Usually included
- Plumbing, electrical, low-voltage allowance, exhaust ventilation, AC rough-in and final connections, condensate routing, testing, and commissioning.
- Basic service access and handover information for maintainable systems.
Regional model
MEP cost per m2: electrical, plumbing, HVAC
MEP cost is not just wiring and pipes. It includes routes, equipment, condensate drainage, ventilation, controls, access panels, testing, balancing, and documentation. The biggest mistake is treating MEP as a single percentage after architecture is already fixed.
Budget snapshot
Location Regional model
Planning range IDR 1.6M-5.5M / m²
Best for Choosing between basic exhaust, split AC, multi-split AC, ducted AC, and fresh-air or ERV/HRV systems.
Example planning scenarios
| Scenario | Area / basis | Specification | Planning range | Unit range | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic MEP | 150 m² | Standard plumbing and electrical, bathroom exhaust, split AC, simple controls. | IDR 240M-525M | IDR 1.6M-3.5M / m² | Good for simple homes with clear service access. |
| Standard comfort package | 300 m² | Multi-split AC, better zoning, condensate routing, low-voltage allowance, more fixtures. | IDR 690M-1.35B | IDR 2.3M-4.5M / m² | Condensate and access panels should be coordinated before finishes. |
| Premium HVAC and ventilation | 500 m² | Ducted or mixed AC, fresh air, ERV/HRV option, controls, balancing, commissioning and O&M records. | IDR 1.75B-2.75B | IDR 3.5M-5.5M / m² | Premium MEP should be managed as design, installation, testing, and operations package. |
How to use this guide
Decide the ventilation and cooling strategy before ceilings, shafts, and wet-area layouts are locked.
Use low range for simple exhaust and split AC. Use high range for ductwork, fresh air, ERV/HRV, controls, balancing, and documentation.
Scope assumptions
Usually excluded or priced separately
- Specialist commercial kitchen systems, elevators, fire alarm systems, large generators, BMS, and utility upgrades unless separately modeled.
- Premium imported fixtures and appliances beyond normal residential assumptions.
What changes the number
- Every additional wet zone adds plumbing, waterproofing interfaces, ventilation, access, and testing.
- Ducted AC needs space, coordination, insulation, access, balancing, and commissioning.
- Condensate drainage is a small line item that can become a large defect if routed late.
Connect this guide to the product workflow
The cost guide is useful only when it is tied back to stage pages, checklists, mistakes, and the work sequence for execution control.
Engineering rough-in
Engineering finishes
Commissioning & testing
Handover & close-out
Related glossary articles
Mechanical ventilation
Fan-assisted supply or extract air system used when natural airflow is not enough.
Split air conditioner
Cooling system with separated indoor and outdoor units connected by refrigerant and drain lines.
Ducted air conditioning
Cooling system distributing conditioned air through ducts, plenums, and air terminals.
Condensate drain
Drainage path that removes water formed during cooling operation.
Airflow balancing
Measurement and adjustment of air volumes so a ventilation system performs as intended.
FAQ
What is the difference between exhaust ventilation and ERV/HRV?
Exhaust removes air from bathrooms or service rooms. ERV/HRV systems balance exhaust with fresh-air supply and heat or energy recovery, which adds ductwork, controls, balancing, and commissioning.
Why does MEP need its own checklist?
Because many MEP mistakes are hidden after ceilings, walls, and finishes close. The checklist catches routes, slopes, access, labels, tests, and handover records before they become rework.