The specific challenges of the trade in Quebec
Sheet metal & HVAC estimating spans shop and field:
- Duct takeoffs — runs, elbows and plenums counted from ventilation plans
- Shop vs field — fabrication and installation have entirely different cost structures
- Load calculations — airflows and equipment sized to standards
- CCQ tinsmith rates — specific classifications applied to payroll
- Commissioning — balancing reports and sign-offs closing every project
Coordinating with plumbing, electrical and controls makes HVAC the most schedule-dependent mechanical trade — visibility is survival.
What a professional bid must contain
Based on industry best practices and what Quebec clients and general contractors expect:
| Element | Residential | Commercial / Institutional |
|---|---|---|
| Duct schedule by run | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Equipment list with capacities | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Shop/field cost split | Recommended | Mandatory |
| RBQ licence number | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Load calculations | If applicable | Mandatory |
| Commissioning plan | Recommended | Mandatory |
How SubmitX works for your trade
AI duct takeoff
Ducts, elbows and plenums quantified from ventilation plans automatically.
Shop and field costed apart
Cut → bend → assemble in the shop, deliver → hang → connect in the field: two cost lines, one contract.
Loads computed
Airflows and equipment capacities calculated to current standards.
Commission and close
Balancing reports signed on tablet; crews synced with the other mechanical trades throughout.
💡 Real case: HVAC contractors separating shop from field costs discover fabrication margins and installation margins moving in opposite directions — pricing both correctly for the first time.
All in one
Fix your sheet metal and HVAC estimating problems — and every other headache — in one platform
Estimating, projects, field work, CCQ payroll, invoicing: SubmitX brings it all together in one place. Leave your details and a team member will show you how it works on your own cases.
- Estimating
- Projects & field
- CCQ payroll
- Invoicing
A team member will get in touch. Something urgent? Call 514-835-8734.
Meanwhile, you can try SubmitX free for 7 days.
SubmitX vs Excel vs generic software
| Criterion | Excel / paper | Generic software | SubmitX ERP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duct takeoff | Manual count | Spreadsheet | AI from plans |
| Shop vs field costing | Blended | No | Separated |
| Load calculations | Separate tool | No | Built in |
| CCQ tinsmith payroll | No | No | Automatic |
| Fabrication scheduling | Whiteboard | No | Sequenced |
| Commissioning reports | Paper | No | Tablet-signed |
Pricing and return on investment
SubmitX starts at $99/month CAD. Pricing shop fabrication at shop costs — instead of a blended rate — typically recovers points of margin on every commercial contract.
Duct takeoffs from plans cut estimating time from hours to minutes, keeping you on every GC's short list for mechanical packages.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best HVAC estimating software in Quebec?
SubmitX quantifies ducts from ventilation plans, costs shop fabrication and field installation separately, computes loads and applies CCQ tinsmith rates. From $99/month, free trial without a card.
Does it handle CCQ payroll for tinsmiths?
Yes — tinsmith (ferblantier) classifications and 2026 CCQ rates are applied automatically, with monthly reports generated.
Does it coordinate with other mechanical trades?
Yes — your schedule syncs with plumbing, electrical and controls crews on shared projects.
Prepare your next bids with SubmitX
AI drafts the bid, you review it before it goes out. 7-day trial, no credit card.
7-day trial · no credit card · or call 514-835-8734