What to Know Before Working With an MEP Engineer
During the construction of any building, MEP engineers are crucial to the success of the project. Buildings are complex structures that require many specialized individuals to handle the planning of each aspect. MEP stands for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing.
MEP engineers oversee the design and installation of the heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, and the plumbing systems of a building. If you’re looking to construct a building, there are a few things you need to know before you start working with your MEP engineer.
In order to help to prevent roadblocks and complete your project seamlessly, here are a few things you need to know before you start working with your MEP engineer.
1. How Energy-Efficient Do You Want Your Building to Be?
Every building has a certain level of energy efficiency determined by how it’s built and what products and systems are used. Depending on how energy-efficient you want a building to be, an MEP engineer will have different options and materials at his or her disposal.
Natural skylights, for instance, can be implemented to reduce lighting costs when artificial lighting isn’t needed. You might also want governors installed on certain water spouts to reduce water waste.
It’s important to communicate your desired level of energy efficiency to your MEP engineer because without discussing the matter, you could end up with less efficient materials that raise your overhead costs and aren’t as eco-friendly.
2. Local Fire Codes and Safety Regulations
Because MEP engineers are involved in the installation of fire alarms, smoke detectors, handrails, and all other safety systems and equipment, you need to be informed about what’s required in your building. Not knowing what equipment and regulations you need to follow could lead to you failing your building inspection and setting yourself back weeks on your project completion time.
3. Are You Worried About Noise Pollution?
Noise pollution is quite common for buildings that are located near busy roads, airports, and other noisy places. While you can mitigate noise pollution by choosing certain types of building materials and insulation, having architectural metal grilles is another way to help cancel out noise pollution.
An MEP engineer needs to know what you expect in terms of noise levels for your building so they can add on extra equipment like architectural grilles if need be. Failing to inform your MEP engineer about concerns like this could lead to a disruptive amount of noise pollution if your building is an especially noisy area.
Communicating with Your MEP Engineer is Important to Avoid Major Problems
There are a variety of factors that can influence the work of an MEP engineer. As the overseer of your building construction project, it’s your job to know all of these factors and relay the necessary info to your MEP engineer.
Lack of communication can lead to a range of problems, so getting on the same page with them about requirements and personal preferences can help you create the perfect building and avoid any problems.