> By: The Cooling Company
Key Takeaways
- Use a room-by-room Manual J load calculation (not a square-foot rule).
- Select equipment with Manual S and verify ducts with Manual D for comfort and efficiency.
- Avoid oversizing: short-cycling wastes fuel and can create uneven temperatures.
This guide explains installed ductwork prices by linear foot for commercial projects in Las Vegas. It covers common material choices, typical installed ranges, and the frequent add-ons that change the final bill. The goal is to give owners, contractors, and estimators clear planning numbers and the right questions to ask when reviewing bids.
Ductwork cost per linear foot in Las Vegas: Budget ranges and what they include?
Per-foot pricing standardizes early budgets and lets you compare bids quickly. However, per-foot numbers often hide fittings, dampers, hangers, and testing. A sound budget includes separate allowances for those items and for rooftop logistics. In Las Vegas, rooftop exposure and crane needs commonly raise labor and staging costs.
When planners quote a per-foot installed number, they usually mean material, seams, and basic installation for straight runs. Confirm whether items such as insulation, painting, TAB, and rooftop hoisting are included. If a contractor omits these, the raw per-foot rate will understate the installed cost.
How to read installed per-foot prices
Installed per-foot pricing should be paired with a list of inclusions and exclusions. A useful bid shows a per-foot price plus unit prices for fittings, dampers, and transitions. If bids differ widely, comparing assumed inclusions clarifies the gap and helps avoid change orders.
Get sample takeoffs for a few typical runs on the project. That shows how each contractor measured and what they counted as material versus extra services. Use those takeoffs to update your budget as design decisions evolve.
Why Los Vegas site conditions matter to per-foot numbers
Local factors affect installed cost. Las Vegas projects often face rooftop exposure to intense sun, limited crane windows, and higher subcontractor demand during busy seasons. These conditions can push labor rates and add staging costs.
Also consider prevailing wage and fringe benefits on public or large private projects. These influence the hourly field costs and can shift the installed per-foot price noticeably compared with a simple shop-only quote.
What are typical commercial per-foot price ranges?
Use these ranges for early budgeting. Actual bids will vary by site, schedule, and scope. Spiral duct is commonly lower cost per foot for common sizes because it requires less fabrication and fewer seams. Rectangular trunks cost more due to extra cutting, joining, and sealing labor. Fabric ducts are a different system with unique supports and maintenance considerations.
Large jobs often get better piece pricing because of prefabrication and volume. Small, tight-access jobs cost more per foot due to increased field labor. Add a contingency for access problems, late design changes, and rooftop modifications.
Spiral duct price ranges in Las Vegas?
Spiral duct installed prices commonly run $15–$45 per linear foot. The local average often falls near $28 per foot for common sizes and runs. Factory-applied or field-applied insulation adds to the installed price, typically around $3–$10 per foot depending on R-value and jacketing.
Site access, hoist requirements, and restrictions on rooftop work will push prices toward the top of the range. Always ask whether the quote assumes shop-stacked sections or full hoist and set on the roof.
Rectangular duct price ranges?
Rectangular trunks and branches typically cost $25–$75 per linear foot installed. Common trunk sizes often average near $40 per foot. Heavy gauges, stiffeners, and complex joints increase material and labor costs.
Large transitions, stiffener requirements, or double-wall construction add per-piece charges. When rectangular ducts span long runs with many joints, sealing labor and testing become significant cost drivers.
Fabric duct systems pricing?
Fabric or textile ducts usually range $20–$60 per linear foot installed. These systems reduce heavy metal field labor but require specialist supports, installation methods, and sometimes specific fire or maintenance approvals.
Consider warranty terms and cleaning options for fabric ducts. The installed price should include all diffusers, supports, and any special fire treatments required by code.
Are insulation and lining included in installed prices?
Not always. Some contractors include basic insulation in their per-foot rate. Others list insulation as an allowance or separate line item. For rooftop ducts in Las Vegas, plan on R-6 to R-8 for exposed runs, plus vapor barrier and UV jacketing where needed.
Confirm whether the price covers factory-applied insulation or field-applied. Field application often requires extra scaffolding time and weather protection on roof work, which increases installed cost.
TAB and testing costs?
TAB (testing, adjusting, and balancing) is often quoted separately. Typical budgets run $0.50–$3.00 per linear foot or as a flat fee from $1,500 to $6,000 depending on system complexity. Include a signed balancing report and leakage test results as part of final acceptance.
Many codes and owner requirements demand TAB on commercial systems. Skipping TAB saves money initially but risks poor performance and higher lifecycle energy costs.
How bids hide extra costs and how to spot them
Low per-foot bids can hide many extras that add up fast. Contractors may exclude fittings, dampers, hangers, sealants, painting, or rooftop curb work. They may assume ideal access and no crane time. That rarely matches real-world conditions. Careful bid review lets you avoid surprises.
Ask for itemized unit prices for common fittings and an explicit list of assumptions. Request allowances for crane time, protective measures, and overtime. A clear schedule of values tied to milestones also reduces disputes over hidden charges.
Common exclusions in low bids?
Contractors frequently omit insulation, fire and smoke dampers, painting, rooftop curb work, and TAB in low per-foot quotes. They may also exclude crane lifts and overtime. These omissions typically show up later as change orders when the general contractor or owner adds required scope.
Read exclusions closely. Ask each bidder to mark included and excluded items clearly. If a bidder excludes something you expect, require a unit price so you can compare apples to apples.
Local labor and allowance variability
Labor rates vary with market demand and fringe benefits. In Southern Nevada, expect higher rates for emergency or weekend work. Labor can make up 35–60% of total installed cost depending on site difficulty and craft wages.
Confirm hourly shop and field rates when reviewing bids. Ask about overtime multipliers and union versus non-union labor assumptions if applicable to your project.
Add-ons that drive surprises
Crane use, rooftop curb modifications, long hoists, restricted access, and custom transitions are frequent cost drivers. Late design changes also raise the budget. It is prudent to plan a 10–20% allowance for change orders and unforeseen coordination issues.
Document rooftop access points, roof load limits, and crane time windows during bidding. That reduces the risk of later claims for additional charges.
When prefabrication saves money
Prefabrication is worth the premium when access is tight or the design has many fittings. Shop-built modules reduce field labor by 20–40%, speed installation, and cut rework. They also improve fit in complex assemblies.
Ask for shop mockups and guarantees for fit if you select prefabrication. Confirm who pays for any onsite adjustments and how shop modules will be sequenced and protected during delivery.
TAB: can it be omitted?
Skipping TAB may reduce upfront cost but risks poor airflow, occupant discomfort, and higher energy bills. Many codes require TAB on commercial systems. TAB confirms performance and uncovers installation flaws before the system is turned over.
Insist on testing, adjusting, and balancing to verify performance. Tie final payment to acceptance based on a certified TAB report.
How to evaluate contractor quotes and avoid scope gaps
Compare total installed cost, not single per-foot numbers. Request itemized unit pricing and detailed assumptions. Include workmanship standards, schedule milestones, and change-order rules in the evaluation. Require shop drawings and a leakage class in every contract.
When bids lack detail, ask for written clarifications and revised proposals with clear inclusions and exclusions. Use a side-by-side spreadsheet to total anticipated installed cost based on a sample duct layout.
What should a clear commercial scope include?
A clear scope lists per-foot prices and unit prices for fittings, dampers, hangers, insulation, and TAB. It defines workmanship standards, testing requirements, and access assumptions. It also states schedule allowances and payment milestones to reduce disputes.
Make contractors state assumptions about staging, crane access, and rooftop protections. If a contractor assumes free rooftop access and that is false, you will face change orders.
Performance specifications to check closely
Leakage class, insulation R-value, vibration isolation, and SMACNA workmanship matter most. Specify a maximum leakage at a given test pressure and link acceptance to TAB results. Tight specs reduce operating cost and avoid comfort issues over the building life.
Ask for compliance statements and material certifications. When suppliers list SMACNA, verify the edition referenced and the specific workmanship criteria.
Per-foot pricing vs. Allowances: a practical comparison
Require contractors to show per-foot rates plus allowances for predictable extras. Build a small spreadsheet that totals a likely layout. Use unit pricing to update budgets when sizes change during design.
Unit pricing makes it easier to manage scope changes. Per-foot pricing alone hides the true variability that fittings, dampers, and rooftop logistics introduce.
Specification and testing details to include in contracts
Good specifications reduce disputes and control cost. Include fabrication standards, leakage limits, insulation R-values, and TAB requirements in the contract. Require shop drawings, mockups for complex items, and a final balancing report before final payment.
Mockups are cost-effective for visible areas or complex transitions. They verify installation, fit, and finish, and reduce rework and delays during field installation.
Why require leakage testing
Leakage testing confirms ductwork airtightness before insulation covers seams. Tests identify sealing problems early. Owners see lower fan energy use and more consistent temperature control when leakage is limited and confirmed by testing.
Tie acceptance to specific test results. Include retest fees in the contract if runs fail initial testing.
Setting duct leakage limits in specs
Specify a leakage class per SMACNA or a percentage at a given test pressure. Many teams target less than 6% supply leakage or SMACNA Class A/B. Linking acceptance to TAB results gives clear criteria for payment.
Include retesting and remediation responsibilities for failed runs so the owner is not left paying repeated contractor corrections.
Require shop prefabrication when practical
Require shop prefabrication for long runs with many fittings, tight schedules, or limited field access. Shop modules reduce onsite labor and improve quality. Include fit-up allowances and coordination points to avoid surprises.
If you require prefabrication, define delivery sequencing and protection requirements so modules are not damaged or delayed on arrival.
Materials and SMACNA compliance
SMACNA sets gauges, joint types, sealing methods, and pressure classes. Commonly used materials include galvanized steel in specified gauges. Fabric ducts must meet airflow and fire code requirements. Reference SMACNA in your specs and request supplier compliance statements.
Ask for material certificates and sample test results for specialty items like double-wall or stainless ductwork.
Insulation R-value and performance in Las Vegas
Higher R-values reduce heat gain on rooftop ducts in hot climates. For Las Vegas, R-6 to R-8 is common for exposed runs. Match the insulation choice to local code, condensation control needs, and roof exposure to avoid thermal losses and sweating.
Require vapor barriers and UV jacketing where roof exposure or cleaning access is a factor. These items preserve insulation performance and extend duct life.
Get a tailored commercial duct estimate
Provide full plans, a duct schedule, required leakage class, insulation R-value, and access notes when you request quotes. Contractors need these documents to produce meaningful per-foot rates, unit pricing, and lead times for special transitions and prefabrication.
Request sample takeoffs and references for similar Las Vegas projects. That helps validate pricing assumptions and shows how contractors handle rooftop logistics and crane time. Compare total installed cost and confirm who handles lifts, protection, and staging.
How to request a commercial quote from a contractor
Send full drawings, a duct schedule, and a clear list of required tests and workmanship standards. Ask for per-foot rates plus itemized unit prices for fittings, dampers, insulation, hangers, and TAB. Request lead times for special transitions and prefabrication options.
Make contractors state all assumptions in writing. That reduces disputes and speeds negotiations when the job starts.
Call to action
For a Las Vegas-area commercial duct estimate, call The Cooling Company at 17029308411. We serve Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas and provide itemized bids, TAB reports, and SMACNA-compliant work. Outside the area? Ask for NATE-certified technicians and request similar unit pricing and testing documentation.
Learn More
This aspect deserves careful consideration as you evaluate your options. Understanding the details helps you make more informed choices for budget, schedule, and long-term performance. Consulting with qualified professionals provides additional insights specific to your situation and site.
For more on ductwork installation costs and typical scope items, see the guidance on ductwork installation costs from The Cooling Company: Ductwork installation costs.
About The Cooling Company
The Cooling Company has been serving the Las Vegas valley with professional HVAC services for over a decade. Our team of licensed, NATE-certified technicians specializes in air conditioning repair, heating system maintenance, and complete HVAC installations. We're committed to providing honest, reliable service with upfront pricing and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all work performed.
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