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Powering Buildings, Ensuring Efficiency:
Your Trusted MEP Drafting Services

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

  • Architectural Integration: Ensure mechanical systems do not conflict with architectural elements and maintain the aesthetic design of the home.
  • 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.

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.