5 Things to Do Before Starting a Mechanical/Plumbing Model 

By Blair Springe, Mechanical & Plumbing BIM Manager 

A successful mechanical or plumbing model doesn’t start with modeling—it starts with preparation. Teams that prioritize setup and coordination from day one avoid costly mistakes and rework down the line. 

Here are five essential steps every BIM professional should take before starting a mechanical or plumbing model: 

1. Define the Required Level of Detail (LOD) 

Before any modeling begins, it’s critical to have a clear understanding of the required Level of Detail (LOD) for the project. Whether LOD 300, 350, or 400 is needed, aligning on this early ensures consistency across teams and eliminates confusion during coordination and deliverables. 

2. Review All Drawings and Specifications 

A thorough review of architectural, structural, and all MEP trade drawings and specifications is a foundational step. This ensures a holistic understanding of the project and helps identify potential coordination issues before modeling begins. Effective collaboration starts with visibility into the full design scope. 

 
3. Set Up a Clean Database Profile 

A clean, project-specific database profile should be created with only the necessary parts, families, and configurations. This not only keeps the model lean and efficient but also reduces system slowdowns and modeling errors as the project progresses. 

4. Prepare Views and Sheets for the Project 

The model should be configured with the required views and sheets from the outset. These should be logically broken down by system, floor, or zone depending on project needs. Establishing this structure early helps maintain organization and ensures smoother coordination and documentation workflows. 

5. Maintain a Positive Mindset 

Lastly, it’s important to approach the project with confidence and enthusiasm. Mechanical and plumbing modeling is complex, but when the right preparation is in place, the process becomes not just manageable—but enjoyable. 

Mechanical and plumbing modeling success depends on more than just software skills. It’s the upfront strategy, coordination, and structure that pave the way for efficient, high-quality results. These five steps help ensure each model starts on a solid foundation—setting teams up for success from the very beginning. 

About the Author: Blair Springe is a Mechanical & Plumbing BIM Manager at our partner company, BIMTM. Who is BIMTM? 

BIMTM is a proud EVOLVE partner. Founded in 2021, BIM Technology Management (BIMTM) was born from a need for better BIM solutions. 

As industry professionals, we experienced firsthand the frustrations of dealing with unbuildable models, wasted time, and a lack of practical understanding from service providers. 

And since our entire team is U.S.-based, you’ll get real collaboration with industry pros who speak your language—no time zone juggling, no communication gaps, just seamless project coordination from start to finish. 

Contact BIMTM: https://bimtm.com/contact/