A Chicago HVAC sheet metal shop used IronKit to bid on a commercial office HVAC package with 2,400 lbs of duct and fittings in 18ga and 22ga galvanized steel. The job required supply/return main trunks, branch takeoffs, and 22 custom elbows and transitions. IronKit generated a complete itemized quote separating material weight, laser/brake time, weld time, and field installation — $22,840 total. The shop owner said the itemized breakdown helped him negotiate the final price when the GC pushed back on the total.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an HVAC duct fabrication quote cover?
Sheet metal fabrication: duct bodies (supply/return mains and branches), custom fittings (elbows, tees, transitions, taps), TIG seam welding, and field installation labor. Hangers and supports are sometimes quoted separately. Equipment (VAV boxes, diffusers) is always excluded.
How is laser cutting time charged in HVAC duct bids?
Setup hours (programming the job and making the first part) are charged at full shop rate. Production hours (running the actual parts) are charged at the machine rate. IronKit separates setup and production automatically so you don t underbid the first-run time.
Why does the duct estimate include shop hours and field hours separately?
HVAC shops often have different rates for shop fabrication vs. field installation. Shop work is controlled environment, higher productivity. Field work has access constraints, coordination overhead, and travel time. Separating them shows the customer exactly where the cost comes from.
Can IronKit handle round duct and spiral duct as well?
Yes — specify round/spiral duct and IronKit will calculate by linear foot at the appropriate weight-per-foot for the gauge and diameter. Custom fittings are quoted by the piece at the same sheet metal rate.