Best place to get advice on replacement options

[Maikerum]

When I have to make a big decision to make, spending $200 to $300k, what is the best kind of consultant to use? This site is great, and I greatly appreciate the opinions I get here, but occasionally I would like paid help to evaluate bids on equipment replacement.

My initial thought is to use a Mechanical Engineer PE as a consultant to evaluate bids, but do they really know about equipment reliability, longevity, life-cycle cost the way a working mechanic does?

What are ya'll's thoughts on the best way to pick a consultant to sort through the bids.

I usually only get 3 to 4 bids so every bid know he has a good chance of winning the project, but it is hard to know for sure which equipment recommendation is the best, and of course, how to be sure it is installed right, too. I appreciate any advice.

Thanks

[Russ57]

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[jpsmith1cm]

Russ57


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[dan sw fl]

A local Charlotte Mechanical Engineering firm in the Building Management area should be a real source of assistance.
They routinely address equipment reliability, longevity, life-cycle cost issues when dealing with every day, front-line operations.

You may wish to ask yourself ...
WHO will be able to be a unique Team mate and assist me in the most meaningful manner over the next decade or two?

Just to mention a couple ...
i.e.

http://www.commercialhvaccharlotte.c...echanical.html

http://www.goodiaq.com/

[dan sw fl]

3
http://www.ceseng.net/6301.html

4
http://www.mckenneys.com/about-us.aspx

5
http://www.unitedhvac.com/United%20Mechanical.html

6
http://www.pentaengr.com/about/why-penta.php

Depending on your overall objectives, I see that one or more of these firms may be a good partner.

[chillerout1]

give rusty a call at our office Mann Mechanical we would be interested in bidding on your replacement chiller. Look us up at mannmechanical.com

[dan sw fl]

give rusty a call at our office Mann Mechanical we would be interested in bidding on your replacement chiller. Look us up at mannmechanical.com

Although Mann Mechanical has impressive credentials based on review of their experience / portfolio, 230 miles from Charlotte is not what many would believe is _Local_.

[Maikerum]

Thanks everyone, for the great advice. I was skeptical whether Mechanical Engineering consultants would have the sort of hands-on knowledge that I get from HVAC mechanics, but if you all are recommending them, I feel better about using them. I appreciate the list of recommendations.

Mann Mechanical might be local enough for this job, since it is in Augusta, GA, but I have no shortage of bidders. I like to keep my bid lists to 3 or 4 per job so everyone knows they have a reasonable chance of getting the job. I will keep them in mind for future work.