Skip to main content
Author Estimation
  • Samples
  • Pricing
  • Services
  • How It Works
  • Get In Touch
  • Samples
  • Pricing
  • Services
  • How It Works
Get In Touch
Author Estimation

CSI MasterFormat estimates for US general contractors and specialty subcontractors. RSMeans-backed. 48-hour delivery. GA · NC · VA · TN · SC · OH.

RSMeans · PlanSwift · Bluebeam · CSI MasterFormat 2020
Navigate
  • How It Works
  • Samples
  • Services
  • Pricing
  • Upload Plans
We Estimate
  • Commercial TI
  • Finishes — Div 09
  • MEP Allowances
  • Warehouse / Industrial
  • Multi-Family
  • Conceptual / Class D
Contact
  • info@authorestimation.com
  • +1 (307) 443-4667
  • Mon–Fri · 8AM–6PM

© 2026 Author Estimation LLC. All rights reserved.

Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicySMS Policy
Ready to send plans? →
22-23-26
Div 22 · 23 · 26Construction Estimating

Expert MEP Allowances Estimation

Plumbing, HVAC, and electrical — allowances by building type and SF, or sub-quote formatted on request.

Get an EstimateView Samples
What's Included
  • PlumbingSF / LS
  • HVACSF / Tons
  • ElectricalSF / kW
  • Fire ProtectionSF
  • ControlsLS
Div 22 · 23 · 26

MEP Allowances

Our MEP Allowances services provide reliable mechanical, electrical, and plumbing cost estimates grounded in historical data and building type benchmarks. When engineered drawings aren't yet available, we develop SF-based allowances that give developers and general contractors a credible cost picture for early-stage budgeting and bid evaluation.

Key Highlights of Our MEP Allowances Services

HVAC System Allowances

Heating and cooling system allowances are developed using $/SF benchmarks calibrated by building type, occupancy, and climate zone.

Electrical Distribution Allowances

Electrical allowances cover service entry, distribution panels, branch circuits, and lighting — structured by occupancy type for budget reliability.

Plumbing Fixtures & Piping

Plumbing allowances are derived from fixture counts and $/SF piping benchmarks, adjusted for building type and occupancy intensity.

Fire Protection Coverage

Sprinkler system allowances are developed per SF by hazard classification and system type, with density requirements considered.

Historical Data Foundation

All allowances are anchored to current market data and recent project history, not rule-of-thumb approximations.

Sub-Quote Format Option

When requested, allowances are repackaged into a sub-quote ready format that facilitates direct comparison with incoming subcontractor bids.

System Coordination Flagging

We identify and flag common MEP coordination conflicts — such as duct routing in low-ceiling spaces — that can inflate costs if unaddressed.

Early Budget Confidence

With our MEP allowances, owners and GCs can make go/no-go decisions and set realistic contingencies before full design is complete.

Our MEP allowances bridge the gap between early concept and detailed engineering. When you need numbers now, we provide estimates grounded in data — structured to be credible, defensible, and ready for the next stage of your project.

Div 22 · 23 · 26

Sample Line Items

Representative extract from a real MEP Allowances estimate — RSMeans-priced, CCI-adjusted.

Author Estimation — MEP Allowances Sample Extract
FORMAT: CSI MasterFormat 2020PRICING: RSMeans 2025 + CCI
Work ItemQtyUnitTotal
HVAC System Allowance20,000SF$380,000
Electrical Distribution20,000SF$320,000
Plumbing Fixtures & Piping1LS$145,000
Fire Protection System20,000SF$70,000

RSMeans Online · CCI Applied · CSI MasterFormat 2020 · OH&P excluded by default

Sample Extract Only
Also Available

Related Services

Every division estimated to the same standard — CSI-coded, RSMeans-priced.

Div 02 · 03

Concrete & Demo

Demo quantities, slab-on-grade, footings, CIP walls — CY, SF, rebar weight, formwork. CCI-adjusted per state.

View service →
Div 04 · 05

Masonry & Structural Steel

CMU courses, brick veneer. Steel tonnage, connection plates, metal deck SF, bar joists by LF and weight.

View service →
Div 06 · 07

Framing & Thermal

Wood BF, cold-formed metal stud by LF + gauge. Roofing SQ, insulation R-value layering, air barrier, flashing LF.

View service →
Get Started

Ready for Your MEP Allowances Estimate?

Upload drawings and scope. We confirm turnaround and flat fee same business day — no invoice until you approve.

Email
info@authorestimation.com
Phone / Text
+1 (307) 443-4667
Turnaround
48–72 hours from scope confirmation
Upload PlansView Sample Estimates