It is rightfully said that MEP systems are the central nervous system of a building. These systems are largely responsible for making any building suitable to live in. If MEPs are not well planned, then no matter how grand or exotic the building is, it’d simply not make for a good place to inhabit. Without a great design, these buildings are essentially hollow brick structures. Thus, hiring the right MEP consultants in Dubai is of utmost importance.
However, this does not mean that one needs to spend more than half of the construction budget on just the MEP systems. The right consultants will find ways of reducing the cost of MEP systems without compromising on the ‘creature comfort’ feature of the building. Some ways in which engineers can do this is as follows:
Involve Stakeholders
Communication is really the key here. Involving suppliers and contractors from the very beginning will help in avoiding changes that occur due to poor communication. For example, if there are changes in the measurements or requirement of hardware that was previously not mentioned, it might lead to extra expenses during the development of the structure. There is several software available that makes it possible to keep everyone updated and get inputs from everyone during every stage of construction.
Effective Frameworks
The importance of creating an effective MEP framework cannot be emphasized enough. The installations requiring maximum space usually need to be hidden such as air pipes and funneling. Making changes in their layouts after the majority of construction is done is almost impossible but even if it were possible, it’d increase the expenditure. Thus, engineers need to ensure that only the most optimum layout is finalized and get each and every stakeholder’s approval for the same.
Thermal Envelopes
The thermal envelope of a building is essentially everything that separates the inside of the building from the external environmental factors. The more effective this thermal envelope, the less workload on the HVAC equipment. In the world of construction, it is well known that HVAC equipment is the costliest part of MEP systems. And it is widely believed that the larger the equipment, the better it is. However, this only tends to increase the cost. If the thermal envelope is effective, then the extra cost of acquiring and installing excessively large equipment can be avoided.
Proper Planning
Lastly, it is important to remember that perfect planning is the key to saving in any kind of project. Notify the contractors, the laborers and the suppliers of the requirements of the construction at every single stage beforehand. For example, if the initial stage is expected to consist of fewer activities but the demand of labor is expected to increase eventually, then let your contractor know. Otherwise, you might have to pay double the amount to procure help at the last minute.
Conclusion
MEP systems are one of the most integral parts of any construction and hence, the planning needs to be extremely detailed right from the very beginning. Hiring professional architectural & engineering consultants who understand the needs of your project and the budget will play a key role in constructing a truly habitable building.
Skydiver, audiophil. Working at the junction of aesthetics and purpose to create strong, lasting and remarkable design. I’m fueled by craft beer, hip-hop and tortilla chips.
