MEP systems play a critical role in modern buildings by creating a suitable indoor environment for human occupants over long periods. But, MEP system installations occupy a significant percentage of the construction expenses, and they usually take up to 30 percent of the construction project budget in several cases. The exciting news is that you can reduce MEP design costs in residential buildings without interfering with performance. You can use intelligent decisions to reduce the MEP design costs and enhance some project aspects at once. In this post, you’ll get the top tips for reducing MEP design cost in residential buildings.
Let’s get started!
Start With Equipment Suppliers And Contractors
A significant percentage of change orders occur because of poor communication cases. For example, expect expensive changes while working on the project if the installation requirements and dimensions get assumed incorrectly. However, you can avoid surprises and get precise design requirements if you involve equipment suppliers and contractors from the start.
Clear communication plays a critical role if your project involves modular construction and prefabrication. The construction team needs to assemble the building with the prefabricated components delivered to the construction site (mostly with in-built MEP systems). It’s a faster construction process, but it features less modification flexibility after completing the modules.
Technology can help a lot to simplify the coordination between the parties working on the construction project. Modern design software is an excellent example. It facilitates simultaneous tasks on one building model. Also, with this software, you can detect and get notifications about clashes between components immediately.
Optimize The MEP Installation Layout
MEP installations feature several components, but you can’t see that they consume more space. For example, a standard commercial construction can feature several air ducts, piping, and feet of conduit concealed behind the building’s ceilings and walls.
Even experienced engineers always find it challenging to get the perfect layout for these systems using the conventional 2D software. However, you can easily optimize the MEP system layout by taking your design to 3D environments like Revit.
Expect to face two primary types of expenses if you use inefficient MEP layouts. These include more skilled labor and more materials. However, the project becomes much cheaper when you eliminate a ductwork/piping or foot of conduit from the project design.
Reduce HVAC Workloads By Enhancing The Building Envelope
Boiler and several other large HVAC equipment pieces remain the most costly MEP components in any building project. However, the nameplate capacity plays a critical role in determining the units’ price.
Most people prefer going for oversized equipment, but that’s unnecessary spending. Besides this, large equipment is not recommended because it increases maintenance costs and makes it even more expensive.
With an efficient thermal envelope in your building, you’ll conserve indoor heat effectively in winter and block outdoor heat in summer. Also, this building can maintain comfortable temperatures using less cooling/heating.
Plan The Construction Project With Anticipation And Carefully
Expect to have a costly project if you don’t plan it with anticipation and carefully. You can experience this even with a skilled contractor and professional design. There are several seasonal elements you need to put in mind when planning the building project.
For example, expect a shortage of experienced labor to slow you down if you start your construction project when several construction activities are on the way. Also, prepare to pay overtime if you have to meet a tight deadline.
Final Thoughts
Those are the primary tips to implement if you want to reduce MEP design costs in residential buildings. Note that the best real estate developer is the one who knows to complete a construction project with no/minor change orders.
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