Update Estimates at
the Pace of Design
From early budgets through construction closeout, keep cost accuracy as HVAC systems evolve. Work with whatever model detail exists, supplemented by assumptions where design isn't complete.
Phase three. The budget is presented. The owner asks where the number came from. Nobody in the room can fully trace it.
Active Estimating is a Full-Cycle Cost Intelligence Platform
Built by construction practitioners with 29+ years of field experience.
We help mechanical and HVAC contractors maintain estimate accuracy through design evolution, whether you're providing early budgets for design-build pursuits or tracking coordination changes through construction.
HVAC Complexity Multiplies Risk
Systems change constantly. Coordination impacts scope. Your original estimate is already wrong.
Early Budgets Without Design
Design-build and design-assist require cost input before MEP design exists. You need credible numbers from space programming and system assumptions, not guesses.
Coordination-Driven Changes
Routing changes during coordination affect quantities. Ductwork rerouted around beams. Piping shifted for clearance. Tracking what changed and why takes longer than the repricing itself.
Equipment Spec Changes
Equipment changes ripple through pricing. New AHU means different ductwork, different controls, different supports. Repricing everything takes days.
Multi-Discipline Coordination
Your work depends on structural, architectural, and other trades. When they change, you change. Knowing what changed before submitting prices is critical.
Cost Intelligence Across the Project Lifecycle
From first budget through construction closeout.
Early Budget Capability
Generate credible mechanical budgets from space programming before MEP design begins. Support design-build pursuits and GMP negotiations with defensible numbers.
Design Phase Tracking
As MEP models develop, extract quantities from whatever level of detail exists. Track changes between versions. Update estimates quickly as design evolves.
Coordination Change Management
Document what changed, when, and why. Quantify scope impacts. Build change order evidence as coordination proceeds.
A Note on MEP Model Reality
MEP model detail varies significantly by project. Some projects have fully routed ductwork and piping early; others have placeholder equipment until late CD. Our approach: work with whatever model detail exists, supplement with assumptions for what's not yet modeled, and track as design catches up. You always know what's quantified from the model versus what's assumed.
Different Engagements,
Different Value
How you engage determines which capabilities matter most.
Design-Build / Design-Assist
You're providing cost input before detailed MEP design exists. Early budgets from system assumptions and space programming. Track as design develops against your original cost basis.
IPD / Target Value Delivery
Continuous collaboration requires continuous cost visibility. Real-time feedback on system options. Track target budget alignment through every iteration.
CM at Risk / GMP
GMP negotiations require early cost certainty. Lock in assumptions, track design evolution against your basis, document scope changes that affect your price.
Design-Bid-Build
Respond to addenda quickly. Track what changed between bid sets. When you win, document baseline for change order protection through construction.
Design-Build / Design-Assist
You're providing cost input before detailed MEP design exists. Early budgets from system assumptions and space programming. Track as design develops against your original cost basis.
IPD / Target Value Delivery
Continuous collaboration requires continuous cost visibility. Real-time feedback on system options. Track target budget alignment through every iteration.
CM at Risk / GMP
GMP negotiations require early cost certainty. Lock in assumptions, track design evolution against your basis, document scope changes that affect your price.
Design-Bid-Build
Respond to addenda quickly. Track what changed between bid sets. When you win, document baseline for change order protection through construction.
Full-Cycle Cost Intelligence
Click to learn more about each module.
AEConcept™
Detailed HVAC budgets from space programming before MEP design exists. Support pursuits and GMP negotiations.
AEConnect™
Extract quantities from MEP models as they develop. Track changes between versions. Update estimates at the pace of design.
AECalibration™
Post-award scope tracking. RFI impact documentation. Change order support through construction.
Ready to Keep Up with Design?
Tell us about your current process and project types. We'll show you where cost intelligence fits.