Well, I went to XYZ, Inc, yesterday, and was outfitted immediately. The
counter man was helpful in calculating which CFM I needed, and duct sizing.
I called other supply houses, and they treated me like I was intruding.
Smartass primadonna HVAC people, I assume. I am calling them XYZ because I
want to protect them from any HVAC people who might call them and bitch that
they are selling to "citizens."

I got a bid from a "friend" who is a licensed HVAC person. 24' of 14" dia.
spiral, 8 90 deg. elbows, two 14" cans, and two grates. Two custom made
pieces of sheet metal. ................ $3200. I was to provide the swamp
cooler and stand. All materials at jobsite, and cleanup by owner.

So far, the total is $256 for parts, $550 for cooler, about $30 for stand.
All materials are on site at this time, having picked them up yesterday.

I estimate it will take two guys two days at tops for installation, and I
would estimate we do it in less time. One of them will be me, and one is my
hired ex-contractor friend who I pay $25 per hour, so I would estimate that
cost at $800 if I were to pay myself. I know my other HVAC "friend" would
have hired a $10 (or less) per hour grunt, therefore getting $40 per hour
for his side.

That leaves $1,564 for what? Some Primadonna HVAC person?

I don't think so, Tim.

Since this group is alt.home.repair instead of alt.HVACkvetching, I have
chosen to post this here as an example of how one can save money getting a
job done right, and for about half the cost.

Hell, for the $1,600 saved, I could take a hell of a ski trip. Or a cruise.
Or just go rent a couple of bimbos and spend a day diving in the hot tub.
drool...............

OR, I could just buy more tools ................ double
drool.......................

Figger it out, people. It ain't rocket science. BTW, the original
contractor is yet to show up to give his estimate. I will report back if
and when he does with his price.

Steve