Over 2,600 MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) 3D objects were modeled for my home during the design phase. These models exclude wires, fixtures, and other smaller elements. My point is that modern single-family homes are complex engineering projects. Neglecting careful consideration of solutions during design can significantly impact your well-being during occupancy, while creating detailed building information models can provide invaluable insights and benefits.

I was even more surprised to learn that MEP design for small buildings isn’t mandatory in my region. This means that decisions about what’s best for you are often left to the contractor, who is usually balancing your needs with their profit margins.

For my home, MEP models were created during the design phase, and looking back, I can say with certainty that some critical decisions would have been impossible to make during construction. By that stage, it would have been either too late or too costly to implement essential elements that could greatly impact comfort and well-being of my family.

3D models from various disciplines allow you to visualize how different systems interface with each other. For example, furniture models can help determine optimal placements for sockets and light switches; HVAC models can show how much space is needed for ducts, which affects ceiling height; and the models can reveal whether there’s enough room to access and maintain equipment. Without detailed MEP system information, these aspects are easily overlooked. However, having MEP systems in 3D makes this information much more accessible, reliable, and user-friendly.

In my blog post, The Cost & Savings of Having Your Home Design Done Using 3D & BIM, I explore three different options:

While each approach has its pros and cons, the time and cost involved in creating models can be well worth it, often bringing substantial benefits that outweigh the initial investment.

The design phase is the ideal time to plan your home’s MEP systems and determine what’s best for you and your family. BIM can be a tremendous asset in achieving better outcomes—not only in terms of solutions but also in managing costs effectively.