Improving early cost advice for mechanical and electrical services by considering functions and client/design team communication

The paper discusses existing methods of pre-design cost estimating for the mechanical and electrical (M&E) services elements of building projects. The paper then addresses the problem of poor communication between clients and building professionals, leading to misinterpretation of mechanical and electrical (M&E) services requirements and inaccurate cost estimates. The research hypothesised that M&E services cost was related to a building's form and function, and M&E quality. A sufficiently accurate cost estimate depended on an accurate understanding of the quality of M&E services required by the client. This paper proposes a method for improving early design stage communications, to improve interpretation of M&E services quality requirements and lead to more accurate cost estimates. The method involves introducing a briefing workshop to consider functional requirements from the building, possible M&E services solutions, and interfaces between building structure and fabric and the M&E services. The proposed method received support in principle from the field. It is suggested as a valid method of improving early design stage communications between clients and building professionals, that could lead to improved early cost advice for M&E services.