Engineering Knowledge Center

MEP Resources

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design — load calcs, permits, and coordination. 22 guides written by the licensed engineers who do the work.

MEP Engineering · 5 min

What Is MEP Engineering?

MEP stands for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing — the three building systems engineering disciplines that make a building function. Here's what each discipline covers.

MEP Engineering · 5 min

How Much Does MEP Engineering Cost?

MEP engineering fees depend on project size, systems complexity, number of disciplines, and deliverables. Here's what drives the cost.

MEP Engineering · 4 min

When Are MEP Plans Required for a Building Permit?

Virtually every commercial project requires MEP engineering documents for a permit. Here's what triggers the requirement and what the permit package includes.

MEP Engineering · 6 min

What MEP Plans Does a Restaurant Need?

Restaurants are one of the most MEP-intensive building types. Here's a complete breakdown of what mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering a restaurant permit requires.

MEP Engineering · 4 min

How Long Does MEP Engineering Take?

MEP engineering timelines depend on scope and project type. Here's what to expect — and how to keep your schedule on track.

MEP Engineering · 4 min

What Is an HVAC Load Calculation?

HVAC load calculations determine how much heating and cooling a building needs. Here's what they include, why they matter, and when they're required.

MEP Engineering · 4 min

What Is an Electrical Load Calculation?

Electrical load calculations determine the total power demand of a building and drive service sizing. Here's what they include and why they matter for your project.

MEP Engineering · 5 min

What MEP Engineering Is Required for a Tenant Improvement?

Tenant improvements almost always require MEP engineering. Here's what disciplines are typically involved, what documents are needed, and how to keep the permit on schedule.

MEP Engineering · 5 min

What Is Included in MEP Drawings?

MEP drawings cover mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in coordinated sheets, schedules, and specs. Here's what a complete MEP set includes.

MEP Engineering · 4 min

What Does an MEP Engineer Need to Start?

Sending the right information upfront speeds MEP design. Here's exactly what an MEP engineer needs to begin mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work.

MEP Engineering · 5 min

What Should Architects Send Their MEP Engineer?

Architects get faster, better-coordinated MEP documents by sending the right files. Here's what to provide: backgrounds, RCPs, and program info.

MEP Engineering · 5 min

Does a Commercial Remodel Need MEP Engineering?

Most commercial remodels that touch HVAC, electrical, or plumbing need MEP engineering for permit. Here's how to know when your remodel requires it.

MEP Engineering · 6 min

How Is Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Designed?

Commercial kitchen exhaust design covers Type I and II hoods, grease duct, and make-up air per IMC 507. Here's how the system is engineered for permit.

MEP Engineering · 5 min

What Is Make-Up Air?

Make-up air replaces the air removed by exhaust systems to keep buildings balanced. Here's why exhaust needs replacement air and how MAU units work.

MEP Engineering · 5 min

How Is Electrical Service Size Determined?

Electrical service size is set by NEC load calculations, demand factors, and utility coordination. Here's how engineers size a building's service.

MEP Engineering · 4 min

What Is a One-Line Diagram?

A one-line diagram documents a building's power distribution in a single schematic line. Here's what it shows and why it's required for permit.

MEP Engineering · 5 min

What Are Plumbing Fixture Calculations?

Plumbing fixture calculations size pipes with fixture units and set required fixture counts by occupant load. Here's how they work and why they matter.

MEP Engineering · 5 min

Does HVAC Replacement Require Engineering?

Like-for-like HVAC swaps may need little engineering, but changes in size or type often require mechanical and structural permits. Here's how to tell.

MEP Engineering · 5 min

When Does a Generator Need Engineering?

Generators need electrical, fuel, and structural engineering plus permits. Here's what's involved in engineering a standby or emergency generator.

MEP Engineering · 6 min

What Engineering Is Needed for EV Charging?

EV charging projects need load studies, possible service upgrades, site and civil work, and permits. Here's the engineering behind EV charger installs.

MEP Engineering · 7 min

How Much Does MEP Engineering Cost? A Commercial Guide

Realistic fee ranges for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering on commercial projects, and the factors that drive costs up or down.

MEP Engineering · 8 min

VRF vs. Rooftop Unit: Choosing the Right Commercial HVAC System

A side-by-side comparison of VRF and packaged rooftop units for commercial buildings — efficiency, cost, space requirements, and when each system makes sense.

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