Mechanical
Electrical
Plumbing
Mechanical
1. HVAC System Design
System Type and Configuration: Specify the type of HVAC system (e.g. forced-air, heat pump, mini-split, radiant heating) and its configuration.
Heating and Cooling Load Calculations: Detailed calculations to determine the heating and cooling requirements of each room/zone using recognized methods such as Manual J.
2. Equipment Layout
Location of HVAC Units: Precise placement of furnaces, air handlers, condensers, heat pumps, and other HVAC units.
Mechanical Room Layout: Detailed layout of the mechanical room(s), showing equipment placement and required service clearances.
3. Ductwork Design
Duct Layout: Detailed plans showing the layout of supply and return ducts, including the size, routing, and material of each duct.
Duct Sizing and Balancing: Specifications for duct sizes to ensure proper airflow and balancing across the system.
Duct Insulation: Details on duct insulation to prevent energy loss and condensation.
4. Ventilation System
Ventilation Requirements: Calculation and layout for ventilation requirements, including fresh air intake, exhaust fans, and air exchange rates.
Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) or Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs): If used, specify the location and connections of ERVs or HRVs.
5. Thermostats and Controls
Thermostat Locations: Placement of thermostats and zone controls.
Control Systems: Details on control systems, including smart thermostats and zoning controls.
6. Piping Systems
Refrigerant Piping: Layout and specifications for refrigerant lines for air conditioners or heat pumps.
Hydronic Piping: If radiant heating is used, provide the layout and specifications for hydronic piping.
7. Insulation and Sealing
Duct and Pipe Insulation: Specifications for insulating ducts and pipes to minimize heat loss and prevent condensation.
Air Sealing: Details on air sealing methods for ducts and mechanical penetrations.
8. Registers, Grilles, and Diffusers
Location of Registers and Grilles: Placement of supply and return air registers, grilles, and diffusers.
Sizing and Selection: Specifications for the size and type of registers, grilles, and diffusers.
9. Exhaust Systems
Kitchen and Bathroom Exhaust Fans: Location and specifications for exhaust fans in kitchens, bathrooms, and other required areas.
Clothes Dryer Venting: Layout and specifications for clothes dryer venting systems.
10. Energy Efficiency Measures
Equipment Efficiency Ratings: Specify the efficiency ratings of all HVAC equipment (e.g., SEER, AFUE, HSPF).
Compliance with Energy Codes: Ensure the design meets or exceeds local energy codes and standards.
11. Fire and Safety Considerations
Fire Dampers and Smoke Detectors: Placement and specifications for fire dampers and smoke detectors in the HVAC system.
Pressure Relief Valves: Specifications for pressure relief valves in systems such as boilers or hydronic heating.
12. Documentation and Schedules
Equipment Schedules: Detailed schedules listing all HVAC equipment with specifications including make, model, capacity and efficiency ratings.
Drawing Details: Detailed mechanical drawings, including plans, sections, and details of critical components.
Installation Guidelines: Written guidelines and specifications for the installation of HVAC components.
13. Coordination with Other Systems
Electrical Coordination: Ensure coordination with electrical plans for power supply and control wiring.
Plumbing Coordination: Coordination with plumbing plans for condensate drains, hydronic piping, and gas lines if applicable.
Architectural Integration: Ensure mechanical systems do not conflict with architectural elements and maintain the aesthetic design of the home.
Electrical
1. Electrical Service
Service Entry Location: Specify where the electrical service enters the home.
Main Panel and Subpanels: Location, size (amperage), and specifications for the main electrical panel and any subpanels.
Metering: Location and details of the electrical meter.
2. Wiring Diagram
Circuit Layout: Detailed diagrams showing the path of all electrical circuits throughout the home.
Wire Types and Sizes: Specifications for wire types (e.g, copper, aluminum) and sizes (gauge) for each circuit.
Conduit Specifications: If applicable, specify the type and size of conduit used.
3. Outlet and Receptacle Locations
General Outlets: Locations of standard electrical outlets in each room, including spacing requirements.
Special Outlets: Placement of outlets for specific appliances (e.g, stove, dryer, refrigerator) and dedicated circuits.
GFCI and AFCI Outlets: Locations of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets (e.g., in bathrooms, kitchens, garages) and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) outlets where required.
4. Lighting Plan
Lighting Fixtures: Locations, types, and specifications for all lighting fixtures, including ceiling lights, wall sconces, and recessed lighting.
Switch Locations: Placement of light switches, including three-way and four-way switches where applicable.
Dimming Controls: Locations and specifications for dimmer switches.
5. Specialized Circuits and Systems
Kitchen and Laundry Circuits: Detailed plans for circuits dedicated to kitchen appliances and laundry equipment.
HVAC and Mechanical Equipment: Electrical requirements and connections for HVAC systems, water heaters, and other mechanical equipment.
Special Systems: Wiring plans for systems such as security alarms, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and home automation systems.
Grounding and Bonding: Specifications for grounding and bonding systems to ensure electrical safety.
6. Outdoor Electrical Component
Exterior Lighting: Locations and specifications for exterior lights, including motion sensors and landscape lighting.
Exterior Outlets: Placement of weather-resistant outlets for outdoor use.
Garage and Outbuildings: Electrical plans for garages, sheds or other outbuildings, including sub panel requirements if needed.
7. Electric Vehicle Charger
Location: Indication of location of EV Charger in the site plan.
Quantity Calculation: For multi-family dwelling, the number of EV needs to be calculated per applicable standard.
Specification: Voltage and current to be specified per selection and manufacturer’s specification.
Conductor Size: Sizing of conductor per voltage and current or specification.
Indication of Standard/Provision: Label for the receptacle/ service per applicable code if required.
8. Electrical Load Calculation
Load Analysis: Detailed calculations to determine the total electrical load and ensure the main service panel can handle the demand.
Breaker Schedules: A schedule listing each circuit breaker, its amperage rating, and the circuit it controls.
9. Safety Features
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Locations and specifications for smoke and CO detectors, including interconnection requirements.
Surge Protection: Specifications for whole-house surge protection devices if used.
Emergency Disconnects: Locations and details of emergency disconnects for HVAC equipment and other critical systems.
10. Documentation and Schedules
Fixture Schedules: Detailed schedules listing all lighting and electrical fixtures, including
Panel Schedules: A complete panel schedule indicating the location, circuit number, breaker size, and description of each circuit.
Compliance with Codes: Ensure all designs comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local building codes.
11. Coordination with Other Plans
Integration with Architectural Plans: Ensure the electrical layout does not conflict with architectural elements and is aesthetically pleasing.
Coordination with Mechanical and Plumbing Plans: Ensure electrical requirements for mechanical and plumbing systems are met, such as power for pumps, fans, and controllers.
Plumbing
1. Water Supply System
Main Water Line: Location and size of the main water supply line entering the home.
Water Meter: Location and specifications of the water meter.
Cold and Hot Water Lines: Layout of cold and hot water distribution lines, including pipe sizes, materials, and routing.
Shut-Off Valves: Locations of main and individual shut-off valves for different sections and fixtures.
Pressure Regulators: Placement and specifications for pressure reducing valves if necessary.
2. Fixtures and Appliances
Fixture Locations: Locations and types of all plumbing fixtures such as sinks, toilets, bathtubs, showers, and faucets.
Appliance Connections: Plumbing connections for appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters, and ice makers.
3. Hot Water System
Water Heaters: Location and type (tank or tankless) of water heaters, including specifications such as capacity and fuel source (electric, gas).
Recirculation Systems: If applicable, details of hot water recirculation systems to reduce wait time for hot water.
4. Drain, Waste, and Vent (DWV) System
Drainage Pipes: Layout of all drainpipes, including pipe sizes, materials, and slopes to ensure proper drainage.
Vent Pipes: Layout of vent pipes, including their sizes and connections to ensure proper venting of the drainage system.
Trap Locations: Placement of P-traps and other traps for each fixture to prevent sewer gases from entering the home.
Cleanouts: Locations of cleanout fittings for maintenance and clearing blockages.
5. Sewer System
Sewer Line: Layout of the main sewer line exiting the home and connecting to the municipal sewer system or septic tank.
Backwater Valves: If necessary, placement of backwater valves to prevent sewer backup.
6. Gas Piping System (if applicable)
Gas Supply Line: Layout and specifications of gas supply lines, including pipe sizes and materials.
Appliance Connections: Gas connections for appliances such as water heaters, stoves, furnaces, and dryers.
Shut-Off Valves: Locations of shut-off valves for each gas appliance.
7. Outdoor Plumbing
Hose Bibs: Locations and specifications for exterior hose bibs.
Irrigation System: If applicable, layout and specifications for lawn irrigation systems.
8. Plumbing Fixtures and Appliances Schedule
Fixture Schedule: Detailed schedule listing all plumbing fixtures, including specifications such as make, model, flow rate, and finish.
Appliance Schedule: Detailed schedule listing all plumbing-related appliances, including specifications such as make, model, and water usage.
9. Compliance and Efficiency Measures
Code Compliance: Ensure all plans comply with local plumbing codes and standards.
Water Conservation: Incorporate water-saving fixtures and appliances to meet local water conservation requirements.
Energy Efficiency: Specify energy-efficient water heaters and other appliances to comply with energy codes.
10. Documentation and Diagrams
Riser Diagram: Riser drawings showing the schematic layout of the plumbing system, including water supply, DWV, and gas lines.
Detail Drawings: Detailed drawings of complex areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens, showing all plumbing connections and components.
11. Coordination with Other Systems
Mechanical System Integration: Ensure plumbing plans are coordinated with HVAC systems, particularly for water heaters and hydronic heating systems.
Electrical System Integration: Coordinate with electrical plans for power supply to water heaters, pumps, and other plumbing-related appliances.
12. Safety Features
Anti-Scald Devices: Specification of anti-scald devices for showers and faucets to prevent burns.
Backflow Prevention: Incorporation of backflow prevention devices to prevent contamination of the potable water supply.
Pressure Relief Valves: Placement of pressure relief valves on water heaters and other relevant appliances.