Revit MEP Checklist: Project Setup to Final Documentation

Want to avoid costly mistakes and save time on your Revit MEP projects? Here’s the ultimate checklist to guide you from project setup to final documentation. This article covers everything you need to know, including:

• Project Setup: Templates, units, levels, and coordinates.
• System Setup: Schedules, tags, and clash detection.
• Team Coordination: Model sharing, worksets, and conflict resolution.
• Documentation: Drawing standards, quality checks, and file exports.

Key takeaway: A structured workflow ensures fewer errors, better collaboration, and high-quality deliverables. Follow this checklist to meet US standards and streamline your Revit MEP projects.

Project Setup of MEP Model in Revit | How to Create MEP

Project Setup Steps

A proper setup is crucial for any project’s success. Start by tailoring your project templates to align with US standards.

Setting Up Project Templates

Project templates serve as the backbone of your project.

Set project units to the following:

• Length: Feet and fractional inches
• Duct Size: Inches
• Pipe Size: Inches nominal
• Temperature: Fahrenheit (°F)
• Pressure: Pounds per square inch (PSI)

Define standard building levels:

• Ground Floor: 0′-0″
• Typical Floor-to-Floor Height: 13′-0″
• Plenum Space: 2′-6″

Create view templates for various systems:

• HVAC Plans: 1/4″ = 1′-0″ scale
• Plumbing Plans: 1/8″ = 1′-0″ scale
• Fire Protection: 1/8″ = 1′-0″ scale

Project Coordinates Setup

• Pin both the project and project base points in their correct locations.
• Set a shared benchmark for team coordination.
• Use survey benchmarks if available.
• Align Project North with True North to ensure accurate solar studies.

“Coordination is the key to success in any project” – Raza Siddiqui

Linking External Models

Organize files with a clear folder structure:

ProjectName_MEP
├── Links
│   ├── ARCH
│   ├── STRUCT
│   └── CIVIL
├── Families
└── Worksets

Follow these practices:

• Use “Auto – Origin to Origin” for positioning.
• Enable worksets before linking large models.
• Keep an eye on critical elements like levels and grids.
• Set up interference checks for linked models.

Stick to consistent file naming conventions for all linked models. For instance:

ProjectName_ARCH_R22_Central.rvt
ProjectName_MEP_R22_Central.rvt
ProjectName_STRUCT_R22_Central.rvt

MEP System Setup

Follow US industry standards when setting up MEP systems. Below are key steps to ensure your MEP project runs smoothly.

System Family Setup

Make sure system families align with project requirements and comply with US regulations for dimensions, pressure, and performance.

Then, create detailed schedules and tags to clearly document the system’s parameters.

Schedule and Tag Setup

Develop schedules that adhere to US documentation standards:

• Equipment Schedules: Include manufacturer details, model numbers, and performance data.
• Pipe Schedules: List sizes, flow rates, and pressure specifications.
• Duct Schedules: Show dimensions and airflow details.

For tags, configure annotations to use units that enhance clarity and meet project needs. For instance, even if the project uses feet and inches, duct sizes might be displayed only in inches for better readability.

System Connector Setup

Here’s how to handle connectors effectively:

• Cable Tray Configuration: Position trays with enough clearance from other systems. Adjust dimensions like width, height, and offset to fit seamlessly into the building’s layout.
• Routing Preferences: Set routing preferences by system type. Place HVAC, plumbing, or electrical components to avoid structural conflicts and maintain accessibility.
• Clash Prevention: Perform regular interference checks to identify and resolve conflicts. Adjust component placements as needed and document cleared zones, particularly in crowded areas.

Team Coordination

Effective team coordination is essential for delivering MEP projects successfully. The tips below can help maintain model accuracy and improve collaboration between disciplines.

Cross-discipline Coordination

• Share updated models with all teams before conducting checks.
• Hold regular meetings and keep decisions documented in a centralized system.
• Use shared coordinates and proper model linking to ensure models stay aligned.

These practices help keep MEP, architectural, and structural models aligned and integrated.

“Teamwork and coordination are the secret ingredients that turn a good project into a great one!” – Raza Siddiqui, Author

Conflict Detection

Coordinated models make it easier to detect and address clashes early in the process.

1. Setup
   Run interference checks between:

   • MEP systems and structural elements
   • Different MEP systems (e.g., HVAC, plumbing, electrical)
   • Host model elements and linked models

2. Review
   Use the ‘Collaborate’ tab to run the ‘Interference Check’ tool, generating a clash report. Review the report to identify conflicts.

3. Resolve
   After resolving issues, rerun the interference check to confirm they’ve been addressed.

Workset Management

Strong workset management keeps projects organized and facilitates smooth teamwork.

Workset Type	Purpose	Best Practice
Model Worksets	Constructive elements	Organize by discipline or building zone
System Worksets	Families and project rules	Limit editing to designated managers
Shared Elements	Grids, levels, links	Assign a single owner for edit permissions

Key workset management tips include:

• Set an active workset for placing new elements.
• Use dedicated 3D views for each workset to ensure accurate element placement.
• Reserve ownership of critical elements (like grids and levels) to a single user.
• Regularly monitor borrowing status to prevent workflow interruptions.

Documentation and Quality Checks

Creating precise construction documentation requires strict compliance with US standards and thorough quality checks.

Model Review Steps

Review Category	Key Checks	Common Issues
System Connectivity	Flow direction, component connections	Disconnected elements, reverse flows
Parameter Values	Equipment sizes, flow rates	Missing data, incorrect units
Clearances	Service access, code requirements	Insufficient maintenance space
Load Calculations	Heating/cooling loads, electrical demand	Outdated calculations, missing zones
System Units	Temperatures (°F), duct sizes (inches), electrical (120V, 208V, 480V)	Inconsistent units across disciplines

Once the model has been reviewed and validated, ensure the drawing sets align with these quality benchmarks.

Drawing Set Creation

Follow US MEP standards when organizing drawing sheets:

• Begin with general notes and legends.
• Include floor plans, sections, and discipline-specific drawings (e.g., M-series for mechanical, P-series for plumbing, E-series for electrical).
• Add schedules with model numbers, performance data (in imperial units), power requirements, and clearances based on US codes.
• Provide installation details, such as mounting heights, support spacing, and seismic restraint requirements.

File Export Guidelines

Export Type	Settings	Requirements
PDF	24″ x 36″ sheet size	– 300 DPI minimum resolution – Searchable text – Organized layers – US-format title blocks
DWG	Imperial units	AutoCAD 2018 or newer format
Schedule Data	US date format (MM/DD/YYYY)	Excel (.xlsx) compatibility

Tips and Standards

US Workflow Tips

Set up your Revit environment to align with US-specific requirements and imperial units:

Workflow	Best Practice	Settings
System	Imperial Units	– Ductwork: inches (“) – Pipe sizes: NPS – Temperature: °F – Electrical: 120V/208V/480V
Code	National Standards	– NCS guidelines – Local building codes – ASHRAE standards
Documentation	Drawing Standards	– Sheet sizes: 24″ x 36″, 30″ x 42″ – US date format – Imperial unit schedules

Complement these practices with focused training and well-maintained templates for consistent results.

Training Resources

CAD Training Online offers Revit MEP courses tailored to US standards. These courses cover:

• Advanced techniques for MEP system modeling
• Ensuring compliance with US codes and documentation standards
• Improving performance through optimization strategies
• Automating workflows for efficiency

Template Management

Standardizing templates is key to maintaining a consistent workflow. Follow these steps:

• Template Organization
  Develop templates specific to each discipline, pre-configured with settings and annotations that match your company’s standards.

• Family Libraries
  Organize your family library by system type for easy access:

  • HVAC equipment designed for US specifications
  • Electrical devices that align with NEC standards
  • Plumbing fixtures with standard connection sizes
  • Seismic support elements

• Regular Updates
  Schedule quarterly reviews to:

  • Adjust parameters to meet current codes
  • Integrate updates from industry standards
  • Refresh shared parameter files
  • Ensure compliance with NCS guidelines

“The United States National CAD Standard (NCS) streamlines and simplifies the exchange of building design and construction data from project development throughout the life of a facility. It coordinates the efforts of the entire industry by classifying electronic building design data consistently allowing streamlined communication among owners and design and construction project teams. Use of the NCS can reduce costs and produce greater efficiency in the design and construction process.”

Keep a detailed record of template versions and changes to ensure your team stays aligned.

Conclusion

A well-structured Revit MEP workflow ensures accuracy and efficiency across projects. Here’s how it makes an impact:

Area of Impact	Outcome
Error Reduction	Early clash detection minimizes coordination issues
Time Savings	Standardized templates speed up the documentation process
Cost Management	Better cross-discipline coordination reduces rework
Quality	Consistent deliverables across all project phases

These practices help reduce mistakes, save time, manage costs, and improve the overall quality of project outcomes.

To fully leverage these advantages, it’s crucial to follow each step of the workflow checklist. Sticking to this disciplined approach ensures high-quality results and reduces the need for rework. Certified experts can assist MEP professionals in adopting technology, refining workflows, and cutting unnecessary expenses.

Revit MEP project success relies on clear processes, proper Revit MEP training, and adherence to best practices. By using this checklist, MEP professionals can meet technical standards while boosting efficiency at every stage.

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