I would want to see some load calcs for each zone and size of zone. Any of these zones a finished basement?

260 KBTUs heating
10 tons of cooling

Really.

I might consider using zoning controls to eliminate at least one system.

IMO

No zones in a finished basement. 3rd floor is open area high ceilings to roof rafters, under 1st floor is insulated floor and then 5'6" un-insulated crawl space.

any issues with preferred condensing units and evolution furnaces? I had wanted all evolution system but this is how he quoted it.

I can't believe the sizing is correct.

I would zone the finished basement off the main floor system and use a zoning control.

As far as upstairs system, where will furnace be located?

It is highly suspect to have nice Evolution furnaces controlled by a cheap HW thermostat. Insist on the Evolution controller. That's a big mistake.

IMO

I have to agree with Tigerdunes. This is sizing does not make sense especially for new construction.

You need to review the load calculations with the contractor. Find out what design temperatures were used.

Where will the furnaces for the second and third floor be located?

This is a very expensive quote yet the contractor could did not include Evolution controllers. This is a red flag in my opinion. Is this an authorized Bryant dealer?

Just to be clear there is no finished basement, the house is built on piers enclosed with breakaway walls for flood protection.

Quoted price is 40,500.00

1st and 2nd floor furnaces will be located on the second floor in an unfinished space. 3rd floor is living space and will be located in attic or same second floor unfinished space.

Sorry my misunderstanding.

What are living area size of main floor, second floor, and third floor?

Insist on Evolution controller for each system. If not, you will shortchange a nice system and yourself.

IMO

You are spending a lot of money and you want the HVAC installation to be done correctly. Builders know very little when it comes to HVAC. It is the item that gets the least amount in the budget and it is usually subbed out to the lowest bidder.

You need to have a real load calculation done. By real I mean using software which complies with the Manual J calculation with all the correct inputs. If the HVAC contractor cannot do this then find someone else. The Byant evolution equipment is one of the best on the market. However it will never work correctly if it is oversized and poorly installed.

I am in the Princeton NJ area. I would love to recommend an HVAC contractor but I don't think he is going to travel to the Jersey shore.

Thank you for all the great replies, I really appreciate it.

1st floor bedrooms/baths - 1650 sq ft

2nd floor bedrooms/baths - 1500 sq ft

3rd floor open living space - 1350 sq ft

It's very difficult, I agree. At first i got a quote that said 17 seer/90% efficiency units and duct work to be sized along with the price. I pressed for details and finally got them.

Great HVAC you are being quoted. Add the Evolution controllers. You will never regret it.

You are being grossly oversized though.

I would zone either the 1st and 2nd floors or even the 2nd and 3rd floors.

I would let the load calculation and what's practical be your guide. It's difficult for me to believe you need 3 independent systems.

Good luck.
IMO