MEP Due Diligence Checklist: engineer's guide
MEP due diligence covers condition, remaining life, compliance, and capex reserve estimation across HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire, and ELV.
Open the MEP Due Diligence Checklist →
What this calculator does
The checklist walks through eight MEP categories with condition-scoring criteria and returns a prioritised remediation plan.
Formulas used
- Remaining useful life:
RUL = Design life - Age - Condition penalty - Replacement reserve:
Reserveannual = Σ (Costreplace / RUL)
Variables
- Design life: chiller 20 yr, transformer 30 yr, cable 40 yr, boiler 15 yr, LED 10 yr
Worked example
Scenario: 15-year-old office building at TDD.
- Chillers 15 yr / 20 yr design life → RUL 5 yr, budget replacement
- Transformer 15 yr / 30 yr → RUL 15 yr, condition monitoring
- Fire alarm panel 15 yr / 12 yr max support → replace within 2 yr
- Total capex reserve over 5 years: $850k
Common mistakes to avoid
- Focusing only on visible systems, missing riser condition
- No test-and-inspect records review
- Ignoring code-drift (systems compliant at build no longer meet current code)
- Missing warranty and maintenance-contract inheritance
Frequently asked questions
Level of investigation?
Level 1: visual and record review. Level 2: sample test. Level 3: full instrumented test. Match to transaction risk.
What to always test?
Fire alarm, fire pump, generator load, transformer oil, chiller efficiency.
Standards and references
RICS Red Book, ASHRAE Guideline 4, ASTM E2018
Related tools on this site
Open the calculator that pairs with this guide: MEP Due Diligence Checklist.
Verification note
This guide is planning support only. Final design must be verified against the applicable project specification, authority requirements, manufacturer data, and the standards cited above. Consult a licensed engineer for construction-issue calculations.