Tips for accurate HVAC quoting and estimating from a 10-year vet

Been doing HVAC installs and service in the Chicago area my whole career, and quoting right has saved my ass more times than I can count. Start with a solid load calc using Manual J, especially for retrofits on old boilers or adding a Trane XR16 in tight spaces. I always factor in 20% for surprises like dirty ducts or R-410A recharge, and use Housecall Pro for the estimates to track changes on site. Don't forget to walk the customer through options, like variable speed vs single stage, so they see the value. Saw a thread on r/HVAC where someone lowballed a mini-split job and ate $2k in overruns, won't be me. In the HVAC Techs Network FB group, guys swear by adding a line item for crane rental if you're doing roof units over two stories. Keeps things transparent and gets you paid faster.

Housecall Pro glitched out on me last week quoting a Carrier Infinity swap, had to redo the whole damn thing from scratch. Lost an hour and the customer walked because I couldn't show the breakdown quick.

Screw Manual J, I eyeball it 90% of the time and add a fat contingency.