Rebuilding a house costs $150 to $350 per square foot in 2026, or about $135,000 to $525,000 for most homes....
MEP ESTIMATING SERVICES
ACON Engineering provides detailed MEP estimating services for contractors and subcontractors working on residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Our team prepares accurate quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems using your project drawings and current construction costs.
★★★★★ 4.9 from 312 reviews
● 9,800 plans estimated
● Reply within 4 business hours
● Built for GCs, subs, developers
Trusted by 400 plus contractors and developers across the United States
Professional MEP Estimating Services
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems make up a large part of any construction budget, so estimating them requires careful attention to detail. Incomplete quantity takeoffs, outdated pricing, or missed drawing revisions can affect project costs long before construction begins. With more than 15 years of experience, Acon Engineering prepares detailed MEP estimates from your project drawings using local ZIP code pricing. Each estimate is reviewed by certified estimators and delivered with organized quantity takeoffs and cost breakdowns, making it easier to review costs, prepare budgets, and submit competitive bids.
Our MEP Estimating Services
We cover the full range of MEP estimating, across every trade in the mechanical, electrical and plumbing scope. Each takeoff is pulled from your plans and priced to your local market.
Mechanical Estimating
We prepare detailed mechanical estimates covering HVAC equipment, ductwork, piping and related fittings. Quantities are measured directly from your drawings, with labor and material costs organized into a clear takeoff that supports budgeting and bid preparation.
Electrical Estimating
Our electrical estimates include conduit, wiring, panels, switchgear, lighting and low-voltage systems. Quantities are measured from the drawings and organized into a detailed takeoff, making it easier for contractors to review costs and prepare accurate bids.
Plumbing Estimating
We quantify water, waste, vent and gas piping, along with fixtures, valves and fittings shown on the plans. The estimate includes measured quantities and cost details for new construction, renovations and retrofit plumbing projects.
Piping Estimating
Process and mechanical piping systems are measured by size, length and configuration. Fittings, valves and supports are included in the takeoff, along with labor considerations, helping contractors review fabrication, installation and overall project costs more accurately.
Insulation Estimating
Our insulation estimates cover pipe, duct and equipment insulation, along with fireproofing and moisture protection where specified. Quantities are measured by system and size, providing a detailed takeoff that supports material planning and cost review.
Fire Protection Estimating
We prepare detailed fire protection takeoffs for sprinkler systems, suppression systems and associated piping. Heads, piping runs, and related components are measured from the drawings, giving contractors a complete scope for pricing and bid preparation.
Sectors We Serve
- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
- Institutional
- Healthcare
- Education
- Hospitality
- Retail
- Government
- Data centers
- Manufacturing and processing
- Renovation and retrofit
MEP Trades We Estimate
HVAC equipment, ductwork, piping, air handling units, rooftop units, chillers, boilers, pumps, dampers, duct insulation, and supports.Conduit, wiring, feeders, panels, switchgear, circuit breakers, lighting fixtures, lighting controls, receptacles, grounding, cable tray, and low voltage devices. Water, waste, vent and gas piping, fixtures, valves, drains, water heaters, pumps, fittings, hangers and supports.Sprinkler systems, fire suppression, fire stopping, and the piping and heads.
MEP Estimating Deliverables
The quantities are listed by trade, priced to your local market, in an editable Excel file with the labor hours worked out. A color-coded plan markup and a clear list of inclusions and exclusions come with it.
Want the full PDF in your inbox?
Get 3 redacted full sample sets covering takeoff, estimate, and schedule. No call required.
Our 4 Step MEP Estimating Process
The process is simple, and you stay informed at each stage. You work with estimators who know the MEP trades in depth.
01
Send Your Plans
Upload your drawings and specs in PDF, CAD, or DWG. Our team reviews the scope and sends you a quote.
02
MEP Takeoff
We quantify the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and related scope from your plans, and check for clashes between systems.
03
Pricing
We price the material, equipment, and labor to your local market, so the estimate reflects the real cost of the work.
04
Review and Delivery
A senior estimator checks the numbers. Then we deliver your estimate in Excel within 24 to 48 hours.
Industry Standard MEP Estimating Software
Our estimators use industry standard software, including PlanSwift, Bluebeam, and RSMeans, to prepare detailed MEP takeoffs from your project drawings. Combined with a thorough review process, these tools help us produce accurate quantities and organized cost breakdowns.
ACON Engineering Is the Number #1 Choice for Contractors
A detailed MEP estimate lays the foundation for better project planning and cost control. Here's what makes ACON Engineering a trusted choice for contractors and developers.
Complete MEP Coverage
Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, piping, insulation, and fire protection are estimated as one coordinated scope. A single report keeps all MEP trades organized, making reviews, budgeting, and bid preparation more efficient.
Detailed Quantity Takeoffs
Major equipment is only part of the estimate. Material quantities, fittings, valves, supports, devices, and other components are measured from the drawings to produce a complete and well documented MEP takeoff.
15+ Years of Experience
With more than 15 years of construction estimating experience, our team has worked on residential, commercial, and industrial MEP projects. That experience helps us interpret complex drawings and prepare detailed estimates.
Certified Estimators
Experienced AACE certified estimators follow established industry practices and a structured review process. This approach helps deliver consistent estimates with organized quantities, accurate documentation, and clear cost breakdowns.
ZIP Code Pricing
Material, equipment, and labor costs are developed using current ZIP code-based pricing. This allows the estimate to reflect local construction conditions instead of relying on broad regional averages.
Value Engineering
Alternative materials and system options are reviewed where appropriate to identify practical cost saving opportunities. This gives project teams additional information to evaluate before finalizing the design or project budget.
Calculate Your MEP Estimate in 30 Seconds
Use our quick tool to get an estimated price for your MEP estimating services. This gives you a fast baseline before you request an official quote from our team.
Step 1 · Choose Your Project Type
Pick the work you need estimated. We cover residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional projects.
Step 2 · Set Your Project Size
Enter the total square footage or the project scale. Project size sets the scope, so this gives us the scale of the estimate.
Step 3 · Select Your Trades
Pick what you need quantified. We cover mechanical, electrical, plumbing, piping and fire protection for the full MEP scope.
Estimated fee
$1,250
Turnaround · 3 business days
Final fee depends on plan complexity. No charge until you approve.
MEP Estimating Services Pricing
The rates match how you work. Pay per trade, order a full MEP bundle, or set up ongoing support, with no hidden costs. Take a single takeoff, or keep an estimator on call for your whole pipeline.
Single Project
For a contractor who needs one estimate for a specific bid.
From $750
- One complete estimate or takeoff
- Priced to current market rates
- 3 business day turnaround
- One round of revisions
- PDF and Excel deliverables
Bid partner
For teams estimating across the design stages.
$2,495 / mo
- Up to 6 projects per month
- 24 hour rush option included
- Two rounds of revisions
- Dedicated project lead
- Procore and Dropbox sync
Enterprise
For large teams that bid heavy volume and need a dedicated estimator.
Custom
- Unlimited projects
- SLA backed turnaround
- Custom format and templates
- Quarterly business reviews
Zero risk start. Not happy with your first deliverable? You pay nothing, full stop.
Trusted by Contractors and Developers Nationwide
Builders, developers, and subs across the United States.
ACON Engineering is great to work with. The team is hardworking, professional, and takes pride in their work. They respond quickly, communicate clearly, and keep every project moving smoothly from start to finish.
Acon Engineering is a trustworthy and professional firm. They consistently deliver on time and are excellent to work with throughout the process. Their estimates are clear, organized, and supported by detailed documentation.
It was a pleasure working with them. The team was professional, responsive, and easy to communicate with throughout the project. Their service was reliable, efficient, and delivered exactly what was promised.
Who We Serve
- MEP contractors
- Mechanical contractors
- Electrical contractors
- Plumbing contractors
- Piping contractors
- Insulation contractors
- Fire protection contractors
- General contractors
- Developers and owners
- Architects
- Mechanical engineers
- Construction managers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
MEP stands for mechanical, electrical and plumbing, the three systems that run a building. MEP estimating quantifies and prices all three, including the piping, insulation and fire protection tied to them.
Commercial MEP runs about $20 to $70 per square foot, and far higher on healthcare and lab projects. By trade, HVAC costs $3 to $10, electrical $5 to $15, and plumbing $4 to $10 per square foot.
Yes. We check for conflicts among the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems as we take off the scope, so you catch them on paper rather than in the field.
We cover mechanical, electrical, plumbing, piping, insulation and fire protection, down to the ductwork, conduit, panels, fixtures, fittings and controls. The full scope comes back in one takeoff.
Most estimates are ready within 24 to 72 hours, with a rush option for tight deadlines. You get the takeoff in editable Excel, sorted by trade and ready to bid from.
Get an Accurate MEP Estimate for Your Next Bid
MEP carries most of a project's cost, so the number behind it has to be right. Send us your plans and our estimators will quantify the full mechanical, electrical, and plumbing scope and price it to your local market.
Insights
Field tested guides for builders who bid.
Long form playbooks our clients use to sharpen pricing, win more jobs, and protect margin.
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MEP Estimating Services Across the United States
ACON Engineering provides MEP estimating services across the United States, supporting contractors, subcontractors, builders, developers, and construction firms nationwide. We proudly serve clients throughout the country, including the following markets:
States: California • Texas • Florida • New York • Pennsylvania • Illinois • Georgia • New Jersey • Arizona • Colorado • Michigan • Tennessee • North Carolina • Virginia • Washington • Massachusetts • Ohio • Minnesota • Louisiana • Missouri • Wisconsin • Nevada • South Carolina • Iowa • New Mexico • Wyoming
Major Cities: New York City, NY • Los Angeles, CA • Chicago, IL • Houston, TX • Dallas, TX • Austin, TX • San Francisco, CA • San Diego, CA • San Antonio, TX • Fort Worth, TX • Miami, FL • Orlando, FL • Atlanta, GA • Seattle, WA • Boston, MA • Washington, DC • Las Vegas, NV • Phoenix, AZ • Denver, CO • Raleigh, NC • Nashville, TN • Columbus, OH • Sacramento, CA • Sarasota, FL • Wichita, KS
