A pre-construction MEP review confirms that the building has enough space, capacity, coordination and decision clarity for services to be installed without avoidable redesign.

Confirm the design basis and system capacity

Before construction begins, the project team should agree the building use, occupancy, operating hours, indoor conditions, utility availability, resilience expectations and sustainability targets. These inputs control loads, equipment sizing and infrastructure capacity.

Calculations should match the current architectural design—not an earlier layout. Any assumptions about tenancy, production equipment, kitchens, medical loads or future expansion must be visible and approved.

  • Current HVAC, electrical, water and fire demand calculations
  • Agreed comfort, ventilation, redundancy and energy criteria
  • Utility applications, authority requirements and future-load allowances

Protect space and coordinate every interface

Plant rooms, electrical rooms, tanks, risers, shafts, ceiling zones and maintenance routes need to be checked against structure, architecture and finishes before work packages are issued.

The review should confirm equipment replacement paths, access around valves and panels, drainage falls, fire stopping, builders' work openings and the installation sequence for congested areas.

  • Coordinated plant rooms, risers and typical ceiling zones
  • Equipment access, service clearances and replacement routes
  • Builders' work openings, sleeves, bases and embedded requirements

Make construction information controllable

The site team needs a clear register of approved drawings, specifications, material submittals, method statements and open technical decisions. Tender information alone is rarely enough for controlled installation.

Before mobilisation, agree inspection stages, testing prerequisites, mock-ups, responsibilities and how coordination changes will be recorded and released.

  • Issued-for-construction information and revision control
  • Approved materials, samples and installation methods
  • Inspection, testing, commissioning and handover plan

PROJECT CHECKLIST

Questions to take into the next meeting

  1. Are design loads based on the latest architectural information?
  2. Are plant rooms, shafts, risers and ceiling zones protected?
  3. Can major equipment be installed, maintained and replaced?
  4. Are all disciplines coordinated in high-risk areas?
  5. Are approvals, materials and construction drawings current?
  6. Are testing and commissioning responsibilities agreed?

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