reflect current market realities for metals and polymers, protecting you from sudden price spikes between bid day and procurement.
Comprehensive Mechanical Takeoff & Estimating Matrix
Our estimates are structured to be “field-ready,” meaning your project managers can use our takeoffs for procurement as soon as the contract is signed.
Detailed System Breakdown
| System Category | Key Components Quantified | Material Specs & Standards | Deliverable Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC Ductwork | Rectangular, Spiral, Round, Oval, and Flex ducting. | SMACNA Gauges, Galvanized, Stainless, PVS | LB/SF, Linear Ft, and Gauge Breakdown |
| Hydronic Piping | Chilled Water, Hot Water, Condenser, and Dual-Temp lines. | Copper (L/K), Carbon Steel, PEX, Victaulic | Linear Footage & Detailed Fitting Count |
| Process Piping | Steam (High/Low), Compressed Air, Fuel Gas, and Vacuum. | Sch 40/80, Stainless 304/316, Orbital Welds | Detailed Valve & Specialty Item Schedule |
| Air Distribution | VAV Boxes, Grilles, Registers, Diffusers, and Louvers. | CFM-specific counts per schedule | Unit Count mapped to Floor Plan |
| Mechanical Equip. | Chillers, Boilers, AHUs, RTUs, Pumps, and Heat Exchangers. | Full Accessory Audit (Curbs, Isolators, Valves) | Detailed Equipment Matrix |
| Insulation & Lining | Fiberglass Wrap, Mineral Wool, Armaflex, and Canvas Jacket. | R-Value and Thickness specific | Square Footage and Linear Footage |
| Support & Seismic | Clevis Hangers, Strut Support, Seismic Bracing, and Anchors. | ASCE 7-10/16 Compliance Hardware | Total Component Count & Bulk List |
Our Specialized Mechanical Expertise
We cater to a wide range of specialized sectors, understanding that a “cleanroom” estimate is vastly different from a “warehouse” estimate.
1. Commercial HVAC & Sheet Metal
We provide a full breakdown of sheet metal weight (lbs) and surface area (sq. ft.), allowing for precise shop fabrication planning. Our takeoffs include all dampers (fire, smoke, volume), access doors, and flexible connections.
2. Industrial & Sanitary Piping
For food and beverage or pharmaceutical plants, we offer precision takeoffs for sanitary stainless steel piping. We account for high-cost items like tri-clamp fittings, specialized diaphragms, and the labor-intensive nature of sanitary welding.
3. Healthcare & Medical Gas
Hospitals require specialized systems like Oxygen, Med-Air, and Vacuum lines. We estimate these systems with a focus on NFPA 99 compliance, including all required alarms, zone valves, and specialized cleaning protocols.
4. VRF, VRV, and Mini-Split Systems
As high-efficiency refrigerant systems become the standard, we provide detailed takeoffs for refrigerant piping (including branch selectors and refnet joints) and specialized insulation requirements unique to VRF technology.
Value Engineering: Your Secret Weapon
At Aris Estimating, we don’t just record what is on the plans; we look for opportunities to save you money. If a project is tracking over budget, our team can provide Value Engineering (VE) reports, suggesting:
- Alternative piping materials (e.g., swapping copper for PEX where code allows).
- Routing optimizations to reduce the number of fittings and labor hours.
- Equipment alternatives that meet performance specs at a lower capital cost.
The Aris “Pro-Contractor” Workflow
- Project Intake: You send us your PDF plans, specs, and any addenda.
- Scope Verification: We confirm exactly what you want us to bid (e.g., “Ductwork only” or “Full Mechanical Package”).
- Digital Takeoff: Using Trimble Accubid, FastPIPE, or FastDUCT, we perform a 100% digital quantity survey.
- Audit & Review: A senior mechanical estimator reviews the takeoff for “sanity checks” and potential plan discrepancies.
- Final Delivery: You receive an editable Excel Workbook, a Color-Coded PDF Takeoff, and a list of RFIs to clarify with the GC or Engineer.
Scalable Estimating for Every Stage
- For Subcontractors: Reduce your overhead. Only pay for estimating when you are actually bidding. No more paying full-time salaries during slow months.
- For General Contractors: Use our services for “check estimates” to ensure your mechanical subs are in the right ballpark.
- For Engineers: Get “Construction Document” level cost estimates to ensure your designs stay within the owner’s budget.
