Peer Review: Choosing the Best MEP Firm for the Project

A vital part of every construction project is a trustworthy and qualified MEP firm. While the architect or engineer of record (AOR/EOR) are the ones who design the building and take responsibility for the integrity of the design, it’s often advisable to hire an independent third party to review the design to make sure that everything is executed properly and according to code. 

Choosing the right firm is crucial not just for the project’s success, but also for everyone’s safety. With so many firms to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. A great way to narrow down the list of potential peer review firms is to ask for a portfolio of similar projects on which the firm was either a peer reviewer or the AOR/EOR.

What is a Peer Review?

A peer review is a check of the quality and completeness of a design in an effort to identify errors or shortcomings before they become issues in the field, or worse, after occupancy.  The process entails a group of qualified professionals, with expertise in a particular field, reviewing the work of another person or group in that same field. This process can be used to evaluate everything from scientific research to engineering designs. In the case of MEP engineering, it can help ensure that the systems designed will meet your project’s specific needs.

Peer reviews are intended to provide an objective opinion on a designs strengths and weaknesses and how the designs can be improved.   They can also identify any potential red flags that the AOR/EOR may not have been aware of.  As such, they can be an invaluable tool in helping you achieve a smooth and successful construction project.

How is a Peer Review Performed?

In the construction industry, peer reviews are most often performed by architects and engineers to assess the feasibility of a project design completed by others and identify any errors or potential risks. The process typically begins with a review of the project plans and specifications.  This review can be integrated into the entire design process, or it can be limited to a review of the “final” construction documents.   An integrated peer review process can help identify issues earlier in the design process so that they can be more easily adapted or revised. However, keeping the peer review firm engaged throughout schematic design and design development phases does increase the cost of the process.   As a result, most peer reviews come near the end of the project design process, prior to bid.

A peer review is rarely a single-pass process. Most often, the peer review firm issues their comments, and the AOR/EOR firms respond to those comments with either concurrence or objections based on information that the peer review firm may not have been aware of.  It is not uncommon to have at least two or three rounds of comments and responses before a consensus is reached on the best course of action. Once the plans have been reviewed, the peer reviewers are often retained during construction to visit the project site and assess the work that has been completed. After the on-site visit, the reviewers will prepare a report that includes their findings and recommendations. The report will then be presented to the client or project manager for consideration. This “second set of eyes” on the project provides further assurances that the project is built properly and will serve the needs of the client over the life of the facility.

Why Are Peer Reviews Important for Construction Projects?

You likely already know the importance of quality control measures on your construction site.  However, quality control in construction begins during design, before the first shovel is placed in the ground.  After all, even a small mistake in a design can cause big problems and costs down the road.

While it may seem like an unnecessary expense, after all you believe you hired the right team for your project, such reviews are able to save a lot of time for you in the long run by helping you catch problems early on. Humans make mistakes, and a second set of eyes can catch those mistakes before they become problems in the field or beyond.  In addition, they can give you some valuable insights into new methods or approaches that you might not have considered before, simply due to the diverse experience that a peer reviewing firm can bring to the table.

So, if you’re looking to take your construction quality to the next level, don’t underestimate the power of a good design peer review.

Benefits of a Peer Review

Improves the Quality of Designs

As any experienced player in the construction industry field knows, designing a complex system that meets all the necessary code requirements and the owner’s specific project requirements is no small feat. It requires a deep understanding of the latest standards and practices, and a keen eye for detail. In order to ensure that designs meet all the required criteria owners often rely on peer review.   During a review process, another engineer, with no ties to the current design team, will examine the design and provide feedback on any areas that need improvement. This feedback can be essential in ensuring that the final product is of the highest quality.

Reduces Time

A peer review can play an important role in identifying potential problems before they cause delays or other issues. If issues are identified during design, before bids are even received, a tremendous amount of time can be saved during the construction of the project versus those issues not being identified in advance.  As a result, peer reviews can save time overall by preventing issues from arising during construction, in contrast to the relatively small amount of time required to have the peer review performed.

Reduces Costs

Many engineering and construction firms choose to utilize peer review services to reduce costs and improve project outcomes. The process can help identify potential problems early on before they become costly mistakes. As a result, firms can enjoy reduced costs, improved project outcomes, and access to best practices. The time savings noted above also serves to reduce costs, as it allows a construction project to stay on schedule and generate revenue more quickly as a result.

What to Look for When Choosing an MEP Firm for a Peer Review

When it comes to choosing an MEP firm for your project, you should keep a few key factors in mind. First, you’ll want to ensure that the firm is licensed and insured and has experience in the location of the project. This will ensure that local conditions and codes are taken into account during the review process. Second, you’ll want to choose a firm with expertise and experience specific to your project type. The firm needs to be of the scale necessary to perform a detailed review of the design, and know the industry standard practices for your particular project type.

Not all firms are created equal so you’ll want to ensure that you’re working with someone who knows what they’re doing. Finally, you’ll want to ask for references from past clients. This will give you a good idea of what to expect from the firm and whether or not they’re right for your team.

Bottom Line

When looking for an MEP engineer, it is imperative to do your research in order to find the best team for your project. The peer review process can help narrow down your options and find a qualified firm that meets your needs. Schnackel Engineers has years of experience in the industry and a team of experts who can help you with all aspects of your project, whether it is the EOR for your project, or a peer reviewer for another firm’s work. Contact us today to get started!