ZES·TER·EX

MEP

Mechanical

Efficient HVAC design solutions for optimal comfort and energy compliance.

Electrical

Comprehensive electrical design ensuring safety, efficiency and code compliance.

Plumbing

Innovative plumbing designs for more efficient and sustainable reliable water systems.

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.