CSI Division 23 · MEP
Mechanical Estimating
Hydronic and process piping by size and service with plant equipment, specialities and seismic restraint, and start-up and commissioning as scheduled scope.
- LF
- pipe by size and service
- EA
- equipment, pumps, valves
- TON
- cooling capacity
- LS
- testing, balancing, commissioning
Scope
What we measure.
Measured from
Mechanical piping plans, equipment schedules, flow diagrams and details
- 01Hydronic Piping
- 02Chillers & Pumps
- 03Pumps & Accessories
- 04Pipe Insulation
- 05Testing & Balancing
Where bids go wrong
What other mechanical estimates miss.
Rigging and access for plant equipment, which can exceed the equipment cost on a retrofit.
Piping specialities — valves, strainers, expansion, air separation — counted per system.
Seismic restraint and housekeeping pads carried by the right trade.
Start-up, balancing and commissioning as scheduled scope, not an afterthought.
Sample takeoff
How mechanical line items come back.
Every quantity is traceable to the sheet it came from, in the units the trade buys in.
- Quantities traced to the sheet they came from
- Waste and productivity carried as visible lines
- Formulas intact — edit any rate
| CSI | Line item | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 23 21 13 | Hydronic piping | 1,640 LF |
| 23 64 00 | Chillers & pumps | 4 EA |
| 23 21 23 | Pumps & accessories | 6 EA |
| 23 07 19 | Pipe insulation | 1,640 LF |
| 23 05 93 | Testing & balancing | 1 LS |
FAQ
Mechanical Estimating, answered.
Talk to an estimator
Not a salesperson. Same-day answers on working days.
+1 518 974 7222[email protected]How is mechanical different from HVAC?
Mechanical covers hydronic piping, boilers, chillers and process systems. HVAC covers air-side equipment and ductwork.
Do you include equipment setting?
Yes. Rigging, setting and connections are measured for each piece of scheduled equipment.
Can you use our cost book and labor rates?
Yes, and we prefer it. Your historical costs reflect your crews and your suppliers better than any published average. Send the template and we work inside it.
How does pricing work?
Pricing is per project and quoted before any work starts — no retainer, no minimum volume and no subscription.
Do you sign NDAs?
Yes. Drawings, specifications and pricing are treated as confidential by default, and we sign your NDA on request before any documents change hands.
Start a quote
Need mechanical numbers for your next bid?
Pick your project type and send the drawings. We confirm the fee and delivery date within the hour on working days.