Software & Tools: What we use for hvac estimating services
Vortex Estimating works in the platforms your shop uses. If you have a preferred estimating software or output format, we deliver in that format. Below is the technology stack we use for hvac estimating services.
Primary platforms
| Platform | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Trimble Accubid Pro | Electrical estimating platform with NECA labor library. Deliverable: .qj bid file. |
| ConEst IntelliBid | Alternative electrical estimating platform popular with mid-size electrical contractors. |
| McCormick | MEP estimating platform with established labor library. |
| FastDUCT / FastPIPE | Sheet-metal and piping takeoff for mechanical work. |
| PlanSwift | Universal quantity takeoff for shops without dedicated MEP tools. |
| Autodesk Quantification | BIM-based quantity extraction from Revit MEP models. |
| Navisworks Manage | Federated model coordination and quantity extraction. |
Why platform-agnostic matters
The biggest hidden cost in outsourced estimating is “platform tax” — the time you spend re-keying an estimator’s deliverable from their software into your software because they only deliver in their preferred format.
We’ve structured Vortex Estimating to be platform-agnostic. We work in PlanSwift, Bluebeam, Trimble, Sage, ConEst, McCormick, FastDUCT, FastPIPE, Autodesk Quantification, Xactimate, and Excel. Whatever your shop uses, we adapt.
Pricing and cost data
For pricing line items, we maintain active subscriptions and use:
- RSMeans Construction Cost Data — quarterly updates, 731 US city cost modifiers
- BNi Building News — regional pricebooks
- Compass International — international and remote-area data
- NECA Manual of Labor Units — electrical productivity
- MCAA Labor Estimating Manual — mechanical and plumbing productivity
- PHCC Estimating Manual — residential plumbing productivity
- SMACNA — sheet metal labor productivity
- AISC — structural steel weight tables
- ACI 318 — reinforced concrete reinforcement weight tables
For volatile materials (lumber, structural steel, copper, concrete, fuel) we cross-check against current supplier quotes before estimate issue.
BIM and 5D workflow
For projects with a Revit model at LOD 300+, we extract quantities directly from the model using Autodesk Quantification or model-aware estimating platforms. The model is the source of truth for geometry; we add the items the model doesn’t have (waste factors, formwork SFCA, labor productivity, missing scope).
For projects at lower LOD, we work from the drawings using traditional takeoff in PlanSwift or Bluebeam.
Want to see what a deliverable looks like in your preferred format?
Request a sample — we’ll send a redacted example deliverable in the platform of your choice.