Doing the Right Thing vs Doing Things Right in MEP

It may seem that ‘doing the right thing’ couldn’t be all that different from ‘doing things right’, but in the MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) sector of the construction industry and for mechanical designing services companies, there is a visible, almost tangible distinction. Typically, MEP consultants understand and evaluate client needs, offer professional expertise on the work process and provide MEP systems design as mechanical CAD drafting services and electrical CAD drafting services. The role of the MEP contractor is to ensure that the work process is implemented according to the selected design.

Therefore, by providing a spatially organised design and a design that meets the intended needs of the customer’s site, the MEP consultant is ‘doing the right thing’, while by making sure that construction adheres to the intended design on site, making sure that the construction model and drawings are accurate, clash-free and detailed for installation purposes and by making sure the project is delivered on time, the MEP contractor is ‘doing things right’.

So, let’s examine the role of the MEP consultant first.

The reasons why it is essential to employ an MEP consultant are as follows:

• Mechanical systems — consists of heaters, air conditioners, exhausts and smoke control devices; this system’s ability to provide comfort and run efficiently is the responsibility of the MEP consultant.
• Electrical systems — consists of fire alarms, security systems, smoke alarms, etc.; MEP consultants provide energy-efficient electrical design.
• Plumbing systems — involves fire suppression systems, gas delivery systems in medical and laboratory settings, water and waste management systems for drinking water, irrigation water, sewers, etc.; MEP consultants provide efficient plumbing design.
• Long-lasting design — designs with recent, competent technologies must be provided by the MEP consultant so that the maximum life cycle is ensured.
• Cost efficiency — MEP consultants provide design that helps stay within budget and are cost efficient.
• Maximum use — MEP consultants include products and systems that provide maximum use and easy maintenance in their design.
• Healthy indoors — Natural daylight, moisture control and MEP systems are designed by MEP consultants to maintain a healthy environment indoors.
• Building functions — MEP consultants design the entire HVAC system and process, with precise devices and software networks.
• Collaboration — MEP consultants work with architects, other engineers and owners to design building systems.
• Human Resources — MEP consultants can also hire an external MEP BIM specialist who can provide BIM MEP services and can validate consultants’ design.

Now that the role of the MEP consultant is clarified, how does he/she make it all happen?

The day-to-day functions of an MEP consultant include the following:

• Plan, design mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems
• Develop policy standards, inspection processes, evaluation tools for branch facilities
• Prepare and review drawings, specifications, cost estimations for MEP
• Develop best practice and maintenance procedures
• Develop facility database and master plan data
• Oversee subordinates, collaborate with architects and other engineers
• Prepare estimated costs of MEP components and systems
• Provide technical advice regarding installation and maintenance of MEP systems
• Analyse potential MEP challenges and devise their solutions
• Be proficient in MS Office, AutoCAD and project management software
• Communicate daily and effectively
• File/log/monitor MEP documentation with appropriate authorities
• Review contractor shop drawings/installation method statements and make clarifications
• Review and comment on the MEP contractor’s operation and maintenance manuals

Now, let’s look at the MEP contractor’s part in the process.

Doing Things Right

The MEP contractor’s role is fairly straightforward — ensure that the drawings and documentation provided to him/her by the MEP consultant is strictly followed, manage any unforeseen challenges as and when they crop up on site and ensure that MEP components and systems are installed to work seamlessly. Additional features of the MEP contractor’s role involves:

• Manage and monitor health and safety on site
• Note and report any problems to the project manager
• Monitor and stop installation work if there are any unresolved clashes on the drawings and may also risk health safety issues
• Coordinate or work closely with all MEP trades
• Monitor on-site piped system pressure test, air conditioning duct leakage testing, mechanical systems testing and commissioning, etc.
• Advise the project director

To optimise a building’s MEP performance, it is critical to have an MEP contractor on board. There are several benefits to this, including streamlining the construction process, ultimately resulting in valuable profits. The areas where the influence of MEP contractors is most keenly felt are as follows:

• Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

During construction, MEP contractors ensure that the HVAC plans are followed up with proper installation, helping deliver optimum levels of comfort to the eventual inhabitants of the building.

• Plumbing

Once the MEP consultant identifies the conservation strategies (for stormwater, sewage system, natural gas or irrigation system) with the best fit for your building, the MEP contractor ensures that the plumbing system is installed in such a manner these strategies are served cost effectively.

• Electrical

The MEP consultant designs an electrical system with efficient lighting fixtures, which can sometimes be automated, and helps improve the use of natural light. The MEP contractor ensures that this system is installed so that electricity usage is reduced.

• Energy Efficiency

Sustainability is a key component of MEP design. The MEP contractor seeks the best ways to facilitate energy conservation solutions, including the installation of equipment used for renewable energy sources and other environmentally friendly practices.

• Building Automation

The HVAC, electrical, security and fire alarm systems can be controlled by a centralised building automation firmware. The MEP contractor is expert at installing such an automated system to keep energy usage regulated.

• Air Quality Indoors

Designs that allow the maximum use of natural air can be assisted by HVAC systems that have varied moisture control features. The MEP contractor may even suggest other solutions, along with installing the proper HVAC system, to keep the air quality indoors safe and healthy.

• Hiring BIM Coordination Services

MEP contractors may also look for an expert who identifies clashes from the design drawings, which will not only help him/her understand the challenges at an early stage, but may also offer BIM coordination services and value engineering services.

One of the ways that MEP contractors can deliver their services seamlessly is to use BIM (Building Information Modelling) technology. Most construction projects in Western countries are required to use BIM technology by their respective governments. For those who do not have the required infrastructure and expertise, this can be an expensive proposition. Many consider BIM outsourcing to be an effective solution to this dilemma. Using offshore BIM service providers reduces the costs associated with using BIM technology and enables ongoing work to be minimally impacted.

For MEP contractors, BIM outsourcing means that an offshore company creates 3D models for coordination with other trades and provides coordinated drawings for on-site use. The models thus created can be provided to the general contractor or owner or both as an ‘as-built’ record.

Using BIM technology ultimately results in greater profits, reduced risks and the ability to effectively deliver the clients’ requests. For MEP contractors, requesting certain features, such as adding total stations point layout, prefabrication, procurement and duct CNC processes plans, may lead to greater profits.

With offshore BIM service providers delivering timely and cost-effective MEP BIM services and high-quality design and drafting services, such as mechanical CAD drafting services and electrical CAD drafting services, using the industry-favourite Revit platform, MEP consultants and MEP contractors move ever closer to both ‘doing the right thing’ and ‘doing things right’.

XS CAD has valuable experience providing BIM coordination services. Our range of MEP BIM services for building services design consultants and contractors across the world include MEP drafting, electrical drafting, public health system drafting and 3D MEP (M&E) coordination using BIM 360 Design.