The Saturday Estimating 3 Day Workshop
February 7, 2026
February 14, 2026
February 21, 2026
HVAC Estimating Workshop Outline
Learn how HVAC estimates are built in the real world — from scope, ductwork takeoffs, equipment pricing, and labor productivity, all the way to a clean final estimate you can defend.
- A step-by-step estimating workflow
- Labor + productivity logic you can trust
- A clean estimate structure (materials, labor, OH & profit)
Scope Review: Where HVAC Lives in the Plans
How to read mechanical sheets, legends, keynotes, and specs so you stop missing scope before you price.
- M sheets + schedules
- Key notes & symbols
- Specs that override drawings
Ductwork Takeoffs
How to take off supply/return/exhaust and account for fittings, transitions, and access conditions.
- Linear feet strategy
- Fittings vs straight runs
- Flex vs metal considerations
Equipment & Fixture Pricing
RTUs, splits, VAVs, diffusers, grilles, fans — plus how to handle allowances and lead-time risk.
- Equipment schedules
- Allowance vs hard pricing
- Submittals & coordination notes
Labor, Productivity & Manhours
How to price labor based on real job conditions — not hope — including congestion, ceiling height, and phasing.
- Manhours per unit (duct/equipment)
- Crew assumptions that make sense
- Remodel vs new construction factors
Final Estimate Assembly
Build the estimate the way GCs and owners expect: materials, labor, equipment, overhead, profit, and contingency.
- Clean bid structure
- Overhead + profit logic
- Contingency and exclusions
Common HVAC Estimating Mistakes
What causes underbids: missed demo, tie-ins, access, phased work, and “copying the last estimate.”
- Hidden scope traps
- Risk items to always check
- How to protect your numbers