When you’re planning a new building, HVAC is often an afterthought, but skipping over it can lead to serious problems down the road. Delays in permitting, energy code violations, expensive change orders, and systems that don’t fit your long-term needs are all common outcomes when HVAC isn’t part of early planning.
At Harold Brothers Mechanical Contractors, we’ve helped hundreds of commercial clients across Massachusetts design HVAC systems that meet strict code requirements, reduce energy costs, and support their long-term goals. And we’ve seen what happens when HVAC is overlooked: rework, lost time, and higher costs.
This article guides you through the 7 most important HVAC questions to ask during the pre-construction phase. You’ll learn how to plan ahead, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure your HVAC system supports both current needs and future growth, saving you time, money, and frustration.
The way a space is used plays a huge role in HVAC design. A call center, a restaurant, a school, and a warehouse all need different airflow, zoning, and control systems. Think not only about today but how the space might change in 5 or 10 years. Designing HVAC with adaptability for future building use can help prevent costly upgrades later on.
Will you be adding staff? Expanding operations? Converting a storage area to lab space? Planning now can save thousands later by avoiding costly system upgrades.
It’s like buying shoes for a growing child. If you only think about today’s size, you’ll be buying a new pair every few months. But if you plan ahead and size up just a bit, you’ll get more wear and save money in the long run. Your HVAC system should be designed with that same future growth in mind.
Massachusetts has some of the most advanced energy codes in the country—including Stretch Energy Codes in many towns. Your HVAC design must comply with building codes, ASHRAE standards, and local requirements for things like ventilation, energy recovery, and efficiency ratings. Many towns in Massachusetts have adopted the Stretch or Specialized Stretch Energy Codes, which impose stricter efficiency requirements on new buildings. You can track updates and adoption status through the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code development page.
Start early by asking your HVAC contractor:
Getting ahead of these questions prevents delays later when inspections roll around.
Not every system fits every building. Rooftop units, chilled water systems, VAV (Variable Air Volume), VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow), and hydronic systems all serve different needs.
What you choose should match:
For example, a VRF system may have higher upfront costs but lower long-term energy use. Meanwhile, packaged rooftop units may be best for ease of installation and accessibility.
HVAC equipment isn’t invisible. Mechanical rooms, ductwork paths, rooftop units, and condensers need space—both for installation and future service.
Questions to ask your team:
Planning HVAC placement during the design phase avoids late-stage conflicts with framing, plumbing, or electrical.
Many owners don’t consider who will maintain the system until it breaks down. But your HVAC system should be designed with long-term service in mind.
This is where preventative maintenance plays a key role. Instead of waiting for something to go wrong, preventative maintenance helps you:
At Harold Brothers, we offer customizable preventative maintenance programs tailored to your system, your budget, and your operations schedule. Whether you need seasonal inspections, filter changes, or advanced diagnostics, our team helps keep your HVAC system running efficiently, long after the project is complete.
Many HVAC systems can qualify for energy efficiency incentives or rebates if they’re designed with the right equipment and documentation in place. In Massachusetts, the Mass Save program offers incentives for efficient systems, demand control ventilation, heat pumps, and more.
Ask your HVAC partner:
These programs can significantly reduce first costs and improve your ROI.
HVAC systems don’t exist in a vacuum. Ducts, piping, and units must be coordinated with plumbing, electrical, fire protection, steel, and more. Without early coordination, you can run into field clashes or costly redesigns.
If your project is using BIM or CAD, loop your HVAC team in early. A good contractor will:
It’s not just about avoiding delays, it’s about smoother projects and better builds.
If your building is aiming for LEED, WELL, or simply better indoor air quality, HVAC decisions play a critical role. Filtration levels, fresh air intake, humidity control, and low-emissions equipment all matter.
Let your HVAC partner know upfront:
Systems can be designed to support these goals when considered early, without entirely blowing the budget.
HVAC planning isn’t just about air conditioning; it’s about efficiency, compliance, and comfort. Thinking through these questions early helps prevent surprises later.
By addressing how your building will be used, what codes apply, where equipment will go, and how the system will be maintained, you position your project for smoother execution and lower lifetime costs.
If you're not sure which system design fits your facility’s needs, check out our comparison of CAV vs. VAV HVAC systems to get clear on the pros and cons before you finalize your plans. It’s a smart next step toward making an informed decision.
For more than 16 years, Harold Brothers has helped commercial teams build smarter, more efficient HVAC systems across Massachusetts. Let us help you get it right from day one. Request a quote or contact our team today.