The MEP module instructions begin with scope studies. The specific scope studies can be accomplished through analysing specifications and construction drawings. Due to this, different learners seek to learn how to develop MEP scopes. It applies to all the specific trades in construction projects. Below are the few steps of having MEP Scopes that are listed below:

Elaborating the differentiating aspect of MEP specifications

The technical trade specifications of projects are genuinely composed of architectural trades, and MEP trades work scope information.  Generally, conditions and supplementary general conditions are part of the technical requirements. It is provided in technical specifications and in addition to individual trades specifications.

Generally, the major trades are composed of three parts. These are (1) General information, (2) products, and (3) Execution. When it proceeds to MEP trades, they have their general provision to supplement the prevailing conditions. The explanations are mainly delivered to the students for having specific general requirements for each MEP trades.

Classifying the actual information provided in MEP specifications

The simple understanding of the MEP scope for MEP Cost Estimators is to introduce the standardised approach to analyse MEP Specifications.

The specifications of the plumbing package are mainly categorised in the following points:

  • General provisions.
  • Primary Material and Methods that mainly includes piping and fittings, valves insulation, support and hangers.
  • Fixtures and trim.
  • Unique systems and equipment.

Once the classification is delivered, each category’s content and purpose are discussed in the discussion room.

In the case of heating, ventilation and air conditions (HVAC) package, its specification is mainly categorised as below:

  • General provisions
  • Basic materials and methods
  • Equipment
  • Testing and commissioning

In the case of these general provisions, the HVAC package is subject to the same coordination issues mentioned for the plumbing package. One of the major categories in HVAC specifications is the equipment category. Mainly students are informed that the specifications’ information is only about the equipment’s type and quality. The relatable information regarding the model number, performance requirements, sizes, and numbers can be found in respective construction drawings.

For electrical package, it’s specifications categorisations is also given in the classroom. It standardised electrical work scope classification and provided as below:

  • General provisions.
  • Necessary materials and methods mainly include raceways, wiring devices and other devices such as switches, circuit breakers and fuses.
  • Distribution equipment.
  • Power systems.
  • Lighting systems.
  • Fire alarm and speciality systems.

Learners are generally informed that electrical scope will be composed of mainly high vs low voltage systems and consider the same electrical contractor to provide all the services.

Analysing MEP Drawings

In the beginning, contractors are advised to look at the floor plans and encouraged to use symbols and abbreviations sheet to understand the content of the floor plans fully. In this way, they can genuinely link the knowledge that they acquired from specifications to respective drawings.

In plumbing drawings, reviewing floor plans and being familiar with the symbols and abbreviations sheet, learners continue to analyse the pictures by studying different line diagram. They are mainly informed that this is critical information, and it needs to be compared with the respective information provided in the specifications.

Analyse HVAC specifications introduced to HVAC drawings and analyse HVAC drawings that informed the process that will not be changed from the plumbing drawings analysis process. Learners are mainly introduced with electrical drawings after covering the content of electrical specifications.

Extracting Scope Sheets

Students are introduced to a scope concept during the process of estimating class. It is considered as the start process of a detailed estimate package. The purpose of scope sheets in the bidding process is generally introduced with students’ help in previous classes. Students are usually provided with a sample project, and they are requested to develop MEP scope sheets. During this time, students perform the tasks in the laboratory portion of the discussion room. After having a complete scope, students proceed towards digital takeoff phase.

Perform Digital Takeoff

In the start, learners know how to consume On Center Takeoff software. It helps by using their scope sheets that begin using the software and perform quantity takeoff for their items listed in the scope sheet.

Analysing unit costs

When Mechanical Estimators finish the digital quantity takeoff process, students assign unit costs utilising cost databases (RS Means) to the quantified items. It also obtains the total costs for MEP packages. It finalises their MEP estimating project.

Conclusion

The most critical thing is to develop full scopes for trades. Still, handling the areas can be essential in building general contractors when it related to MEP trades. The reason is to its technologically complex and costly nature. Scope of MEP differs accordingly in different ways from architectural works; the differentiating aspects of MEP specifications are highlighted.