By Mashum Mollah
With the ever-rising efforts to promote an optimal indoor environment in all kinds of buildings, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems are extremely important in modern buildings. However, one of the most common issues with MEP systems is that they represent over 30% of the construction costs in many buildings.
The good thing is that there are many ways to cut down the cost of MEP systems without compromising performance and efficiency. With smart designs, along with cost reduction, some aspects of the project can be further improved.
Depending on the building project, the number of effective measures varies. This article will walk you through the 4 strategies that apply to almost every project and can effectively reduce the cost of MEP installations. These measures can also help a real estate developer complete the construction project with little to no change orders.
Tip #1 – Involving Contractors & Supplies from the Start
For developers and construction managers, change orders are a nightmare and can cause disruptions in the projects. An effective strategy for building a better communication foundation for the project is to get all the associated parties involved from the get go. This way, important factors like design requirements, equipment dimensions, etc. are clear and transparent.
In projects that implement prefabrication and modular construction, clear communication is even more important and should be prioritized. This is mainly because the MEP systems are built-in the prefabricated components that are later assembled on the project’s site.
Since the pandemic, communication strategies and collaborative techniques experienced tremendous growth. When used in construction projects, the modern design software allows working on the same building model, detect clashes among components and notify immediately all at the same time.
Tip #2 – Optimizing the MEP Installations Layout
MEP installations are complex and have various components, but the ones that need the most space are often hidden from plain sight. For instance, buildings have thousands of feet of conduit, air ducts, and piping which are concealed behind the walls and ceilings. Finding the efficient layout for these components is extremely challenging with the conventional 2D design software. However, with 3D design software like Revit, the MEP system layouts can be optimized much easily.
An inefficient layout results in additional expenses like more materials and more skilled labor. With an efficient design, the excess of materials is eliminated and thus leads to savings.
When all the associated parties are involved from the beginning of the project (Tip #1), architects and design engineers can focus on identifying the optimal layout once all the locations, dimensions, and installation requirements are known clearly.
Tip #3 – Improving the Building Envelope
Large HVAC equipment like boilers and chillers are among the most expensive MEP components. However, their price is mostly determined by the nameplate capacity. There’s a common misconception that having oversized equipment is a good thing. However, the truth is quite the opposite when it comes to considering expenses, as the oversizing makes maintenance more expensive.
For a building with an efficient thermal envelope, the indoor temperature is effectively maintained regardless of the weather outside. On the other hand, if the building envelope is inefficient, maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature would result in higher expenses even after using efficient HVAC equipment.
Tip #4 – Plan the Project Carefully
An effective plan is like the foundation for every project and lack of planning, more than often, leads to additional unplanned expenses, even if you have a professional design and experienced contractors.
The common types of issues due to lack of planning are –
- Shortage of labor when there’s plenty of activity right from the beginning.
- Forced to pay overtime due to tight deadlines.
Seasonal factors must also be considered in the plan. With the current seasonal shift, HVAC installers may be busy with projects in multiple buildings due to summer. This may lead to a delay in installing the HVAC components.
Tip #5 – Think About Energy Efficiency from Day One
Energy efficiency is one of the best investments owners can make in their buildings regardless of what their motivations are. It reduces utility costs, and it may lower capital costs.
If your HVAC Roof-Top Unit (RTU) can have a smaller capacity, then certainly speak with your consultant about sizing your conduits or ducts! The less tonnage by overcapacity you specify while designing, the less money an owner will spend out of pocket for new equipment.
For instance, if you use energy efficient windows with proper insulation, you will be able to keep the indoor temperature stable without much effort.
This means less reliance on heating and cooling equipment. Hence, you can save on both upfront costs and operation costs over time.
Tip #6 – Tap Into the Power of Automation
Another way to lower MEP costs is by using smart technology and building automation. Buildings today can be equipped with systems that respond and adjust lighting, temperature, and even plumbing automatically based on real-time conditions.
By marrying such technologies with your MEP systems, you can achieve the lowest energy consumption or waste possible.
For example, if no one is in the building, you don’t want the system working at full-blast cooling in an empty space. Automated light levels will ensure lights are only on when they need to be.
With automated metering or monitoring built into these types of systems, you will also get real-time feedback about your building’s actual energy performance. So, as soon as something goes wrong, you’ll know.
Tip #7 – Use Modular MEP Components
One way to accelerate installation and save on costs is by using modular MEP components.
These are pre-engineered and pre-assembled offsite before being delivered to the site for installation. Doing so not only reduces onsite labor but also minimizes errors, rework, or material waste.
The improved quality, along with faster installation, makes it an obvious solution for many contemporary construction challenges – and it typically comes with no variation order pangs of regret!
What do you Think?
Reducing MEP costs doesn’t mean compromising on quality or efficiency. By following these strategies, focusing on smart design, energy efficiency, smart technology, and careful planning, you can ensure that your project stays within budget while still delivering top-notch results.
Every construction project has its unique challenges, but with the right approach, you can save on costs and improve overall performance.
Remember, cutting costs is about making smarter decisions. So, as you move forward with your building project, keep these tips in mind to achieve the perfect balance between cost, performance, and long-term value.
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