Before you buy the lot
Ask what utilities are at the street and what is missing. Check whether the lot has public water and sewer or needs a well and septic. Look for easements and rock.
Gather the information
Collect the survey, the plat, the utility letters and the soil information. Locate the nearest water main, sewer main and power. This tells you what runs must be built.
Place the house with the lines in mind
The house location affects the length and depth of every line. A small shift can save a long sewer run or avoid a rock ledge.
Plan each service
Water: tap, meter and line size. Sewer: connection point, slope and cleanouts. Power: transformer or pedestal and conduit. Gas or propane: supplier and route. Communications: provider and route. Drainage: downspouts and grading.
Schedule the trenches
Utilities go in after rough grading and before the foundation finishes and landscaping begins. Inspections must be booked ahead.
Keep records
Record where every line runs with photos and measurements before backfilling. Future owners will thank you.
Draw every line on one site plan before you dig, and book inspections as early as you can.
