MEP Cost per m² Estimator
A concept stage MEP budget from the building type, gross floor area and spec level: split by trade, adjusted for height, location, escalation to the construction midpoint and contingency, with a low to high range and a monthly cash flow. Rates are indicative defaults you can and should replace with your own cost data.
How to use: pick the region and building type to load an indicative MEP rate, set the area and spec, then adjust. All rates are editable concept figures, not quotations. Tap i for help.
1. Inputs
2. Cost plan
Split by trade, a 3D building in cost bands and the monthly cash flow.
3. Checks
4. Cost by trade
Low and high show about plus or minus 15%, a usual concept stage accuracy band.
5. How it works
How a concept MEP budget is built
At concept stage there are no drawings to measure, so cost planners use a rate per square metre of gross floor area for the building type, taken from similar completed projects, then split it by trade (NRM 1 and ICMS group these as services elements). The MEP share of total construction cost is often about 25 to 35% for offices and housing and 40% or more for hospitals and data centres.
Adjustments
Taller buildings need more pumping, risers, pressure zones and fire systems, so a height premium is added. A location factor moves the rate to the city. Escalation carries today's prices to the middle of the construction period. Preliminaries, overheads and profit and a contingency complete the budget.
Cash flow
MEP spend follows an S-curve: slow during first fix, fastest when equipment is delivered and installed, then tailing off through testing and commissioning. Use it to plan payments and check monthly valuations.
Indicative rates only, for learning and early budget checks. They are not prices or quotations and do not refer to any supplier. Replace them with current local cost data from a quantity surveyor before any decision.