Division 23 / Estimated

Division 23 HVAC estimating

Duct is not measured in linear feet. It is measured by the sheet metal in it, and a fitting carries far more labour than the straight run either side of it.

What we measure, and in what units

LB sheet metal by gauge
SF duct surface area
LF duct by size, as a check
EA equipment by tag
LF pipe by size and material
EA valves, fittings and specialties
SF insulation, lining and wrap separately
EA grilles, registers and diffusers
TON cooling

What the deliverable looks like for this division

Duct by size along the routed runs, converted to surface area and to weight by gauge, with the basis stated. Fittings counted separately because they carry the labour. Equipment by tag from the schedule, pipe by size, and terminals by count and type.

Scope items routinely missed on this division

Only someone who has priced the work knows what falls through the gaps. No competitor publishes this list.

Duct measured by surface area or weight, not linear feet alone, with the basis stated.
Fittings, which carry far more labour per unit than straight duct.
Duct insulation as two quantities: internal lining and external wrap.
Hangers, supports and seismic restraint.
Access doors at every damper and coil.
Test and balance as a priced scope.
Controls, and the boundary between Division 23 and Division 25.
Roof curbs and structural support for rooftop units.
Startup, commissioning and the owner training the specification requires.
Deduct alternates priced as a separate scope rather than as a subtraction.

Documents needed to price it

Mechanical plans
Equipment schedules
Control drawings
The specification
The load calculation where available

Questions people in this trade actually ask

How is duct measured, and on what basis?

By size along the run, then converted to surface area and to pounds by the gauge the specification requires. The estimate says which basis the rate is on, because a pound rate and a square foot rate are not interchangeable.

How is a deduct alternate priced?

As its own scope, priced from its own quantities, not as a percentage subtracted from the base. A deduct that is not measured is a guess with a minus sign.

What is included when a spec calls for turnkey commissioning?

Startup, test and balance, controls commissioning, documentation and owner training, each identified. Turnkey means all of it is inside the number, and it is listed so you can see that it is.

The service behind this

Estimating & Takeoff

Related divisions

Bidding Division 23 work?

Send the documents and the bid date. A written fee and turnaround come back before anything is measured.

Get a quote See sample deliverables