MEP trade estimating
Instrumentation & Controls Estimating
Building automation and industrial controls estimates with points, controllers, sensors, valves, actuators, panels, wiring and programming hours priced from the sequences and points lists.
- BAS / DDC and industrial PLC systems
- Points lists and sequences of operation
- Wiring, panels and programming hours
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
24–48 hr typical turnaround
NDA-protected plans
Florida Building Code aware
Florida labor & material pricing
Overview
Controls are small on the drawings and big in the budget
Controls often get a single line on the bid summary, but they can be one of the costliest parts of a modern mechanical system. Every point needs a device, wiring, a controller input, programming and commissioning time. On industrial projects, instruments and control panels drive both cost and schedule.
We estimate controls from points lists, sequences of operation, control diagrams and the mechanical and electrical drawings. Points are counted by type, controllers and panels are sized, and wiring is measured. Programming, graphics, commissioning and training hours are included so the number reflects the full scope.
Controls estimates can be standalone or part of a full mechanical or industrial MEP estimate.
What's included
Controls scope we take off
- Point counts by type (AI, AO, DI, DO, network)
- Controllers, expansion modules and panels
- Temperature, humidity, CO2 and pressure sensors
- Control valves and damper actuators
- Airflow stations and flow meters
- Industrial instruments: transmitters, switches, analyzers
- PLC and HMI panels
- Control wiring, conduit and network cabling
- Integration with VFDs, chillers and packaged equipment
- Graphics, programming and database setup
- Commissioning, point-to-point checkout and training
- Owner's workstation and software licenses
Florida factors
Controls on Florida buildings
Humidity control makes Florida HVAC sequences more complex: dehumidification modes, reheat, outdoor air reset and space humidity sensors add points and programming. Healthcare and lab buildings add pressure monitoring and alarms. Hurricane resilience adds generator monitoring and controlled restart sequences after power returns.
Florida’s energy code also pushes demand-controlled ventilation, economizer controls and lighting control integration on many commercial projects. We count the points these features require rather than relying on a generic per-square-foot controls allowance.
At a glance
Controls estimate breakdown
| Section | Includes |
|---|---|
| Hardware | Controllers, panels, sensors, valves, actuators |
| Installation | Wiring, conduit, mounting, terminations |
| Software | Programming, graphics, database |
| Startup | Checkout, commissioning support, training |
| Integration | Interfaces to packaged equipment and other systems |
Scope gaps we catch
Controls scope gaps we catch
Controls budgets come up short when points and integration are guessed. We price items like these.
- Points added by humidity and dehumidification sequences
- Integration with packaged equipment and chillers
- Network cabling and switches for the BAS
- Graphics, trending and alarm setup
- Point-to-point checkout and functional testing
- Training and as-built documentation
Our process
How our MEP estimating process works
- 01
Send your plans
Upload PDFs, CAD files or a bid-portal link with specs, addenda and the bid date. A quick scope note helps.
- 02
Get a fixed quote
We confirm scope, price and delivery date before any work starts. No surprises on the invoice.
- 03
Takeoff & pricing
Estimators count and measure every MEP item, then price labor and material for the project's Florida location.
- 04
Senior QA review
A second estimator checks quantities, scope gaps and math against the drawings and specs.
- 05
Bid-ready delivery
You get the Excel estimate, marked-up drawings and a clarifications list you can send with your bid.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to what contractors usually ask before sending plans. Don’t see your question? Call or email us.
Can you estimate controls without a points list?
Yes. We can build a points list from the sequences and mechanical drawings, then price it. We list our assumptions.
Do you price programming and commissioning?
Yes. Programming, graphics, checkout and training hours are included.
Do you estimate industrial instrumentation?
Yes, including transmitters, analyzers, control valves, PLC panels and instrument wiring.
Can you price integration with existing systems?
Yes, with allowances for compatibility checks when the existing system isn’t documented.
Is controls wiring included?
Yes, unless it’s carried by the electrical contractor. We follow the responsibility matrix in the specs.
What turnaround is typical?
Standard commercial controls estimates are usually delivered within 2 to 3 business days.
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- Call1 (816) 683-1595
- Office349 State Ln, Orlando, FL 32801