Difference between an MEP Models of a Consultant and MEP Model of a Contractor

The life-supporting system of every construction, as well as engineering project, is its successful implementation of MEP services. The important, as well as an essential component of the building, is the ultimate occupancy of the required space and work that is being designed and drafted accurately by an MEP consultant or an MEP service provider.

It is a fact that having detailed information on MEP services for a construction project, requires efforts and inputs shared by the team members who closely work with the clients and based on their requirements initiate the first level of work. The set of information that is being shared by professionals always assists in receiving accurate documentation, taking the decision, performance, and cost-estimation, proper construction planning, managerial work, and all decisions about a construction project.

The key ingredient for preparing a comprehensive MEP design is the efforts and proper guidance that is being received and with that how these MEP models are being used with utmost care and precision. The overall work of MEP modeling involves the contribution of consultant MEP models and contractors’ MEP models. Before proceeding further, the very first thing that needs to be taken care of is to understand the difference between MEP consultants and MEP contractors, and then at the later stage to understand how the models are being prepared and served by both of them.

The article published will replicate the difference between an MEP model of a consultant and an MEP model of a contractor.

The work of an MEP consultant is to understand and assess the requirement of the client and based on that provide professional advice for the required work process. Whereas, the work of MEP contractors is different from the consultants. The contractor here will be evaluating the requirement of the client and will proceed further in executing the work.

The expertise and specialization of MEP consultants are to provide expert advice to the client when it comes to making decisions related to detailed MEP services. This set of advice is about designing and drafting MEP models, undertaking decisions that are accurate for MEP work, providing viable and expert advice on raw materials, and other such areas that make the entire project worth it.

Also, it is the MEP consultant who is capable enough to analyze and foresee the MEP issues which the contractor will never look into. Thus, it becomes the responsibility of an MEP consultant to resolve the issue and deliver the work to the clients that are error-free and clash-free. It is the MEP consultants who create MEP models, and it is only with the help of Revit MEP. This process of work is increasing day-by-day and has been preferred in the major AEC industry, and this is without considering the concerns of the clashes.

The entire control of MEP services is in the hand of MEP contractors. There are multiple levels of work and for each, there is a defined role and responsibility assigned to the respective personnel. The details for the same is the scheduling of the work, the labor, and making sure that MEP work is completed with the adherence to the required guidelines, standards, software, and schedules that is been mutually agreed upon and also that ensuring the work is clash-free and error-free.

It is the work of an MEP contractor to ensure that there is an additional set of detailed data that is required in the project, such as material quantities, manpower required, and more. This is all related to the MEP models that are being received from MEP consultants. Moving further, the contractor here will make sure to consult with the structural and architectural models and on the basis of that produce clash-free MEP models and this is with the primary use of software like Revit MEP and Navisworks.

Reasons to outsource work or employ an MEP consultant.

Now let us proceed further and have a look at the difference between the work of the duo and how they are interrelated as well as different from each other’s work.

MEP Consultants:

There are multiple reasons for consulting an MEP service provider, but the common yet important ones are listed below.

• Mechanical Systems: The responsibility of an MEP consultant is to make sure that the integration of mechanical systems is done effectively and efficiently. This system of work complies with heaters, air conditioners, exhausts, and smoke control devices which need to provide convenience and work efficiently
• Electrical Systems: The most important aspect of the construction project is the implementation of energy-efficient electrical design. This set of systems consists of fire alarms, security systems, smoke alarms, generators, distribution systems, transmission systems, etc.
• Plumbing/Piping Systems: Without proper implementation of plumbing/piping systems the construction project is of no use at all. The process of integrating the said system involves various stages and each needs to be taken care of. From the involvement of the fire suppression system to the drainage system, from drinking water piping to sewer, and more, it is the core responsibility of the MEP service provider or MEP consultant to deliver effective plumbing design.
• Effective and Enduring Designs: It is very much necessary that the MEP consultant provides the design to the client which has long-lasting durability. Also, with a durable design, the life-cycle of a building is depending and has a maximum life of it. Thus the design process plays an important role.
• Cost-Effective: The cost of the project indeed plays an important role. Considering the help and assistance of the MEP consultant will always lead your project completed within budget and will be worth the overall value of the shipment.
• Extreme Level of Use: MEP consultants incorporate products and systems that contribute the highest resolution and easy support in their design.
• Healthy Indoors: Natural light, indoor air quality, exterior environmental effect, all need to be taken care of and hence MEP consultant assures to adhere to the set of work.
• Building Functionality: MEP consultants design the entire HVAC system and process, with precise devices and software networks.
• Collaboration and Cooperation: MEP consultants work with each stakeholder who is part of the building systems.
• Use of human resources: MEP consultants can also select an external MEP BIM professional who can implement BIM MEP services and can verify counsellors’ plan.

MEP Contractors:
The core responsibility of an MEP contractor is to make sure that the drawings and documentation submitted by the MEP consultant are accurate and followed with the process of all necessary components and techniques that make the overall project construction work go smoothly.

Additional highlights of the MEP contractor’s role involve:

• Manages the overalls work on the site.
• Maintains the list of the issues if any and shares the same with the right team member.
• If there are any clashes or risk found at the time that is not resolved the contractor will stop the construction work till further notice until they are being resolved.
• Closely working and adhering to all the necessary MEP trades.
• Keeping and monitoring the on-site system and testing the details in a timely manner.
• Advise the project director

Moving further, below mentioned is the area of service where the MEP contractor is core interested and makes sure it is at its best.

• Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Energy Efficiency
• Automation process
• Air Quality Services
• Hiring BIM Coordination Services

It is a matter of fact that having onboard both an MEP consultant and an MEP contractor is a tedious process. But they are the root and the base who understand the modern requirement of the project and based on their experience give their best to make the project work a success.

Adopting BIM (Building Information Modelling) technology in MEP design is converting as well as becoming a necessity in most construction projects in Westernmost countries. It is that the small organization that does not have the required infrastructure will always opt to select the option of outsourcing MEP services or a BIM service provider who can provide high-quality design and drafting services to the clients that are affordable.

Final Words:

The article shared interpret the difference between an MEP consultant and an MEP contractor. To know more about the service, or to outsource your work, you can communicate with us via given modes and the team will revert back to you.

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