How to Incorporate MEPF Design in Construction

By Steve Couch

May 11, 2021

The MEPF system is like the building’s central nervous system. It is the core system that supports all the other features of the structure. In layman’s terms, MEPF is what makes your building livable and comfortable. Disregarding proper and optimized MEPF design in a construction planning process can lead to more costly mistakes in the

long run.

What is MEPF Design?

MEPF stands for Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection. MEPF refers to the various aspects of the construction that need to be designed. Whether it is the HVAC systems, fire protection installations, electrical fixtures, or piping systems, all these must be planned and designed strategically from the initial stages of design to prevent clashes at later construction stages.

• Mechanical design refers to the elements that help make life inside the building more comfortable, particularly the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

• The electrical system, on the other hand, keeps the lights on in the building, keeps your devices powered, and ensures other systems are efficiently running.

• Plumbing systems provide your building with clean water for drinking, cleaning, bathing, and more, while managing storm and sanitary wastewater safely.

• Fire protection, the last element in MEPF Design, refers to the fire safety installations that actively and passively protect the building from fire.

All of these elements work together to bring you a habitable building.

Benefits of MEPF Design Pre-Construction 

MEPF Design is involved in every stage of the building construction, but it has the most impact during the pre-construction stages. Incorporating MEPF Design during the planning and strategizing process can reduce building costs, create a better environment for the occupants, and provide your building with a competitive edge in real estate.

These are the main advantages of integrating MEPF design during the initial stages of the construction:

Troubleshoot Issues Before They Pose a Threat

The planning stage provides you with a general direction on how the MEP construction would go. By laying out these elements before construction begins, engineers, architects, and building contractors will be able to predict any issues that might pop up during the later stages. Being able to spot problems ahead of time allows you to adjust the design and come up with solutions, instead of simply reacting to the challenges. MEPF Design also helps eliminate dangers for each phase of the construction project.

Minimal Physical Waste

With MEPF Design, all aspects measured precisely to make the most of the resources. It is easier to estimate the materials needed for the MEP construction because all the systems have been carefully visualized and planned. MEPF also improves cost estimation and streamlines the processes involved during the construction, saving you time and money.

Easier Collaboration

Regardless of the complexity of the project, planning ahead minimizes rework. Collaborative planning means looping everyone in the process, including the building contractors, architects, engineers, and workers. With every member of the team working together according to the MEPF design, efficiency is improved and the time spent on the actual construction is shortened.

According to a pre-construction planning article published by the Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, construction planning is the key to project success due to the complex coordination these projects require. The more time you spend on planning your MEPF design, the less time you’ll need to actually work on it.

Benefits of MEPF Design Post-Construction

As we mentioned earlier, MEPF Design impacts every step of the construction project. But the benefits are more pronounced after the MEP construction has been completed. These advantages are mostly enjoyed by the occupants of the building,

and they include:

Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation

Once the building becomes operational, utility bills, such as gas, electricity, and water, become part of the occupant’s monthly expenses. Depending on the usage, bills can go as high as five or six figures every month. But if MEPF was applied during the pre-construction and actual construction stages, all systems will be working in optimal condition, greatly reducing your water and energy consumption.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Did you know that indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), polluted indoor air is responsible for 3.8 million deaths every year. In fact, during the pandemic, there is an increased mortality rate in indoor areas with harmful particulate matter. Proper ventilation and lower air recirculation can help improve the air quality inside buildings.

Building Maintenance

A building with a MEPF Design makes maintenance and renovation work a lot easier. The layout makes it easier for additional equipment to be installed and for replacements to be carried out.

Proper Safety Protocols in Place

Aside from optimizing your system, MEPF Design also ensures that the structure complies with relevant building and fire safety codes. A fire protection system also protects the building and its occupants from the dangers of fire incidents.

Conclusion

MEPF Design provides value at every stage of the construction journey — from the planning phase to design and construction. BIM Designs, Inc. can help with your next project. We can help you maximize your investment with a comprehensive range of services that include AutoCAD MEP, field surveys, schematic design, feasibility studies, design development, and consultation services.

Schedule a free consultation today to know more about how we can help you.

About BIM Designs, Inc.

BIM Designs, Inc. is an agile BIM design, modeling, consulting, and coordination service provider for architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) contractors and developers that desire experienced journeymen detailers and engineers for Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection (MEPF) modeling, Laser Scanning, and Virtual Design Construction (VDC) projects.

If you need 3D BIM modeling, design, and MEP detailing services, BIM Designs, Inc. (BDI) has the expert tradesmen who know how to precisely design and model your systems. Contact us today for a free estimate or to discuss your project needs.