What to Expect from Your MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing) Consultant
by Evan Parganos

Whether you are an architect, building owner or engineer, a time will come when you require the services of an MEP consulting firm. Of course, you'll want the highest quality work for a great price. Keep these prerequisites in mind as you research the best team for your project:

Responsive service. Response to your questions should be quick. Construction projects move fast, and the solution to one problem is often the determinant for the next step moving forward. All queries should receive a reply within 24 hours.

Full service MEP. A quality MEP consulting firm should be able to show you hard proof of their experience. Conduct a thorough interview of your potential candidate to determine that they have successfully designed projects for their clients in the following fields:

Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning. Your goal is to have systems designed and developed that are efficient, environmentally friendly, and capable of delivering optimum user comfort. These projects should also conform to your specific needs and budgetary requirements.

Electrical Power and Lighting. From the initial workup to the design details, to purchasing of equipment, there is an incredible amount of detail involved with the electrical and lighting phase of your building project. Lighting systems are an integral part of a building's energy usage and indoor quality. Make sure your MEP consulting firm is well informed and experienced in these areas so that you can save money in the long run.

Fire Alarm and Fire Protection. Your fire alarm and sprinkler systems should not only conform to industry standards and meet all code requirements, but also measure up to the needs of your institution. Building code requirements for fire alarm and sprinkler systems can be extremely complex and require interpretation. Look for an MEP firm who has designed fire protection systems of varying sizes and for the specific purpose that you have in mind.

Plumbing. From selecting the right equipment, determining pipe size requirements and load calculations, to potable cold and hot water, to sanitary vents and sewage systems... plumbing projects require industry experience and precision planning. Ensure that your plumbing system is safe, efficient, and expertly designed using the highest quality fixtures and equipment.

Energy Management. The world is changing, and your MEP consultant should be up to date with all of the latest energy management solutions. The goal is to help you make the most efficient use of your building systems while saving money in the process. Knowledge of government energy rebate programs that can save the client up-front costs is a must.

Attention to detail. Part of the deliverable for every project should include expert Energy Management, Utility Coordination and adherence to all Safety Codes. This means a higher quality end result and greater cost effectiveness for you, the client.

Minimal change orders. You are paying the engineer to thoroughly survey the job site for all existing conditions. Multiple surveys of a space should be expected for any renovation project. Small assessments can usually be completed with one survey. Expect attentive design that ensures the job gets done right the first time!

Valued design without “over-engineering.” You are paying the engineer to analyze different solutions and weigh their cost implications — NOT just solve the problem in the only way they know how. Your engineering consultant should always be thinking outside of the box and should also have knowledge of the costs of systems they are specifying.

Accountability. Each phase of your construction project requires specific knowledge, equipment, procedures and teams. Be sure that your engineer and architect are able to work as one — "your design team". Each must be available and accountable for coordination between their trades.

Communication. While your MEP team should of course be professional and experts at what they do, they should also be open to outside suggestions. Additionally, it's important that the engineer communicates the intentions of their design in a language the client understands to avoid taking the wrong direction when designing the project.

Need to find a Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing firm for your next project?

Visit epengineer.com to learn more about the services we offer. For a custom quote, contact evan@epengineer.com today.

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