What’s The Difference Between M&E Contractors?

Synecore are mechanical and electrical contractors (sometimes shortened to M&E contractors).

In simple terms an M&E Contractor specialises in the design, install, maintenance and repair of mechanical and electrical systems within a new or existing building. This includes everything from heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to refrigeration and cold-rooms and plumbing, lighting, and electrical power distribution.

What’s The Difference Between M&E Contractors?

Mechanical and electrical contractors specialise in different areas of engineering.

Wikipedia’s definition of a mechanical engineer is someone who specialises in mechanical engineering, the “study of physical machines that may involve force and movement. An engineering branch that combines engineering physics and mathematics principles with materials science, to design, analyse, manufacture, and maintain mechanical systems.“ It requires an “understanding of core areas including mechanics, dynamics, thermodynamics, materials science, structural analysis, and electricity.”

As part of the design and development process mechanical engineers also take responsibility for determining what materials are used in the construction of machinery and they ensure that all machinery, it’s operation and maintenance comply with design specifications and safety standards. They also develop control systems to monitor the efficiency and performance of materials and machinery.

In the case of electrical engineering Wikipedia states it “is an engineering discipline concerned with the study, design, and application of equipment, devices, and systems which use electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.”

Clearly there is likely to be some overlap between mechanical and electrical engineering and many projects are likely to involve both mechanical and electrical systems which will require the expertise of both M&E contractors.

Choosing the Right M&E Contractor

Given the importance of any project which involves mechanical and electrical equipment it’s vital to choose the right M&E contractor for your project. There are a number of factors that you should consider to ensure you find a qualified and reputable M&E contractor who will complete your project to specifications, on time and on budget. These include:

Experience

Ensuring your M&E contractor has experience in the work you want to have carried out is critical e.g. in the case of heating, ventilation and air conditioning, your M&E contractor needs to fully understand how to design, install and maintain an HVAC system as well as knowing and understanding any UK laws that must be adhered to.

It’s worth checking if your contractor has worked on projects of a similar size to your project and that those projects went without any issues. Where there were issues they were fully resolved and the project was completed on time. You don’t want to take on a contractor who doesn’t have the required expertise for your type and size of project or you may find they are out of their depth.

Recommendations

If you know someone who has worked with an M&E contractor, ask for their recommendation(s) while bearing in mind the points above about experience. Check that they were happy with all aspects of the work they had carried out or if they felt that some things could have been done better.

Quality of Work

Ask to see case studies if they’re not readily available on the M&E contractor’s website. Check any photographs of the work carried out for quality and craftsmanship.

It’s also worth requesting testimonials or references. Don’t forget to check they are genuine.

Professional Accreditations

You need to know that whatever company you employ, to take on your M&E project, have staff that are fully qualified with up-to-date certification and that the company are enrolled in and maintain membership of the organisations relevant to their speciality. This proves that the company and its personnel are committed to having the right knowledge and skills to perform their work safely and efficiently and to be complaint with any UK laws which govern any work being carried out.

Health and Safety

Health and safety should be a priority in any business, especially where staff are working with machinery and electricity. It’s therefore important that your M&E contractor can meet health and safety standards and that all staff are fully trained in health and safety matters.

Communication

Effective communication is key when employing another business. How easy is it to talk to your M&E contractor? Do they understand your needs and requirements and are they able to discuss your project in terms that you fully understand? Are they clear on what they can deliver and what they will need from you?

If you feel that the contractor isn’t listening to you or fails to communicate effectively during the initial stages of finding a contractor then it’s unlikely that communication will become any easier once your project starts.

Working To Schedule

Make sure the M&E contractor you choose can complete your project in a timely manner. Check projects they’ve completed in the past to see if they were completed on time. A good contractor will be able to give you accurate timelines and be able to work to schedule.

Watch out for a contractor that quotes unrealistic timelines as this means they’ll likely compromise on quality. You’ll also need to find a company that can fit in with your schedule and requirements.

The Latest Technology and Solutions

You’ll want any M&E company you partner with to be aware of the latest technology and solutions which are applicable to your project. From energy efficiency to sustainability your contractor needs to keep up to date so that they can advise you on the best solutions for your mechanical and/or electrical  project.

Customer Service

Look for an M&E contractor who are easy to get in touch with and who doesn’t mind answering your pre-sales questions. A responsive contractor who is happy to take the time to discuss your needs or simply field presales questions is also likely to be available and ready to respond when you really need them.

Where your equipment is business critical look for 24/7 support via phone and check that they are responsive to emails where the issue is less urgent. You never know when a problem could arise.

Maintenance and After Care

All mechanical and electrical systems are subject to wear and tear and therefore need maintenance throughout their lifetime. It’s important that your M&E contractor is able to provide the right level of care after the project is complete and is able to schedule checks on your systems to detect and resolve issues quickly before they become major problems.

Where problems do occur it’s also vital that they are able to respond in a timely manner to avoid downtime and to get you back up and running as quickly as possible.

Quotation

When it comes to quotes cheaper isn’t always the best and the most expensive doesn’t guarantee quality work. You should obtain several quotes and compare the level of detail, what is being proposed and that the quote is fully costed with no hidden charges.

Subcontractors

Check your M&E contractor has the required personnel and expertise in house and doesn’t have to subcontract out any of the work. If they do subcontract make sure they are fully qualified with up-to-date certification and fully versed with health and safety rules and regulations.

Synecore M&E Contractors

Synecore are M&E contractors for air conditioning and refrigeration and cold rooms. Synecore also offer air conditoning service and maintenance packages. 

We work for clients across Kent, London, and the rest of the UK.

If you’re looking to install new air conditioning or commercial refrigeration or to setup a maintenance contract contact our team or call on 01795 509 509. We’ll talk you through your options and provide you with expert advice for your business.