Building Services (MEP)
Mechanical Estimating Services in New Zealand
Mechanical services quantities for commercial and industrial buildings: plant, ductwork, pipework, controls and commissioning.
Mechanical services on a commercial building can be a large share of the total cost, and they are often the last package to be fully designed. That makes an independent mechanical estimate valuable: it gives the head contractor and client a check on the mechanical subcontractor's price.
We measure mechanical services from the consultant's drawings and schedules: major plant such as chillers, boilers, air handling units and heat pumps; ductwork by size and gauge, with insulation; pipework for chilled water, heating water and condenser water; grilles, diffusers and dampers; and controls and building management systems.
This service is separate from HVAC estimating for smaller residential and light commercial systems, which tend to use packaged equipment.
Scope
What we measure in a mechanical takeoff
| Item | Unit | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Major plant | no. | Chillers, boilers, AHUs, heat pumps and fans. |
| Ductwork | m² / kg | By size and gauge, with fittings. |
| Duct insulation | m² | Internal and external insulation. |
| Mechanical pipework | lm | Chilled, heating and condenser water by size. |
| Pipe insulation | lm | By pipe size and thickness. |
| Terminals | no. | Grilles, diffusers and VAV boxes. |
| Dampers | no. | Fire, smoke and volume control dampers. |
| Controls and BMS | points / item | Control points and allowances. |
Deliverables
What you receive
Mechanical estimates separate plant, distribution and controls so each can be compared against subcontractor tender breakdowns.
| Itemised quantity sheet | Excel + PDF |
| Marked-up plans | Colour-coded PDF |
| Material and labour schedule | Excel |
| Assumptions and exclusions list |
Who it is for
Built for the people who price the work
- Builders
- Check a mechanical subcontractor's tender against an independent measure.
- Subcontractors
- Mechanical contractors can use measured ductwork and pipework to speed up tenders.
- Developers
- Understand the cost of mechanical services in a commercial building early.
- Architects
- See how plant room locations and riser layouts affect mechanical cost.
Process
How a mechanical estimate runs
STEP 01
Upload plans
Upload mechanical drawings, equipment schedules and specifications.
STEP 02
Scope confirmation
We confirm the scope boundary with electrical, fire and plumbing services.
STEP 03
Takeoff and review
Plant is scheduled, distribution measured and totals checked against floor area benchmarks.
STEP 04
Delivery
You receive the mechanical schedule, PDF and marked-up drawings.
New Zealand context
Standards and practice
Mechanical ventilation in New Zealand must meet Building Code clause G4 (Ventilation), with AS/NZS 1668 commonly referenced for mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning design. Energy performance of commercial HVAC systems is covered by H1.
Buildings with specified systems, such as some mechanical ventilation and smoke control systems, need a compliance schedule and ongoing inspection under the Building Act. We flag where specified systems appear on the drawings because they may add commissioning and documentation costs.
We measure and price to the drawings. Design compliance and building consent remain with your designer and building consent authority.
Cost drivers
What drives the cost of mechanical work
01
Plant selection
Chillers, heat pumps, boilers and air handling units are major cost items. Their size and efficiency affect both capital cost and running cost.
02
Distribution
Long duct and pipe runs, especially in buildings with tight ceiling space, add material and installation time.
03
Controls
Sophisticated building management systems add cost but enable efficient operation. Controls are often under-allowed at early stages.
04
Plant access
Rooftop plant may need cranes, plant platforms and safe access, which add cost.
Where mechanical estimates go wrong
Mechanical estimates go wrong when the design is incomplete. Early drawings may show plant and main ducts but not the branches, terminals or controls. We make stated allowances for undesigned parts so the estimate is complete.
The other gap is the interface with other trades: plinths, penetrations, electrical supplies to plant and builder's work in connection with services. We list these so they are priced by someone.
Commissioning and balancing are frequently under-allowed. Air and water systems must be balanced to design flows, and controls must be tested and tuned, which can take weeks on a larger building. We carry commissioning as its own item and note where seasonal commissioning or extended defects periods are specified, because both carry real cost. Operation and maintenance manuals, training for building managers and warranty visits are further items that should appear somewhere in the price. Seasonal commissioning may need a return visit months after practical completion, once the building is fully occupied.
FAQ
Mechanical Estimating questions
What is the difference between mechanical and HVAC estimating?
We use mechanical estimating for larger engineered systems with central plant, and HVAC estimating for packaged systems in homes and light commercial buildings.
Do you measure ductwork by weight?
We measure ductwork by surface area and can convert it to weight by gauge if you price that way.
Do you include controls?
Yes, as measured points where drawn or as allowances where the controls design is incomplete.
Do you include commissioning?
We include commissioning allowances. Detailed commissioning plans are by the mechanical contractor.
Can you estimate refrigeration?
Commercial refrigeration can be included as plant and pipework, or as a specialist allowance.
Related services
- HVAC Estimating
Heating, cooling and ventilation quantities for homes and light commercial buildings: heat pumps, ducted systems and ventilation.
- Electrical Estimating
Electrical points, lighting, cabling and switchboards counted and measured from your electrical plan, room by room.
- Fire Protection Estimating
Active and passive fire protection quantities: sprinklers, alarms, detection, hydrants and fire stopping, measured from the fire design.
- Commercial Estimating
Measured estimates for offices, retail, fit-outs and mixed-use buildings, packaged by trade so you can tender subcontractors cleanly.
Get a quote
Send your plans for a mechanical estimate
Upload your drawings and we will reply with a fixed fee and turnaround before any work starts. No obligation.
- — PDF, DWG and ZIP accepted
- — Fees in NZD, excluding GST
- — Prefer email? Use the link in the footer