Construction projects are already an engineering challenge in themselves and can become even more demanding based on local standards and codes. Both New York and New Jersey have strict building codes and energy costs tend to be high in both states. When planning a new project, it makes sense to work with mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) designers who will ensure code compliance the first time while optimizing building systems to reduce your long-term cost of ownership.
This article describes three problems that are avoided in construction projects when you work with qualified MEP design professionals.
1) Avoiding a long project approval process
Project developers cannot begin construction until they have completed an approval process with local authorities; for example, the New York City Department of Buildings has the final say in New York City. In simple words, it is against the law to begin construction if you do not have an approved design and applicable building permit. This applies even to modifications to existing buildings, but requirements may be reduced or eliminated for smaller jobs depending on local rules.
Get a code-compliant MEP design for your next construction project.
In many cases, the purpose of a construction project is to rent space to residential or commercial tenants. Delays mean you'll start charging rent later, so it's in your best interest to avoid them. When you work with qualified design professionals, the design and approval process is considerably shortened since they already know how to specify building systems to be code compliant.
If MEP design is attempted without being familiar with the codes, it is likely that your documentation will be returned for corrections, often more than once.
2) Avoiding high energy costs: electricity and gas bills
When construction systems are designed to meet minimum requirements, the best possible performance cannot be expected. In this case, a common consequence is spending more than necessary on gas and electricity, which can drastically increase the building's ownership costs over its useful life. Both NY and NJ have energy codes for buildings, but it is possible to exceed their requirements and achieve significant savings.
Experienced MEP designers not only know how to correctly specify building systems the first time; they also know how to meet performance requirements with the lowest possible power consumption. Although there are many measures available to reduce energy costs in buildings, in most cases they fulfill one of the following functions:
- Reducing operational demand on building systems. Some examples are reducing the use of daylight fixtures or reducing heating and cooling loads with effective building envelope design.
- Specify construction systems to fulfill their function with the lowest energy consumption. For example, a modern air conditioning system with a smart chiller is much more efficient than multiple window-type air conditioners or integrated terminal units.
- On-site power generation. In places with expensive electricity, like New York and New Jersey, it often makes sense to deploy power generation equipment in buildings. Some examples are solar photovoltaic systems, wind turbines and small-scale gas turbines.
Energy efficiency measures and renewable production systems should not be implemented without a feasibility analysis. Each building is unique and measures that work in one case may be ineffective in another. By working with qualified professionals, you can be sure that the best energy performance measures for your building will be specified.
3) Avoiding complex and expensive maintenance
Poorly specified construction systems are not just wasteful; they are also subject to frequent breakages. Constant repairs and component replacements can also be disruptive for your tenants and, in serious cases, they may decide not to renew the lease.
Although maintenance is necessary for all building systems, the task is simplified when facilities are designed properly. For example, both oversized and undersized mechanical equipment tends to be more demanding in terms of maintenance:
- Oversized equipment often causes excessive noise and vibration. Devices such as compressors and fans tend to run on shorter cycles, which causes some mechanical elements to wear out more quickly.
- Undersized equipment is subject to operating conditions that exceed its rated capacity. For example, a motor operating continuously above rated power suffers a drastic reduction in useful life while operating less efficiently.
Conclusion
Professional MEP design services offer faster design approval, reduced operating costs and simpler maintenance. In other words, they can be considered an investment in your property. While it is possible to get a project approved with minimal requirements, this can be counterproductive in the long run – building systems become more expensive to operate and maintain.
