M&E - how to approach?
Discussion
Hi all,
We are looking to convert an office building into flats, and are not sure how to deal with the M&E.
Originally, I was thinking of using an M&E consultant to do the initial checks (capacities for utilities etc) and also spec the electric/water/waste etc up to each flat. We would then get a proper M&E Contractor to do those works. After that, I figured my normal guys could do each individual flat if that makes sense?
After speaking to an old architect friend, he was saying that typically the type of detailed M&E spec we would get to then give a contractor is likely to be very broad and not much use to us. Apparently, we would be better off speaking to 2 or 3 M&E contractors, and asking them to price to spec and do the work. Ideally, this could be in 2 phases - 1st being up to each flat, and then the 2nd for the internals.
Having never had to use M&E consultant or contractor before (all smaller sites where we used just our normal local guys), can any of the PHers throw some light on this? There'll be around 25 small units total.
Thanks,
Raj
We are looking to convert an office building into flats, and are not sure how to deal with the M&E.
Originally, I was thinking of using an M&E consultant to do the initial checks (capacities for utilities etc) and also spec the electric/water/waste etc up to each flat. We would then get a proper M&E Contractor to do those works. After that, I figured my normal guys could do each individual flat if that makes sense?
After speaking to an old architect friend, he was saying that typically the type of detailed M&E spec we would get to then give a contractor is likely to be very broad and not much use to us. Apparently, we would be better off speaking to 2 or 3 M&E contractors, and asking them to price to spec and do the work. Ideally, this could be in 2 phases - 1st being up to each flat, and then the 2nd for the internals.
Having never had to use M&E consultant or contractor before (all smaller sites where we used just our normal local guys), can any of the PHers throw some light on this? There'll be around 25 small units total.
Thanks,
Raj
Raj,
I am an M & E contractor, more 'M' biased. If you have no base specification for your contractors to work to you really don't know what your end result will be. Contractor 'A' may price cheap as chips which is not what you want but you wont know that until its too late, Contractor 'B' may price belt and braces and have a clear understanding of what you want but when you get your prices back on paper 'A' would look more favourable.
I agree with getting a consultant in to provide a full design is not necessary, however, getting a consultant to maybe provide a 'Performance Specification' so the contractors are all pricing of a level playing field maybe a better option for you, that way the M & E contractor pays for full the design and any liability if it does not work will be then on the Professional Indemnity Insurance (which you need to check is in order before they start). This approach should be the cheapest and at least you will know the end result you get will be correct.
The other thing you need to consider is how you want your flats to look in the end, M & E like anything can be either ultra high end or the total opposite. For example sanitary, you can purchase a simple bathroom pack for £ 200, or you can pay £ 2000 just for a toilet.
Also, you need to budget about 20% for your M & E of you build. Obviously as above this will all depend on your end look.
If you want to PM by all means i can call you to discuss further.
I am an M & E contractor, more 'M' biased. If you have no base specification for your contractors to work to you really don't know what your end result will be. Contractor 'A' may price cheap as chips which is not what you want but you wont know that until its too late, Contractor 'B' may price belt and braces and have a clear understanding of what you want but when you get your prices back on paper 'A' would look more favourable.
I agree with getting a consultant in to provide a full design is not necessary, however, getting a consultant to maybe provide a 'Performance Specification' so the contractors are all pricing of a level playing field maybe a better option for you, that way the M & E contractor pays for full the design and any liability if it does not work will be then on the Professional Indemnity Insurance (which you need to check is in order before they start). This approach should be the cheapest and at least you will know the end result you get will be correct.
The other thing you need to consider is how you want your flats to look in the end, M & E like anything can be either ultra high end or the total opposite. For example sanitary, you can purchase a simple bathroom pack for £ 200, or you can pay £ 2000 just for a toilet.
Also, you need to budget about 20% for your M & E of you build. Obviously as above this will all depend on your end look.
If you want to PM by all means i can call you to discuss further.
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