Highview Consulting provides fast, accurate freelance estimating services for commercial contractors. We specialize in HVAC and plumbing takeoffs that help you win bids, save time, and reduce internal overhead. Whether you need help meeting a deadline or want to scale your estimating capacity without hiring full-time staff, we deliver the support you need—project by project.
What Are Freelance Estimating Services?
Freelance estimating is a flexible way to outsource your preconstruction workload to a qualified, independent estimator. Instead of maintaining an internal estimating department, you can hire a specialist like Highview Consulting on-demand. We review your project plans, complete accurate material and labor takeoffs, and return detailed estimates—ready to plug into your bid package.
Why Contractors Choose Freelance Estimators
- Cost Efficiency: Pay only when you need estimating support. No salary, benefits, or downtime costs.
- Speed: We meet tight deadlines so you can submit more bids and win more work.
- Expertise: Specialized in commercial HVAC and plumbing systems. We speak your trade.
- Flexibility: Scale up or down based on your workload. No long-term commitment required.
- Focus: Your internal team can prioritize project planning, fieldwork, or vendor management while we handle the numbers.
Our Specialty: HVAC and Plumbing Estimating
We focus exclusively on mechanical and plumbing piping systems for commercial jobs. Our background allows us to interpret complex MEP plans, identify missing scope, and deliver accurate material and labor estimates that keep your bid sharp and your job profitable.
HVAC Estimating Services Include:
- Piping for hydronic, steam, and refrigerant systems
- Equipment counts for RTUs, AHUs, chillers, and boilers
- Labor calculations by install type and phase
Plumbing Estimating Services Include:
- Plumbing fixture takeoffs
- Underground drainage, waste and vent systems
- Above ground domestic water, DWV, gas, medical gas, etc.
- Excavation & backfill, trenching, slab cut and patch, core drilling, firestopping, etc.
- Labor units by plan and system type
Freelance vs In-House Estimators
| Feature | Freelance Estimator | In-House Estimator |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Project-based, no benefits | Full-time salary, benefits, overhead |
| Flexibility | On-demand, scale with workload | Fixed hours, limited capacity |
| Speed | Works around your deadlines | May be overloaded or delayed |
| Expertise | Focused on one trade or system | Often generalist or stretched across trades |
| Commitment | No long-term hire needed | Hiring, onboarding, and retention required |
What You Get from Highview Consulting
- Detailed takeoff sheets (Excel or your format)
- Markups on digital plans (PDF)
- Material and labor summaries by system
- Fast turnaround (1–3 days for most projects)
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Final Word from Rob Ingalsbe, Owner of Highview Consulting
“We’re not trying to replace your team—we’re here to support it. Whether you need one bid or ten, we’ll step in, deliver sharp takeoffs, and help you stay competitive. Our job is to make estimating one less thing you need to worry about.”
Request a Freelance Estimate Today
Need an HVAC or Plumbing takeoff for a project on your desk right now? Send us your plans and we’ll return a fast, accurate estimate ready to plug into your bid sheet.