Given the issues you have described with how the work has progress, it is difficult to decipher what "trim install cost" means. This is not a term usually associated with HVAC installations.

Was the contractor supposed to install two gas furnaces and AC condensers? If so have the furnaces been installed? Have the AC condensers been delivered and waiting to be connected?

There is one gas furnace installed upstairs. But there are no AC units on site whatsoever. Typically, what is considered "trim out" for HVAC?

I have never heard "trim out" used for HVAC installations. Perhaps someone else can comment on this.

I would be very concerned if $9,850 has been paid out and all the equipment is not at your house. Before you fire the contractor he needs to deliver the equipment. I do not think the remaining $2,000 will enough to cover the installation costs for the one furnace and the two condensers.

Is the ductwork, gas lines, electric in place? If so, you are probably looking at another $9,000-$10,000 to get the furnace, condensers and coils installed. If not, you are probably looking at around $15k. $2000 might get you an internet furnace, not much more.

Too expensive, ASK for another price.

https://www.newcentralairconditioner.com/

@sktn77a the furnace and all duct work has been completed and installed. We’ve passed the rough-in already. We still need to get the two AC Condensers and the regular trim out like vents, thermostats, etc

OK, then depending on what kind of equipment you want and how big it is, you're looking at 2 condensers, 2 coils, a furnace and 2 thermostats. I don't see you getting much change out of $10,000 unless you buy them off the internet and install them yourself (not an option, I'm guessing)!

The plan was to have one furnace and two AC condensers? Is this correct? If so how was this going to work?

@mike_home hmm interesting point. I am honestly not sure how this works and as you can tell, I am in way over my head on this renovation and put too much trust into the professionals. I just see one furnace already installed on our second floor, there very well could be a second furnace in our basement.

If you paid for two independent zones, then that requires two furnaces and two AC condensers. It also means two thermostats. One furnace and two condensers is not going to work.

Is the plan to fire the general contractor now without doing any additional HVAC work?

Was the total gut job $203,000? This sum to include the HVAC?

Trim install cost: it really doesn't matter what terms are used, as verbage like this is designed to 'keep the money wall open'.

If you don't have a concrete price... like out the door cost as an example they can come back at you for more money.

Typically they are called 'change orders' in the GC realm. A change or deviation from the original specifications of the contract.

In a $200K+ renovation their are bound to be changes along the way. Either the homeowner changes their mind about something, or the contractor runs into an unexpected problem. The contractor and homeowner have to come to an agreement how to resolve it and if the budget has to change. I encourage you to watch some episodes of Love it or List it on HGTV. It is reality TV but it is interesting to watch.

The HVAC cost estimate should be fairly accurate. What should have happened in my opinion is the equipment is selected with the appropriate size. The sub contractor gives an installation cost based on the equipment. It could turn out the installation is more difficult than originally planned because something changed during the renovation. I would not expect a significant cost increase. If there is then the general contractor needs to explain to you why this happened.

I don't understand why a furnace would be installed but not the condenser. There has to be a good reason to do this. If the HVAC sub contractor has to make multiple trips then it installation cost is higher. Your general contractor is not being honest with you.

@mike_home thanks for this info. I think I’ve confused everyone on this thread by the term “203k”. I was referring to the type of renovation this is, not the dollar amount. Apologies for that.

I was able to confirm we have two furnaces installed in the house but there are definitely no AC units. My original thought was perhaps it’s because our neighborhood is a bit transitional and we wanted to hold off until the home was closer to completion so they didn’t sit there for months at an abandoned house.

our contractor is refusing to be transparent with the prices because this isn’t a cost plus contract. So it’s become very difficult to decipher what our sub has been paid.

I guess no one can really answer this question for me other than him. I just wanted to know I am not crazy for thinking only $2,000 is definitely not enough to get two AC units. From your experience, would a sub get paid ahead for the units during rough-in?

If that's the case: $12000 budget for a gut job down to studs to include HVAC equipment is too low of a budget.

I have now have learned about a 203K renovation loan. Thanks for clearing that up.

From your experience, would a sub get paid ahead for the units during rough-in?

You don't know what the arrangement was between the sub and the general contractor. If the furnaces have been in the house a long time then I would suspect the sub would have wanted the money up front.

So it’s become very difficult to decipher what our sub has been paid.

Are you saying the general contractor has paid out $9,850 of the HVAC budget but you don't know how much of the went to the HVAC subcontractor?

I guess no one can really answer this question for me other than him. I just wanted to know I am not crazy for thinking only $2,000 is definitely not enough to get two AC units.

If you have to hire another HVAC contractor then $2000 is not enough. If you can work with the current subcontractor there is a chance.