Mechanical and HVAC Estimating Software

Mechanical contractors have unique needs when it comes to estimating jobs. And these needs vary based on what type of work the company performs: heating, ventilation, air conditioning and cooling (HVAC), plumbing and piping, refrigeration, fire suppression, or waste water work. A general estimating system, such as those covered in our construction estimating & takeoff guide, will suffice for contractors developing high-level estimates across multiple divisions. However, a mechanical estimator will need a system that is specific to his trade. We’ve profiled about a dozen top-rated estimating software systems that address the mechanical market.

While the HVAC, mechanical and plumbing trades are closely related, the features in cost estimating programs will vary for each of these divisions. For example, vendors offering software for commercial and industrial mechanical contractors will provide labor and material pricing for piping, plumbing fixtures, valves, fittings and more. Sheet metal estimating software will have cost information for fabricators and sheet metal companies, including pricing for round duct work, rectangular ductwork, hangers and other accessories. Mechanical estimating software is typically offered as standalone tools for estimating piping work or sheet metal work. It is also possible to get a system designed for both types of jobs.

Key Requirements for Mechanical Estimating

In assessing which system will meet their unique needs, the mechanical estimator should evaluate the following top programs with mechanical-specific capabilities.

Mechanical item database	The system should offer a large database of mechanical-specific parts and items, including fittings, valves and piping, as well as light gauge, heavy gauge, and industrial sheet metal materials for HVAC materials. The database should have over 100,000 items.
Mechanical assemblies	The system should offer a large library of pre-built mechanical assemblies. This will allow the estimator to more quickly build their estimate and not have to build their own library of assemblies. Of course, they system should also allow for easy creation of custom assemblies.
MCAA or PHCC labor tables	A mechanical-specific estimating system should have integrated labor tables from the MCAA or PHCC. These tables help the estimator determine the types of labor that will be required to perform a specific task. That is then matched with current labor rates.
Mechanical-specific pricing services	There are well over 100,000 different materials and items for plumbing, piping, sheet metal, ventilation and other mechanical work. Mechanical estimators will manage a much more accurate item cost database if it is integrated to an mechanical-specific pricing service such as Ferguson, Harrison, Trade Services, or Porter.
BIM integration	Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology is gaining wider use in large projects and is especially relevant to mechanical work. If your estimating system integrates to BIM tools, the BIM models can pass detailed takeoff data directly into the system. Estimators will benefit from eliminating the takeoff process through this integration.
Mechanical-specific reports	Estimators want to run a variety of reports, including historical win rates, job costs, actual costs versus estimates, etc. While many of these reports are similar to those offered in generic estimating systems, the data they present will be unique to mechanical work. Buyers should evaluate available reports to ensure they meet their needs.