garvyThe hard part
Where HVAC takeoffs go wrong
These are the places an HVAC number usually drifts. Garvy is built to catch them or ask about them.
Duct sizes that change mid-run
Every transition changes the size, gauge and weight per foot. Measuring a run as one size is the fastest way to miss sheet metal weight.
Fittings drawn but not counted
Elbows, takeoffs, transitions and offsets each carry labor. They're easy to see and easy to skip when the count is done by hand.
Air devices across plans and schedules
Diffusers, registers and grilles are tagged on the plan and defined in a schedule with neck sizes and CFM. The two have to match.
Insulation and lining by duct type
Supply, return and exhaust each carry different wrap or liner requirements in the spec. That changes square footage and price on the same run.
Equipment tags that don't match the schedule
An RTU or fan on the plan with a tag the schedule doesn't list, or a schedule unit that never appears on a plan.
Controls, TAB and startup
Whether controls, test-and-balance and startup are yours is decided in the specs, not on the sheets.
The takeoff
What Garvy takes off for HVAC and sheet metal contractors
Garvy takes off M-series duct and piping plans, equipment schedules, air device schedules, details and the mechanical legend. Every line is tagged to the sheet it came from.
| Item | Unit | Taken from |
|---|---|---|
| Rectangular and round duct by size | LF / LBS | Duct plans + legend |
| Fittings (elbows, takeoffs, transitions) | EA | Duct plans |
| Diffusers, registers and grilles | EA | Plans + air device schedule |
| Duct insulation and liner | SF | Duct takeoff + spec requirements |
| Equipment (RTUs, AHUs, fans, VAVs) | EA | Equipment schedules + plans |
| Hydronic and refrigerant piping | LF | Piping plans and details |
Beyond your sheets
The specs that change your price
Spec sections are never taken off, but they decide materials, methods and what's in your scope. Garvy reads them and carries what matters into the price and the proposal.
| Section | What Garvy looks for |
|---|---|
| 23 31 13 Metal ducts | Gauge, pressure class, sealing requirements |
| 23 07 13 Duct insulation | Which duct gets wrapped or lined, and how thick |
| 23 37 13 Diffusers, registers and grilles | Finishes, dampers, approved makes |
| 23 05 93 Testing, adjusting and balancing | Whether TAB is in your scope |
No guessing
Questions Garvy raises instead of guessing
When the documents don't answer it, Garvy lists it with the sheet and location. You decide whether to assume or send an RFI.
Questions
HVAC estimating with Garvy
Does Garvy calculate sheet metal weight?
Garvy measures duct by size and applies the gauge from your spec's pressure class, so the takeoff carries both length and weight. Your company's weight and labor tables drive the price.
Does Garvy take off piping as well as duct?
Yes, when piping is in your scope. He takes off the sheets that apply to the work you bid and reads the rest for context.
What if the engineer didn't size every run?
Garvy doesn't fill the gap with a guess. He lists the run, the sheet and the location as a question, and you decide whether to assume a size or send an RFI.
New to AI takeoff? Start with how AI estimating software works, including where your estimator reviews and what it can't do yet.
Other trades
Garvy for other subcontractors
Electrical estimating
E-series power, lighting and systems plans, single-line and riser diagrams, panel schedules and the fixture schedule.
See electrical →Plumbing estimating
P-series plans, isometric and riser diagrams, the plumbing fixture schedule, details and the plumbing legend.
See plumbing →Drywall estimating
A-series floor plans, the partition type legend, reflected ceiling plans, wall sections and details.
See drywall →Throw Garvy your next HVAC bid.
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