How to select the correct MEP contractor for your project?

The business of construction is like a carefully choreographed dance between dozens of participants, each unique in their own way. Every component that goes into the building of a structure requires attention and deep thought. Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) is one of the most crucial consideration factors in the construction supply chain industry.

While the signs of a great MEP contractor are often invisible on the outside, the ramifications can be felt by everyone interacting with the structure on a daily basis. It is therefore important to pay close attention to your MEP partner to facilitate effective design decisions, documentation, cost estimations, as well as the overall planning, management and operation of the facility.

Here are some key factors that can help you decide on the right MEP contractor for your next project:

1. Customer reviews:

Whether it is a cellular device, a household appliance, a piece of clothing or even a 14-story megastructure; the best judge of quality are the individuals interacting with the end product on a day to day basis. Perform a thorough background check on an MEP partner and interface with prior customers if possible.

2. Referrals:

In the world of business, a stakeholder’s word is placed in high regard. There is merit in considering a partner for your project if referred by a close associate or business partner. However, when it comes to MEP services, due diligence must always be exercised to thoroughly examine the veracity of a referral, if coming from someone on the outside. MEP-related components, once installed, cannot be easily and quickly fixed or replaced.

3. Service history:

Construction requires many parties to come together and work in unison. A delay on one end can result in a cascade of delays at the other end. It is very important to ascertain that a contractor can not only provide quality MEP services but also do so in a timely manner such that the project timelines aren’t affected.

4. Certifications:

A certified company is a sign of construction practices being adopted at the highest level and industry-wide trust and recognition. It also indicates that the company is invested in the MEP services they offer and have spent years honing their craft. It is an indication of the scale at which the MEP contractor operates.

5. Legacy:

Looking back at past projects undertaken by a company can shed light on its MEP services, practices, policies and standards. If possible, conduct a thorough inspection of recent projects by the MEP company to study how their services hold up in a real world scenario, as time and regular usage take their toll on the project. It is also important to get to know the founders of an MEP company to understand their vision, their past experiences and their journey into the world of construction.

Finding the right MEP partner is probably the most important part of taking on a project at a giant scale. After all, your client’s business, productivity, reputation, and lives are at stake. Take your time and do your best to screen them adequately.