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- 1). Establish a measurable unit of value for the work to be accomplished. Use man hours, since that is the unit of time generally accepted in the mechanical trade fields to measure work times and calculate costs.
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Using man hours to estimate labor costs is a reliable standard for use when estimating the entire job.people working ,tools, men,man image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
Assign values or cost to the units of time or man hours. Use the rates which are charged and accepted as fair value in your area. Keep in mind the cost of living, current market and economic conditions where you are, and consider what the local market will bear. Consult with local code officers to verify cost fairness if you need to. - 3). Define clearly what a man hour is. Clear up any discrepancies between what is legitimate and payable, and what is not. Identify a man hour as the time it takes to complete a task, or the different phases of a task, within normal working conditions.
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Other than the unit, the duct work is the most expensive part of an HVAC system.air conditioner, conditioning image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
Establish the meaning of task as, loading, unloading, arranging, assembling, joining and testing then adjusting the assembled HVAC system. Include every task involved with manufacturing the system like construction of the duct work, plenum and connectors at the shop; hauling it to the job; assembling and joining it on the job site; and testing it for proper functioning before pronouncing the job finished. - 5). Do not include nor agree to pay for any delays, schedule conflicts which increase install times, or other issues where direct access to the job and its completion is not hindered. Include only and agree to pay for those tasks which are directly involved with your HVAC completion.
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Ladder use means labor cost increase.Young woman climbing on a step ladder image by Andris Daugovich from Fotolia.com
Establish what "normal working conditions" are. Add man hour time for unusual or difficult working conditions which make completing the install more difficult. Consider issues with tight fitting spaces, the constant use of ladders, the distances covered and the loads carried and even weather conditions worked in when establishing "normal working conditions." - 7). Do the calculations by physically measuring the number of feet of duct needed, and the amount of time necessary to install the ductwork. Add in the cost of the unit and the fees charged to hook it up to the plenum and install it electrically including the thermostat. Total all these times and variables to get a good estimate for HVAC installations.
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