The booming housing market around Helena means homeowners expect energy-efficient comfort 365 days a year. Selecting, costing and installing the right air conditioning system is no longer a simple “tonnage” calculation—today it demands real-time pricing visibility, code compliance insight and a streamlined jobsite workflow. CountBricks combines AI blueprint takeoffs, voice-powered estimating and live material databases to make that happen in minutes, not days.
• Wide temperature swings from –10 °F winters to 95 °F summers create oversized-vs-undersized risk.
• High altitude sunlight loads push cooling demand during shoulder seasons.
• Local codes emphasize energy recovery ventilation, adding complexity to duct layouts.
• Instant load calculations: Upload PDFs or snap photos of plans, and CountBricks AI identifies window areas, insulation values and orientation for precise BTU sizing.
• Live materials pricing: The platform updates condenser, line-set and refrigerant costs daily, so quotes match supplier invoices.
• Voice-first job costing: Walk the jobsite, speak tasks aloud—“Set 3-ton variable-speed heat pump”—and watch the estimate build itself on your tablet.
• One-click proposal creation: Branded PDF or e-signature package pulls scope, exclusions and schedule directly from the estimate.
• Equipment efficiency: SEER2 15 vs SEER2 21 can shift condenser cost by 30 % but lower annual bills by 40 %.
• Duct design complexity: Crawl-space retrofits average $14 – $18/ft of duct; new-build truss drops average $9/ft.
• Line-set length: For every 10' above 25', add roughly $65 in copper and insulation.
• Local labor rates: Helena HVAC tech demand spikes in late spring—CountBricks adjusts labor allowances weekly so your bids stay competitive yet profitable.
1. Import blueprint or laser-scanned floor plan into CountBricks.com/takeoffs.
2. Speak room labels—“Master bedroom, R-21 walls, south-facing.” The AI tags spaces and calculates sensible heat gain.
3. Confirm system type: traditional split AC, ductless or hybrid heat pump.
4. Approve auto-generated material list; modify brands or efficiency tiers as desired.
5. Review labor hours pre-loaded from Montana HVAC task standards.
6. Click “Generate Proposal” to deliver a homeowner-ready PDF with options good for 14 days.
Entry-Level 14–15 SEER2 Split System
• 1,800 SF new build, standard ducts
• $9,600 – $11,200 turnkey through CountBricks crews
High-Efficiency Inverter Heat Pump
• 2,400 SF custom home, zoning dampers, smart thermostat
• $17,500 – $20,400 complete
Ductless Mini-Split Retrofit
• 3 zones in 1970s ranch
• $11,800 – $14,100 including electrical upgrades
• All-in-one platform—no separate CAD, takeoff or accounting apps needed.
• Audit trail from first site visit to final invoice reduces change-order disputes.
• Cloud collaboration lets GC, HVAC sub and homeowner view the same live budget.
• Local rebate intelligence flags NorthWestern Energy incentives inside the estimate.
• Always upsell cold-climate heat pumps—they qualify for state tax credits and eliminate gas line rough-ins.
• Pre-run low-voltage cable for future condensate sensor tie-ins; CountBricks auto-adds $0.27/ft to materials.
• Specify high-altitude fan calibration to avoid derating; platform suggests factory code K2 models.
• Include a 5 % contingency line—wildfire smoke season often requires MERV-13 filter upgrades mid-project.
Once the homeowner signs, the same CountBricks project file converts to a progress-billing schedule. Purchase orders sync with Helena suppliers, and technicians clock hours against the original labor budget. When the last supply register is balanced, click “Finalize” and CountBricks pushes the invoice to your accounting software—no double data entry, no missed change tickets.
Visit CountBricks.com/services to schedule a live demo or start a free trial. In under 30 minutes you’ll see why leading Helena builders rely on CountBricks for accurate, profitable air conditioning projects.
When Canyon Ridge Builders broke ground on a midsize Craftsman, they partnered with CountBricks to keep mechanical costs tight and documentation bulletproof.
• 2,200 SF, two-story stick frame with vaulted great room
• Target HERS score of 55
• Homeowner required Wi-Fi-enabled zoning and year-round humidity control
1. The superintendent uploaded the architect’s PDF set into CountBricks.com/takeoffs. In 14 minutes the AI produced a room-by-room cooling load with suggested duct runs.
2. During a site walk, he used voice commands to log rough-in tasks: “Set air handler platform,” “Install 18-inch return trunk.” The estimate auto-populated with Montana labor rates.
3. A side-by-side comparison of 16 SEER2 vs 20 SEER2 systems showed a 6-year payback. The homeowner chose the premium option, increasing contract value by $3,800.
4. CountBricks flagged a NorthWestern Energy rebate worth $450, automatically deducting it from the proposal so the client saw real net cost.
• Total HVAC bid time: 42 minutes versus the usual 4 hours
• Final cost variance at project closeout: +0.7 %
• Warranty claims avoided: blower speed preset correctly using CountBricks start-up checklist
• Early collaboration on duct layout avoided a framing clash that would have cost two days’ rework.
• Live pricing protected margins when copper prices spiked 8 % mid-build—CountBricks auto-adjusted the material allowance before purchase orders were issued.
Visit CountBricks.com/consultation to upload your own plans or schedule a 1-on-1 strategy session. Whether you’re bidding a single AC retrofit or fifty-lot subdivision, CountBricks equips Helena contractors with the data and automation they need to win more work—profitably.
