Comprehensive Mechanical (HVAC), Electrical, and Plumbing quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for general contractors, MEP subcontractors, engineers, and developers across the USA.
Most MEP estimates typically cost $150–$1,000. Project size and scope set the fee, and most MEP estimates are returned in 24–48 hours.
Representative Quantification & BOQ Deliverable
| Work Item / Specification | Quantity | Unit |
|---|---|---|
Rectangular Galvanized Ductwork (24 & 22 Ga) | 18,450 | LBS |
Chilled & Hot Water Hydronic Piping (2" - 6" Steel) | 2,840 | LF |
Rooftop VAV Air Handling Units (15 - 35 Ton) | 6.0 | EA |
Main 2000A 480/277V Switchboard & MCCs | 1.0 | EA |
Branch Feeder Conduits (EMT & Copper Wire) | 14,200 | LF |
Domestic Water & Sanitary Drainage Piping | 4,680 | LF |
Commercial Plumbing Fixtures (LAV/WC/Urinals) | 48.0 | EA |
FROM THE PUBLISHED F&K PORTFOLIO
These selected workbook lines show how measured quantities, source references and allowances are kept separate. They demonstrate this sample scope, not a complete estimate or proof of every trade offered on this page.
| Source item | Base quantity | With source allowance | Drawing / cell |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2" Vent Pipe | 129.29 LF | 142.219 LF | P101,201,202 · F22 |
| 3" Vent Pipe | 60.81 LF | 66.891 LF | P101,201,202 · F23 |
Display rounded to three decimal places. Source units and original values are retained; no project award, client endorsement or priced total is implied.
Open the full sample context and drawing referencesUpload your architectural, structural, or engineering drawings. Include your trade scope, project location and bid deadline. The quote will confirm the fee, deliverables and delivery date.
CSI Divisions 21, 22, 23 & 26 estimating inquiry
Specialized construction takeoffs
Review materials, units and scope
Confirm your deadline before work starts
Plan-based quantity takeoffs
Identify the current drawing revision, included systems, alternates and addenda. Agree whether labor, equipment, demolition, testing, permits, taxes, freight and owner-furnished items are included. Missing design information needs a recorded allowance or clarification; estimating does not replace engineering design or code approval.
Keep measured quantities separate from waste and procurement allowances. For a priced estimate, confirm the project location, pricing date, supplier inputs and labor basis. Final bid qualifications and markups remain subject to contractor review.
MEP systems account for 30% to 50% of the total construction cost on modern commercial, healthcare, and industrial projects. Estimating these integrated systems requires precision across ductwork poundage, piping linear footage, conduit runs, switchgear schedules, fixture counts, and specialized equipment submittals.
One-lines, riser diagrams & spec reviews
Duct SF/LBS, pipe LF, fixture & panel EA
RTUs, chillers, boilers, switchgear, pumps
Journeyman, apprentice & fitter man-hours
Local supplier quotes & union/open-shop scales
Clash check & delta addenda review
Every estimate prepared by F&K Estimatings delivers an exhaustive line-item breakdown formatted for material suppliers, specialty subcontractors, and general contractor bid reviews.
Most MEP estimates typically cost $150–$1,000. Project size and scope set the fee, and most MEP estimates are returned in 24–48 hours.
| Estimate Component | Included Scope & Line Items | Unit of Measure |
|---|---|---|
HVAC Ductwork & Sheet Metal | Rectangular, round, and spiral galvanized/stainless ductwork (SF/LBS), dampers, diffusers, VAV boxes, flex duct. | LBS / SF / EA |
Mechanical Equipment | Rooftop units (RTUs), AHUs, chillers, cooling towers, VRF systems, split systems, exhaust fans, hydronic pumps. | Each (EA) |
Hydronic & Process Piping | Chilled water, heating water, condenser water, refrigerant piping (copper/steel/PEX), valves, and insulation. | Linear Feet (LF) |
Electrical Power Distribution | Main switchboards, distribution panels, transformers, disconnect switches, motor control centers (MCC), panelboards. | Each (EA) |
Conduit, Feeders & Branch Wiring | EMT, RMC, PVC, MC cable, copper conductors (#14 AWG to 500 kcmil), wireway, cable trays, junction boxes. | Linear Feet (LF) |
Lighting & Controls | Interior/exterior fixtures, LED troffers, downlights, occupancy sensors, 0-10V dimming, emergency lighting packs. | Count (EA) |
Plumbing Piping & Drainage | Domestic hot/cold water (copper/CPVC), sanitary drain-waste-vent (PVC/cast iron), natural gas piping, backflow preventers. | Linear Feet (LF) |
Plumbing Fixtures & Equipment | Water closets, urinals, lavatories, commercial sinks, water heaters, booster pumps, grease interceptors. | Count (EA) |
Fire Sprinkler Systems | Wet/dry pipe networks, sprinkler heads, risers, alarm valves, backflows, fire pump assemblies. | LF / EA Heads |
MEP Bid Summary & BOQ | Fully customizable Excel estimate with separate tabs by division, crew hours, and color-coded Bluebeam PDF markups. | Complete Bid Package |
Select a category below to explore our specific measurement parameters and deliverable formats.
Itemized takeoff of complete thermal and air distribution systems including SMACNA ductwork and hydronic loops.
Deliverable Format
Line-item Sheet Metal LBS, Pipe Linear Feet, and Equipment counts by mechanical drawing tag.
Our MEP takeoff schedules strictly conform to Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) MasterFormat standards, streamlining general contractor bid comparisons and subcontractor buyout.
Whether bidding a single specialized trade package or a combined multi-discipline MEP tender, our line items map directly to your specification manual.
Fire sprinkler piping, heads, standpipes, and fire pump assemblies.
Domestic water supply, sanitary waste, vent, and fixture schedules.
Ductwork, AHUs, chillers, boilers, hydronic loops, and VRF systems.
Switchboards, panelboards, transformers, feeders, and branch wiring.
Structured cabling, data racks, cable trays, and telecom conduits.
Fire alarm devices, access control, security conduits, and panels.
Sheet metal estimating requires exact gauge-by-gauge surface area and poundage calculations per SMACNA standards. We quantify rectangular, round spiral, and flat oval ductwork including fabrication waste factors, acoustic lining, and hanger hardware.
Send your drawing sheets for a dedicated takeoff schedule.
Reference weight factors utilized by our mechanical estimators:
Understanding whether your team needs raw quantity measurements or a fully priced bid estimate helps you order the exact service you require.
Our systematic 7-step engineering process eliminates missing elements, prevents duplicate counts, and delivers defensible estimates.
Cross-examination of M/E/P/FP sheets, single-line diagrams, riser schematics, and equipment schedules to identify exact engineering specifications and power requirements.
Color-coded electronic takeoff using Bluebeam Revu and Trimble AutoBid/FastPIPE/FastDUCT to measure duct SF, conduit LF, pipe LF, and count fixtures with complete layer isolation.
Extraction of all major mechanical chillers, RTUs, panelboards, transformers, and plumbing water heaters into tagged schedule matrices.
Automated inclusion of SMACNA sheet metal fittings, pipe elbows/tees, valves, strut channel, and rod supports to eliminate unbudgeted hardware.
Assignment of trade-specific crew compositions (sheet metal workers, electricians, plumbers, pipefitters) adjusted for ceiling height and project complexity.
Calibration of material pricing against local electrical supply houses, plumbing distributors, and ready-mix indices across the specific project zip code.
Peer-review audit by a Senior MEP Estimator ensuring zero trade overlaps, complete clash avoidance, and comprehensive bid documentation.
From commercial tenant fit-outs to heavy industrial complexes, we adapt our takeoff methodology to project specifications.
Multi-zone VAV systems, LED lighting controls, core restrooms, and tenant power distribution.
Stringent medical gas piping, positive/negative pressure isolation rooms, and emergency generator power.
Split HVAC systems, residential plumbing risers, unit electrical panels, and fire suppression.
Heavy 480V/3-Phase power distribution, high-bay lighting, compressed air, and process exhaust systems.
Commercial kitchen Type I/II grease hoods, make-up air units, grease interceptors, and high-demand gas supply.
Classroom unit ventilators, high-efficiency boilers, central chiller plants, and institutional plumbing fixtures.
Material and labor costs fluctuate drastically by project geography, supplier logistics, trade union jurisdictions, and site conditions. We do not use flat national averages.
Confirm the pricing date, project ZIP code, supplier quotations, labor basis and equipment allowances in the project brief. Identify any owner-supplied rates or provisional costs separately.
Labor represents 50%–65% of installed MEP cost. Local IBEW, SMWIA, and UA union scales versus open-shop market rates significantly dictate unit costs.
Work above 14 feet requires scissor lifts, scaffolding, and lower productivity factors compared to standard 9-foot finished ceiling work.
Standard commercial rooftop units versus high-efficiency magnetic-bearing chillers or variable-speed VRF equipment.
Schedule 40 PVC versus hubless cast iron for drainage, or Type L copper versus PEX-a for domestic water distribution.
Night shifts, phased cutovers, and temporary power/HVAC systems in occupied hospitals or operational facilities increase labor hours.
Review illustrative project models demonstrating how CSI Divisions 21, 22, 23 & 26 quantities are extracted, itemized, and structured under standard contractor bidding conditions.
Agree the scope and review requirements for your project. Check quantities against the supplied drawing revision and record unresolved items before preparing a final bid.
When bidding tight commercial deadlines, subcontractors cannot afford incomplete takeoffs or guesswork. A clear estimating brief helps identify the quantities, pricing inputs and qualifications needed for bid review.
Request drawing references and identify allowances separately from measured quantities.
Identify addenda and agree the revision scope, fee and delivery date.
Confirm the spreadsheet format, formulas and cost inputs required for your bid.
Confirm the project ZIP code, pricing date, supplier quotations and labor basis.
Detailed technical and commercial answers to help you navigate mep estimating services, material scheduling, and bid preparation.
For a contractor bid, identify the trade package, issued plan revision, specifications, alternates and the responsibility for adjoining work. Separate measured quantities from unit prices, subcontractor quotations and project allowances so the bid reviewer can trace each assumption.
Agree the spreadsheet columns, drawing references, exclusions, pricing date and revision allowance before work starts. An addendum or changed scope needs an identified issue date and change record; an illustrative sample does not establish project-specific pricing or specialist experience.
Compare commercial bid estimating scope with the published sample evidence, then request the required handoff.