Energy codes can change over time, and this can create problems for MEP estimating. A mechanical, electrical, or plumbing system priced under today’s code requirements may need to meet different requirements when construction starts. This matters even more on longer projects where design and permitting continue through a new code cycle.
SMA Estimating LLC’s MEP estimating services account for these changes. The estimate considers not only the systems and materials being priced today but also the code requirements that may apply when construction begins.
Why Do Energy Codes Keep Changing Mid-Project?
New versions of the energy code are not adopted uniformly by states, and some states are adopting these changes at a more accelerated pace than they had previously. In November of 2025, the Illinois Energy Code was changed to the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code as the state’s base energy code. 2026 Energy Codes Outlook (Institute for Market Transformation) explains that other states are also developing new code adoptions for 2026-2027, as they aim to meet this complex task. This requires a project to be designed during one edition of a code and completed during a new, later edition, particularly in states that revise their codes frequently.
That timing difference can affect the estimate. Energy code editions set requirements for insulation, equipment efficiency, and system sizing. These requirements can change the equipment and materials needed for mechanical and electrical systems, which can also change their cost.
How Does This Affect Cost Accuracy Specifically?
An estimate prepared too early may be based on equipment and system requirements that are no longer valid when the project reaches permitting. MEP construction estimating based on outdated code assumptions can be more than slightly inaccurate. It may include equipment that does not meet the current code requirements, which can lead to a redesign and a new estimate during the project.
This issue can affect mechanical and electrical scopes more than some other trades. HVAC equipment efficiency ratings, electrical system sizing, and insulation-based load calculations can change between code editions. Plumbing rough-ins may change less from one code edition to another, while a heat pump efficiency requirement can change significantly.
What Does A Complete MEP Estimating Approach Actually Look Like?
This means checking the code edition that will apply when construction starts, not only the code in place when the design begins. The estimate should price systems that are expected to meet the requirements when they are installed. In practice, this requires a few consistent steps:
- Confirming which code edition will govern at expected permit and construction dates, not just today’s requirements.
- Flagging projects in states with active code transitions for extra scrutiny before locking equipment specifications.
- Pricing HVAC and electrical systems against current, code-compliant equipment options rather than legacy specifications.
- Coordinating MEP cost accuracy checks with the design team whenever a project timeline crosses a known code adoption date.
Skipping any of the above steps would result not only in inaccurate pricing but also may cause you to incur additional expenses. It is therefore necessary to take all of the steps in order to ensure that your estimate is correct.
How Does This Tie Into Broader Cost Control?
An MEP estimate that ignores code changes is not reliable construction cost control. It may be accurate today but wrong when the project reaches construction. Real cost control means the estimate accounts for current material and labor costs as well as the code requirements that will apply when the project is actually built.
Conclusion
Energy codes are changing faster than many project timelines can keep up with, and MEP systems are closely affected by these changes. An estimate that does not track code timing can become outdated before construction is finished. SMA Estimating LLC considers these changes during MEP estimating, so mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are priced according to the code that will apply when they are built, not only the code that was in effect when the estimate was prepared.
