Frequently asked questions
MEP Estimating FAQs
Answers to the questions Florida contractors, owners and design teams ask most about our MEP estimating services.
Free quote
Send plans. Get a firm quote.
- Quote back after a quick plan review
- Typical delivery in 24–48 hours
- Excel estimate + marked-up drawings
- Priced to Florida labor and material rates
Or email ask@floridamepestimating.com
Part 1
General questions
What does an MEP estimator do?
An MEP estimator reviews mechanical, electrical and plumbing drawings and specifications, counts and measures every component, and prices the labor, material and equipment needed to install them.
Who uses your services?
General contractors, MEP subcontractors, developers, owners, architects, engineers, suppliers and restoration contractors working on Florida projects.
Do you only estimate in Florida?
Yes. Focusing on Florida keeps our labor pricing, material costs and code knowledge specific and current.
Which trades do you estimate?
Mechanical, HVAC, ductwork, piping, process piping, insulation, controls, equipment, electrical, lighting, low voltage, fire alarm, generators, solar PV, plumbing, medical gas, site utilities, fire sprinklers and fireproofing. See all trades.
Do you estimate residential projects?
Yes, from single homes to production subdivisions, multifamily and condo towers. See residential MEP estimating.
Part 2
Turnaround, pricing and delivery
How long does an estimate take?
Most single-trade and small to mid-size estimates are delivered in 24 to 48 hours. Larger projects receive a confirmed delivery date before work starts.
How much does it cost?
It depends on size, trades and detail. We send a free fixed quote after reviewing your plans. See pricing.
What do I receive?
An editable Excel estimate, color-coded marked-up drawings, and a list of clarifications, assumptions and exclusions.
Can you handle rush bids?
Often, yes. Tell us the bid date and we’ll say honestly whether we can meet it.
Do you update estimates for addenda?
Yes. Send addenda as they’re issued. We confirm upfront whether the update is included or quoted.
Part 3
Plans, files and process
What file types do you accept?
PDF drawings are preferred. We also accept CAD, Revit/IFC models and links to bid portals or cloud folders.
Can you estimate without MEP drawings?
For residential and simple commercial work, yes. We lay out a code-based system from the architectural plans and list our assumptions.
Can you use our labor units and markups?
Yes. We set up your rates, burden, markups and standard exclusions.
How do you check accuracy?
Every estimate gets a second-estimator review of quantities, scope and math before delivery.
Are my plans kept confidential?
Yes. We never share plans or pricing, and we sign NDAs on request.
Part 4
Florida-specific questions
Which Florida Building Code edition do you use?
The edition that applies to your permit. The 8th Edition (2023) applies to permits before December 31, 2026; the 9th Edition (2026), with the 2023 NEC, applies on and after that date.
Do you price hurricane requirements?
Yes, including rooftop equipment anchorage, High-Velocity Hurricane Zone items in Miami-Dade and Broward, and wind-rated supports.
Do you include flood-zone requirements?
Yes. Where drawings or flood data require it, we price raised equipment, panels and platforms.
Can you price Davis-Bacon projects?
Yes. Florida has no statewide prevailing wage law, but federally funded projects follow Davis-Bacon wage decisions, and we price to them.
Still have a question?
Call 1 (816) 683-1595 or send your plans for a free quote.
Start here
Get a free MEP estimating quote
Upload your drawings and tell us what you need. We review the plans, confirm scope and send a price and delivery date. Your files stay confidential.
- Call1 (816) 683-1595
- Office349 State Ln, Orlando, FL 32801