The types of MEP drawings used in construction help the engineers understand how the systems for this work will be installed. These drawings are important because they facilitate coordination among different professions. Not only this, but cost estimation and project execution also require assistance from these drawings. This guide is an explanation of the types of MEP drawings.
If someone is planning a construction project, they can hire MEP Estimating Services to plan these three processes at least. Saving money in this case is not beneficial because if these systems are not installed properly, the residents or the users of the building feel discomfort. Getting fixes again and again can be more expensive than getting the service in the initial phase.
MEP Drawings Explained
These are technical documents like blueprints. They are more specific because they show the layout and design of three systems:
- Mechanical
- Electrical
- And plumbing
These systems need to be carefully installed because they are to be installed in or on the same walls, so it is important that they coordinate properly without disturbing each other’s paths. These drawings explain how all the systems will work together without conflict.
Importance of MEP Drawings in Construction
Modern buildings have more complex designs. And in residential buildings, where every house has a different architecture, it is important that MEP drawings are made in detail. Comfort in a building comes when every system is properly installed and is working without any problems. And this can be achieved when technical drawings for all the systems are made separately, and the installation is done following those rules. In short, the MEP drawings help with
- Coordination between systems
- Accurate material planning
- Smooth installation process
- Reduced errors in installation
Mechanical Drawings in MEP Systems
Mechanical drawings are made for systems like HVAC because this is the most accurate example of mechanical systems in residential and commercial buildings. The drawings will show the path of the ducts and the wires so that there is no problem with the application of it. In summary, the drawing includes
- HVAC layouts
- Ductwork
- Equipment Locations
- Vents
Electrical Drawings in MEP Systems
These drawings focus on power distribution and its wiring routes. These drawings have the routes defined in a very safe way. Which is why, if you follow the drawings, the system installation is done in a safe way and over time it also serves fine. Electrical drawings include
- Lighting layouts
- Power outlets and switches
- Cable routing and grounding
Plumbing Drawings in MEP Systems
These drawings include the information on installation for water supply and drainage systems. Their drawings show where the water lines will be installed and how drainage systems will be made. Pipe sizes and fixture locations are even mentioned in these drawings, which shows how detailed these drawings are.
- In the design stage, the drawings help engineers plan the routes.
- In the estimating stage, estimators use MEP drawings to calculate takeoff.
- In the construction phase, accurate drawings help install the system in order without confusion.
- In the maintenance stage, the as-built drawings are used, which will be discussed in the coming section.
Fire Protection Drawings
Fire protection drawings are sometimes included as MEP documentation. As the focus of MEP drawings is on the safety of the systems, sometimes fire protection is also included in that. These drawings include
- Fire sprinkler layouts
- Fire alarm systems
- Smoke detectors
Coordination Drawings in MEP Projects
Coordination drawings show how the three systems will coordinate. And all of this is given in a single drawing so that any clash between systems does not happen. Clashes between systems can cause discomfort for the residents of the house, which is never wanted. They help the workers install the system in a way that
- Overlapping between systems does not happen
- Resolve any space conflicts
- The installation process becomes easy and clear
When people are in the process of constructing a building, it is advised that they get a Blueprint Takeoff for their project. This service helps you view the blueprints and get a material takeoff directly from them. In MEP systems, the takeoff matters a lot because very small components are also a part of these systems. So, only a professional can make this list efficiently.
As-Built MEP Drawings
These drawings show the final installed condition of the MEP system. These drawings are used for maintenance purposes, especially. After a few years, these drawings become very helpful because maintenance becomes very easy, even if you hire a new worker for maintenance. This happens often because it rarely happens that the professional who did the construction is available for the maintenance as well.
Conclusion
Different types of MEP drawings are really essential for this line of work. Construction Estimating and Takeoff Services require these drawings because the process of estimation has to go through the material takeoff. The material takeoff comes from the technical drawings because it includes all the information regarding the dimensions of the objects. So these drawings are used for takeoff, which is then used for estimation.
