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Project process

From First Conversation to Startup & Closeout

A clear mechanical project process—from initial fit and planning through coordination, installation, startup, and closeout.

Every project starts by establishing fit. We review scope, project type, schedule, team structure, and whatever plans or field information you already have.

Qualified projects move into the appropriate design-build or construction workflow—whether that is a residential replacement, a remodel with an architect and GC, or a commercial buildout or tenant improvement.

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Process overview

  1. Fit Conversation

  2. Review & Planning

  3. Scope & Proposal

  4. Design & Coordination

  5. Installation

  6. Startup & Closeout

Residential HVAC Projects

Residential HVAC for Planned Home Projects

Detailed path

What happens after you reach out

The exact path depends on project type, existing conditions, plans, team structure, and project complexity. The framework stays consistent.

  1. 01

    Fit Conversation

    We establish whether the project fits 3rdGen’s scope, geography, schedule, and project profile before either side commits to unnecessary work.

    You provide:

    • Project type and location
    • Rough scope
    • Timing
    • Plans or photos if available

    We establish:

    • Project fit
    • Likely delivery path
    • Next step

  2. 02

    Review & Planning

    We review the available project information and determine what needs to be verified, designed, coordinated, or visited before pricing.

    May include:

    • Plan review
    • Existing-condition review
    • Site walkthrough
    • Preliminary system discussion
    • Coordination with GC, architect, or engineer

  3. 03

    Scope & Proposal

    We define the mechanical scope and prepare a proposal based on the recommended project approach.

    Proposal may address:

    • Equipment / system concept
    • Labor and installation scope
    • Exclusions and project assumptions
    • Alternates only where justified
    • Schedule expectations

  4. 04

    Design & Coordination

    Where required, we develop or coordinate the information needed to execute the project correctly.

    May include:

    • Residential load calculations where appropriate
    • Equipment selection
    • Duct / piping routing
    • Ventilation planning
    • Structural / architectural coordination
    • Submittals, mechanical coordination, and RFIs

  5. 05

    Installation

    The field team executes the approved scope while coordinating with the broader project schedule and other trades.

    Emphasize:

    • Field coordination
    • Documentation and scope control
    • Clean installation
    • Schedule awareness
    • Direct communication

  6. 06

    Startup & Closeout

    Systems are started, checked, commissioned as applicable, and prepared for final turnover.

    May include:

    • Startup and functional checks
    • Airflow / balancing work where applicable
    • Controls setup within 3rdGen scope
    • Inspection / permit closeout
    • Owner orientation and final documentation

Project teams

We work with the people designing and building the project

Mechanical work rarely happens in isolation. We coordinate with the people responsible for design, construction, engineering, and ownership from early planning through closeout.

Whether you are a GC sequencing trades, an architect resolving routing and equipment placement, an engineer aligning field execution with design intent, or an owner leading the mechanical scope directly, we plug into the team structure you already have.

FAQ

Common Questions

Straight answers about timing, design, permits, team coordination, and project fit.

How long does an HVAC project typically take?

Timing depends on project type, permitting, equipment lead times, coordination, and construction sequencing. A straightforward residential retrofit may move quickly once scope is clear; remodel, custom-home, tenant improvement, and commercial scopes follow the broader project schedule.

How do you approach system sizing and design?

Residential projects may include project-tied Manual J, S, and D work where appropriate for scopes we design and install. Commercial work may be plan-and-spec, engineer-led, or design-build depending on the contract. We are not a third-party calculation shop or a licensed mechanical engineering firm.

Who handles permits and Title 24?

Structure varies by project. 3rdGen can manage HVAC permitting and required mechanical documentation within the contracted scope. Broader building permit responsibility may sit with the GC, owner, or design team—we clarify that in the proposal.

Will I work with the same people throughout the project?

We run a lean team with direct communication and clear project ownership. The people involved in early review and coordination stay connected through installation and closeout rather than handing the job off through layers of dispatch.

What if I am already working with an architect, GC, or mechanical engineer?

That is normal—and often preferred—on remodel, new construction, and commercial projects. We coordinate into the existing team on routing, submittals, schedule, and field execution rather than trying to replace it.

Do you take small repairs or emergency service calls?

No. We focus on planned replacements, retrofits, remodels, new construction, and commercial mechanical projects with defined scope—not break/fix or emergency service.

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