Wendes Blog

Since 1980 Wendes Systems, Inc.has proven to be the leading choice by estimators with per piece Duct Estimating Accuracy. The Wendes estimating data introduced with the Wendes Mechanical Estimating Manual in 1978 continues to be circulated today and is available for download at no cost. The Manual outlines formulas for manually calculating per piece duct fittings and straight duct labor cost. The estimating labor cost methodology starts with a step by step process for preparing highly accurate labor and material cost estimates. There are more than 30,000 copies of the manual in circulation and it is widely used as a reference guide by estimators learning how to estimate and veteran estimators looking for a variety of valuable data provided in the manual. The basis of the methodology for estimating and the valuable and highly accurate formulas for calculating per piece duct fitting cost have been applied and continues to be developed with the Wendes Systems, Inc. WenDuct computerized estimating software which continues to grow as the estimators choice for accurate estimating. Most recently the Wendes Systems software development team is adding AI functionality to improve accuracy and ease-of-use.

Commercial HVAC construction includes highly specialized engineering, materials and highly accurate multilayer labor costing built on specification driven data. There are four major fundamentals that should apply to all HVAC estimating software to ensure accurate results. Commercial HVAC estimates reire dynamic material and multi trade pricing driven by strict construction specifications. Per piece construction labor cost should be analized along with raw weight, gauges and density of fittings vs. straight duct. Mechanical piping and pipe fittings should be calculated on size, material type and linear footage with labor cost broken down by joining method. Detailed material lists shoukd be integrated with local sulliers based on quantities during early stage estimate development. Labor costing should include all direct and indirect cost for payroll taxes, insurance, workers compensation and benefits. Wage rates built on job classifications should be factured into direct labor cost for all phases. Labor cost productivity factors need to be factored based on methodology and equipment employed for a project. Labor cost should also consider external factors such as project location complexity, space limitations, elevations and equipment requierd for supporting external factors. While there is a great deal to be considered here this fundamental outline touches on important basic

HVAC Estimating Fundamentals HVAC commercial projects involve highly specialized engineering, large scale material requirements and highly accurate multi-layered labor analysis detailed in specialized reports. Commercial HVAC estimates cannot rely solely on flat rate price lists extensive databasis of materials and equipment must be updated dynamically. Sheet metal and ductwork fabrication are driven by raw weight, gauge sizes, construction satndards and per piece labor cost calculations based on fitting construction complexity and density. Fabrication guidelines are based on accepted fabrication specifications such as SMACNA or other nationally accepted guidelines. Mechanical Piping and Fittings are broken down by linear footage based on pipe schedule, material type and joining method. Maintaining supplier integrations is critical in maintaining a dynamic link with highly volatile material costs to ensure costs reflect real world market costs based on quantities rather than national averages. Labor burden tailored to rate multipliers that incorporate hourly rates that include payroll taxes, insurance, workers compensation, benefits in order to preserve margins. Wage classes should apply to differing wage classes for apprentices, journeymen, foreman and direct overhead. Commercial HVAC projects often rely on progress billing so integrations should include schedule of values broken down by project phases. Tiered overhead and profit should

HVAC Estimating Software Fundamentals HVAC projects require involved complex engineering, large material volumes, multi layered and very accurate labor cost analysis. Estimates should include detailed takeoff precision, detailed quantity analysis, precise shop and field labor, detailed material lists detailed in multi function reports. Takeoff data should integrate with spreadsheets and other system integrations. Detailed takeoff tools must relate directly with digital plans and trace line by line with the digital estimating takeoff software tools for all ductwork and piping systems and descriptions. AI takeoff offers the potential for capturing large quantities of date on construction plans and greatly facilitating the takeoff process. Ductwork takeoff data should be integrated with national construction standards and be calculated on a per piece standard vs. per pound standard. This methodology calculates the complexity of fittings and the quantity of transitions with the correct application of labor cost. Calculations based on a per pound basis does not consider the exact quantity of fittings vs. straight duct ovelrooking the exact quantity of higher labor cost for more complex fittings and transitions. Multi tiered labor cost should be based on a legitimate labor cost basis. The estimating software should provide a detailed report based on labor complexity,

HVAC systems require all aspects of air distribution, mechanical fluid lines, refrigeration lines and fabricated Ductwork. All of these items are part of the workflow when estimating HVAC systems manually, with spreadsheets or automated systems. Each of the systems require specialized data. Each system in the workflow requires exact fabrication cost, installation cost and material costs. One of the most important factors is the application of valid labor factors derived from experience or a source of trusted labor data. As an example SMACNA has developed detailed labor costs in manuals that are available to their membership and Wendes Systems, Inc provides a widely circulated Mechanical Estimating Manual that is based on detailed labor studies. It is critical to start with a legitimate source of labor that can be factored for individual shop processes.

Recent trends in Plumbing, Mechanical and HVAC Ductwork Estimating focus on the integration of associated tools that enhance productivity, collaboration and workflow. The most interesting and potentially most valuable productivity gains in Estimating Takeoff center on the use of AI tools to recognize and accumulate items contained in digital job plans without the requirement for manual takeoff. Takeoff is the most time consuming area of the estimating process by quickly and accurately identifying items like duct runs, fittings and materials the process is greatly improved. Given that accuracy is a critical aspect takeoff a human estimators intervention continues to be required to ensure that items have been correctly identified by the AI takeoff tool and that all items are correct. The integration of CAD, BIM REVIT and MEP data with the estimating process has also provided accurate and direct links with digital blueprint plans. By capturing items and materials contained in these plans the link between design and the estimating process is improved ,productivity and accuracy gains are achieved. After the estimating takeoff process is completed with all items identified and listed in material reports, live pricing for components is available with integration of National and Regional digital pricing services.