The Mistake of Not Planning for Utility Connections Early

A beautiful house plan and a tight schedule don’t mean much if you can’t flush a toilet, flip on the lights, or get a meter set when you need it. I’ve watched projects stall for months because the owner—or sometimes the builder—didn’t plan utility connections early enough. It’s not dramatic stuff like structural failures that derails most projects. It’s a missing easement for the sewer lateral, a transformer on backorder, or a water district that meets once a month and didn’t review the application in time. The good news: with a little foresight and a realistic plan, you can dodge most of these landmines and keep your project moving.

What “utilities” really means (and why they drive your schedule)

When we say “utilities,” we’re talking about a handful of systems, all of which come with different players, rules, and lead times:

• Electrical power (service drop, underground or overhead, meters, panels, transformers)
• Natural gas or propane (main or tank access, regulators, meters)
• Water supply (meters, service lines, backflow prevention)
• Sewer or septic (municipal connection, pump stations, or on-site systems)
• Stormwater (site drainage, retention, tie-ins to public systems)
• Communications (fiber, cable, telephone)
• Specialty services (irrigation meters, reclaimed water, fire service lines)

Every one of these requires approvals, inspections, and often coordination between the utility provider, the city or county, and your contractor. If you’ve got to cut into a public right-of-way or cross someone else’s land, add another layer of complexity with permits and easements. And while framing might take eight weeks, getting a transformer and meter might take twelve.

I’ve had projects where the building was finished inside—paint done, cabinets in—while everyone stood around waiting for power because the transformer pad didn’t meet clearance requirements, and the resubmittal took three weeks. There’s no ribbon-cutting when you’re running on a temporary generator.

The hidden timeline: where delays actually happen

Here’s where most projects get tangled in utility delays:

• Early coordination assumptions are wrong. The architect’s site plan shows utilities in one spot, but the utility company wants them somewhere else—and requires a rework.
• Lead times for equipment. Transformers, gas regulators, and certain meter sets can take 8–20 weeks depending on region and supply chain.
• Permit dependencies. You can’t open the street until the right-of-way permit is approved, and that might require traffic control plans, which require a licensed traffic engineer.
• Easement issues. Your ideal sewer route crosses a neighbor’s property and there’s no recorded easement. Suddenly you’re negotiating and paying attorneys.
• Fire flow and sprinkler surprises. The fire marshal requires a larger meter or a separate fire line after the plan check, meaning more fees and bigger service sizes.
• Coordination between trades. The electrician assumed power would be overhead; the site contractor trenched for underground. Redoing that trenching and conduit routing costs time and money.

A realistic rule of thumb: start utility planning as soon as you’re considering the site, not after you’ve got a building permit. If you wait until framing is up, you’re probably already behind.

Real-world cost ranges (so you can budget like a pro)

Every region is different, but these broad ranges are what I’ve seen across dozens of projects in the U.S. Adjust for your area and market conditions, and always get multiple quotes.

• Trenching and backfill: $18–$45 per linear foot for typical residential depth in soil; $60–$150+ per linear foot in rock or tight urban conditions.
• Directional boring: $40–$100 per linear foot; higher in congested areas or through hardpan.
• Primary electric extension (utility side): $10,000–$50,000 depending on distance and transformer needs. Some utilities subsidize up to a certain distance; others charge the full extension.
• Transformer: Utility-owned; you generally don’t buy it, but you might pay a facilities charge or contribution. Lead time commonly 8–16 weeks.
• Electric meter fee: $200–$800 for standard residential; more for 400A services.
• Gas service tap and meter: $0–$3,000 depending on utility policy. Some regions waive the fee if you add gas appliances or commit to certain usage; others charge based on distance from main.
• Water meter and connection fee: $1,000–$6,000 for a standard 5/8″–3/4″ meter; 1″ meters and larger can be $5,000–$20,000+.
• Sewer connection/tap fee: $2,500–$10,000 commonly; capacity/impact fees can push total to $15,000–$30,000+ in fast-growing jurisdictions.
• Septic system (if no sewer): $8,000–$25,000 for a conventional system; $25,000–$60,000+ for alternative or engineered systems in poor soils.
• Stormwater systems: Small residential drywells or infiltration trenches run $3,000–$15,000; full detention systems can be $20,000–$100,000+.
• Temporary power pole and setup: $700–$2,500 for installation; monthly charges vary by utility.
• Telecom drop (fiber/cable): Usually nominal if power is already in; some providers charge $0–$1,500, but getting service scheduled can take weeks.

Plan a contingency: I recommend a 15–20% utility contingency for urban infill and 20–30% for rural sites or any project involving street cuts or off-site extensions.

Early due diligence checklist (before you buy or design)

If you take one section and tape it to your wall, make it this one. Before you fall in love with a lot, confirm:

• Water: Is there a main in the street? What size? What is the static pressure? Are meters available? Any moratoriums? Get a “will-serve” letter.
• Sewer: Where is the nearest main? What’s the depth at your tie-in point? Will gravity work, or do you need a pump? Any capacity constraints? Confirm with the public works or sewer authority.
• Power: Overhead or underground? Available capacity? Transformer location options? Any planned utility upgrades in the area?
• Gas: Is there a gas main, and is service extended to your side of the street? What pressure is available?
• Telecom: Who serves the area? Fiber availability? Are they willing to coordinate trenching with power?
• Stormwater: Does the jurisdiction allow tie-ins, or will you need on-site retention/infiltration? Check soil infiltration rates early.
• Easements and rights-of-way: Pull a title report to see recorded easements. Verify that your planned utility routes are legal and feasible.
• Fire requirements: Ask the fire marshal about hydrant spacing, fire flow, and whether your square footage triggers sprinklers or a fire service line.
• Roadway cuts: Does the city/county allow trenching in your road? Winter moratoriums are common in cold climates; you might be unable to open the road for months.
• Environmental constraints: Wetlands, floodplains, heritage trees, or protected habitat can block routes or increase costs.
• Timeline reality check: Ask each utility provider for typical lead times—transformers, meter sets, service drops—and build those into your schedule.

Request letters of availability (“will-serve” letters) from water, sewer, and power providers. Some building departments require them before issuing permits, and they’re the fastest way to avoid painful late-stage surprises.

Planning routes on your site without boxing yourself in

Utility routing isn’t glamorous, but it affects everything from where you can plant trees to how your driveway slopes. Tips I share with every owner and architect:

• Keep separation distances: Most jurisdictions require minimum separations between utilities. Common standards include:
• 10 feet horizontal between water and sewer
• 3 feet between electric and gas
• 12–18 inches vertical separation when crossing, with water above sewer where possible
• Always verify local codes and utility standards
• Avoid long, complicated runs: Shorter, straighter trenches save money and reduce conflicts.
• Plan for clearances at equipment: Transformers typically require 8 feet front clearance and 3 feet sides and rear; gas meters need clear air space and distance from electrical sources.
• Reserve a utility corridor: Along one side yard or driveway, establish a corridor for multiple utilities. It keeps future maintenance easy and preserves landscaping.
• Grade with utilities in mind: You can’t put an electric transformer in a drainage swale. Keep equipment pads above the 100-year flood elevation if applicable.
• Conduit now, headaches avoided later: Even if you don’t install fiber day one, sleeve a spare conduit from the right-of-way to your house. Pulling later is cheap if the sleeve is there.

I’ve had landscape designs derailed because a transformer needed a pad in the front setback and the only spot left was in front of a feature tree. Plan the pad before you pick the shrubs.

Working with the utility companies: how to get to “yes”

Utilities each have their own playbook. Learn it early.

• Start with the utility’s new service department: Submit a new service request with a site plan, load calculations (for power), fixture counts (for water), and proposed meter sizes.
• Ask about standards and typical details: They’ll give you PDFs showing trench sections, conduit sizes, depth requirements, pad details, and clearance diagrams. Build these into your drawings.
• Request a preliminary route meeting: Getting the utility planner to walk the site is gold. They’ll point out conflicts before you trench.
• Bundle work where possible: Coordinate joint trenching for power, gas, and telecom to reduce costs and pavement cuts. Some utilities require joint trench; others prohibit it in certain conditions.
• Know who pays for what: Utilities often own equipment up to the meter; you own from the meter to the house (the “service lateral”). But rules vary. Ask for a written scope boundary.
• Lock in lead times: Once your design is approved, ask what triggers the clock—signed agreement? Deposit? Proof of trench? Get a receipt and a name.
• Don’t bury without inspection: Many utilities require trench and conduit inspections before backfill. Missing this step is a classic schedule killer.

Pro move: Set a recurring weekly check-in with your utility coordinator or project manager. A five-minute call can save you two weeks.

Water and sewer: small decisions with big consequences

Municipal water and meter sizing

Water meter size affects pressure at fixtures, irrigation performance, and fees. Meter charges often jump significantly from 3/4″ to 1″. Before choosing:

• List all fixtures and irrigation zones.
• Check static pressure at the main (the water district can provide it).
• Consider pressure losses—long runs, backflow preventers, and altitude changes.
• Confirm if a fire sprinkler system requires a separate meter or larger size.

Expect to need:

• Backflow prevention for irrigation, sometimes for domestic water depending on your area.
• A meter box or vault at the right-of-way; your plumber runs from there to the house.

Typical timeframes:

• Plan review: 2–4 weeks
• Meter set: 2–6 weeks after fees are paid and the service line is installed/inspected

Common mistake: Not planning the backflow preventer location. These devices are bulky, need freeze protection, and can be an eyesore right in your front yard if not planned.

Fire flow and sprinklers

Many new homes over a certain square footage or in areas with limited fire access need sprinklers. That can trigger:

• Larger water meter or dedicated fire line
• Fire department plan reviews and inspections
• Additional fees and annual testing for backflow devices

Get the fire marshal involved early. I’ve seen final meter sizes jump after a late fire review, which meant redoing service lines and paying extra fees.

Sewer vs. septic

If you’ve got municipal sewer:

• Find the main and its depth. You typically need your lateral to slope 2% (1/4″ per foot) for 3″ pipe, 1% (1/8″ per foot) for 4″ pipe depending on code.
• Confirm tap location and fees. Some cities do the tap; others allow your contractor to do it with an inspector present.
• Watch for elevation problems. If your basement fixtures are lower than the main, you’ll need an ejector pump.

If you’re on septic:

• Get a perc test early. Soil type and groundwater depth drive your system design.
• Expect health department approvals and an engineered design if soils are poor.
• Protect your reserve area. Don’t pave over it or run utilities through the drain field.

Timeframes:

• Municipal sewer tap: 2–8 weeks for permits and scheduling
• Septic design and approval: 4–12 weeks depending on season and department workload

Cost traps:

• Deep taps in the street can require shoring, traffic control, and pavement restoration—easily $10,000–$40,000+ for urban work.
• Septic alternatives (mound, aerobic systems) add equipment and annual maintenance contracts.

Power: overhead, underground, and transformers

Electric service is a common schedule driver. Here’s how to keep it on track:

• Service size and load calc: Your electrician should provide a NEC-compliant load calculation. A 200A service is common; large homes may need 320/400A.
• Overhead vs. underground: Some neighborhoods mandate underground. Underground requires conduit, pull boxes, and a transformer pad location acceptable to the utility.
• Transformer placement: Utilities care about truck access and clearances. You can suggest locations, but they decide. Early site walks help avoid surprises.
• Conduit size and bends: Utilities limit the number of bends and require sweeping elbows. Overly tight bends can lead to a failed pull and rework.
• Temporary power: Order a temp power pole early. It’s far cheaper and safer than running generators for weeks.

Lead times:

• Design approval: 2–6 weeks
• Transformer availability: 8–16 weeks (longer in some markets)
• Service crew scheduling: 2–8 weeks

One project of mine sat 10 weeks without permanent power because the initial pad location violated a property corner setback in the utility’s standard—by 18 inches. That 18 inches cost us almost three months. Review the utility’s standard detail sheets like your project depends on it—because it does.

Natural gas (and what to do when there isn’t any)

Gas service is straightforward when the main is nearby and the utility is cooperative. It’s less so when:

• The main is on the far side of a major road and the city requires a full-lane closure to cross.
• The utility demands a high minimum usage threshold to justify extension.
• The region is moving away from gas, and new hookups are limited.

Alternatives and tips:

• Propane: Above-ground or buried tanks, sized to your demand. Budget $2,000–$6,000 for a tank and regulators, plus trenching for gas line. Plan for setbacks and access for refills.
• All-electric design: Heat pump HVAC, induction cooking, heat pump water heaters. Coordinate with your electrician to confirm panel capacity and space for future EV charging.
• Joint trench with power: In many areas, gas runs with electric in a joint trench with required separations. This can save you money but must meet both utilities’ standards.

Gas lead times:

• Design and approval: 2–6 weeks
• Service install: 4–10 weeks after trench is ready

Common mistake: Placing gas meters under windows or too close to ignition sources. Gas utilities have strict clearance rules—get their meter location approval early.

Telecom and low-voltage: small scope, big headaches

You don’t want to move in and find you’ve got power and water but no internet for six weeks. Plan for:

• Conduit: Run at least a 1.25″ spare conduit from the right-of-way to your low-voltage panel, with a pull string.
• Coordination: Ask telecom providers if they’ll coordinate with the electric trench. Some will install their drop if you provide conduit.
• Access points and WAPs: If you’re building a larger home, plan low-voltage rough-in early to avoid fishing wires through insulation later.

Lead times:

• New service scheduling: 2–6 weeks after power is live
• Drop installation: Often a separate crew; schedule it before final move-in

Pro tip: Pull a spare dark conduit to the far end of the house or outbuilding, capped at both ends. Future backyard offices, gate motors, or EV chargers will thank you.

Stormwater and drainage tie-ins

Stormwater often gets forgotten until the inspector asks how you’re handling runoff. Depending on your site and jurisdiction:

• You may need on-site infiltration (drywells, trenches) sized by a civil engineer based on soil tests and rainfall data.
• You might be allowed to tie into a public storm main—often with strict requirements and permits.
• Erosion and sediment control plans (SWPPP/NPDES) may be required for sites disturbing 1 acre or more, or smaller sites in sensitive areas.

Budget for catch basins, piping, and possibly a small detention system. Don’t route other utilities through your storm infiltration areas; maintenance or failure can be messy and expensive.

Temporary utilities for construction

Temporary utilities are the unsung heroes of a smooth build.

• Temporary power: Order as soon as permits are issued. Utility sets a temporary meter after your electrician installs the pole/panel per utility standards.
• Temporary water: If a permanent meter is delayed, many water districts offer a construction meter or hydrant meter with a deposit.
• Temporary sewer: Typically not needed, but coordinate porta-potty placement away from trenches and access routes.

Keep cords off the ground, protect temporary panels from vehicles, and label everything. Inspectors love clean, safe temp setups—and so do your trades.

Easements, rights-of-way, and legal headaches

Easements are invisible land mines. They can be your best friend (giving you legal access) or a brick wall (blocking your ideal route).

• Check the title report: Look for recorded utility easements. Verify location and width against your site plan.
• When you need a new easement: If a lateral must cross a neighbor’s property, you’ll need a recorded easement. Hire a surveyor to draft a legal description and an attorney to prepare the document. Budget $3,000–$10,000 and 4–12 weeks for negotiation and recording.
• Public right-of-way work: Requires permits, insurance, and sometimes bonding. Traffic control plans may be required and must be stamped by a traffic engineer.
• Franchise utilities: Electric and gas utilities often have franchise rights to occupy right-of-way, but they still require proper permits and designs.

I once watched a client lose an entire building season because a neighbor changed their mind about granting a sewer easement after informally agreeing. Get signed documents before you pour footings.

Safety and trenching logistics you can’t ignore

Nothing slows a project like hitting an unmarked line. Protect your crew and your schedule.

• Call 811 before you dig. Utilities will mark existing lines at no charge. In most states, it’s the law.
• Use potholing. Vacuum excavate to expose existing utilities before crossing them. Don’t rely on paint marks alone.
• Mind trench safety. OSHA requires shoring or sloping for trenches deeper than 5 feet unless in solid rock. Have a competent person on site.
• Keep trenches dry. Water complicates compaction and can collapse walls. Plan pumps or route trenches above groundwater if possible.
• Backfill and compaction: Follow the utility’s backfill requirements—often sand bedding, warning tape, and specified compaction rates. Failures here can lead to settlement and future repair bills.

Rural, suburban, and urban: different games, different rules

• Rural sites:
• Utilities may be miles away. Extension costs can be significant.
• Septic and wells are common; schedule perc tests in the right season.
• Overhead power runs are more common, but you might need new poles or guying.
• Access can be a challenge; plan for equipment deliveries and wide trucks.

• Suburban infill:
• Utilities are nearby, but capacity can be limited.
• Street cut permits and moratoriums are common.
• Neighbors care about disruption; coordinate noisy work and traffic control.

• Urban lots:
• Congested subsurface conditions—old utilities, abandoned lines, shallow bedrock.
• Strict work hours, union labor requirements in some cities, and costly traffic control.
• Higher fees but faster access to inspectors and resources (sometimes).

Adjust your budget and schedule expectations accordingly. A rural project can be cheaper to build but more expensive to connect; an urban project can be the reverse.

Budgeting and contingencies that actually work

Here’s how I advise clients to build a realistic utility budget:

• Start with base costs:
• Estimated trench lengths multiplied by a conservative per-foot cost.
• Connection/tap and capacity fees from each utility.
• Equipment pads, vaults, backflow preventers, and inspections.
• Add soft costs:
• Permits, traffic control, engineering, survey, easement recording fees.
• Add 20% contingency:
• Increase to 30% if you have rock, unknown conditions, or off-site work.
• Carry allowances:
• Meter upsizing, pump stations, transformer relocation.

Cash flow tip: Utility companies often require deposits or full payment before work starts. Plan for lump sums at awkward times, such as right after rough grading.

Contracts and who pays for what

A little clarity in contracts goes a long way:

• Define scope boundaries: Who’s responsible from the main to the meter? From the meter to the house? Who gets the permits?
• Allocate risk: If rock is encountered or a deeper sewer tap is required, is that a change order? Spell it out.
• Require as-built drawings: After installation, get accurate records of utility routes. Future you will be grateful.
• Tie schedule milestones to utilities: Don’t promise substantial completion without permanent power unless you explicitly intend to.

I include a utility exhibit in the contract showing routes, trench sections, and ownership limits. It saves arguments later.

A simple scheduling template for the first 90 days

Use this as a starting point and adapt to your project.

Weeks 1–2:

• Submit new service applications to water, sewer, power, gas, telecom.
• Request will-serve letters.
• Schedule site walk with utility planners.
• Order temporary power setup.

Weeks 3–4:

• Receive utility standard details; adjust site plan and building drawings.
• Begin any required engineering (civil, septic, stormwater).
• Apply for right-of-way permits and traffic control plans if needed.
• Complete perc tests (if septic) and geotech as required.

Weeks 5–6:

• Finalize utility routes; submit for utility and city approvals.
• Stake proposed transformer, meter, and backflow locations for review.
• Get temp power inspection and meter set.
• Pay initial utility fees/deposits to start the lead-time clock.

Weeks 7–8:

• Start trenching for service laterals where approved.
• Call for trench inspections (utility and city) before backfill.
• Install sleeves/conduit for joint trench or future telecom.

Weeks 9–10:

• Backfill and compact; install pads and vaults.
• Confirm transformer order and estimated ship date.
• Schedule sewer tap or septic install.

Weeks 11–12:

• Install permanent meters (water/gas) once approved.
• Coordinate power pull and meter set; confirm all inspections passed.
• Schedule telecom drop after power is live.

Adjust based on your region’s review times. Some utility planners work on three-week cycles; build those cycles into your Gantt chart.

Case studies: where projects go sideways (and how they got back on track)

Case 1: The 400-foot driveway surprise

• The setup: Custom home on a wooded lot. Architect assumed power from the road with a short run.
• The problem: Utility planner required the transformer 300 feet up the driveway due to capacity and access needs. That added 400 feet of trenching and conduit the owner hadn’t budgeted.
• The fix: We redesigned the site plan early, moved the driveway edge to create a utility corridor, and combined trenches with the water service. Joint trenching saved roughly $12,000. Still cost more than hoped, but we avoided a late-stage rebuild.

Case 2: Sewer at the wrong elevation

• The setup: Urban infill with an older, shallow sewer main.
• The problem: The basement bathroom was below the crown of the main. Gravity wouldn’t work, and no one caught it until rough-in.
• The fix: Installed an ejector pump and check valve. It added $6,500 and a week to the schedule. If we’d checked invert elevations during due diligence, we could have planned for it and avoided a scramble.

Case 3: Transformer lead time kills the move-in date

• The setup: House basically finished; permanent power still pending.
• The problem: The specified transformer model had a 14-week lead time. No temporary backfeed allowed per code.
• The fix: Coordinated with utility to accept an alternate transformer model and revised pad detail, shaving four weeks. Temporary generator used for testing only, under inspector oversight. It still hurt, but we cut the delay in half.

Case 4: Gas moratorium

• The setup: West Coast city phasing out new gas hookups.
• The problem: Gas utility denied new service after design was complete.
• The fix: Shifted to all-electric. Upgraded to a 400A panel, added a heat pump water heater and induction cooktop, and reserved space for solar and EV. Extra electrical cost ~ $5,800; eliminated gas trench and meter work, saving roughly $3,000. Net increase modest, and timeline actually improved since we lost a utility from the coordination matrix.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Assuming capacity exists without a will-serve letter. Get it in writing.
• Drawing meter locations without utility approval. Utility standards trump your preferences.
• Skipping early fire department review. Fire flow and sprinklers can force meter upsizing and cost increases.
• Ignoring winter moratoriums on street cuts. Check the calendar; plan around holidays and weather.
• Forgetting backflow preventers and cage enclosures. They take space, need freeze protection, and can be an eyesore if not planned.
• Not calling 811. Don’t rely on old as-builts or neighbor lore.
• Overstuffing trenches. Respect required separations and bend radii. It’s cheaper to dig a second trench than to rip out a failed install.
• Waiting to order equipment. Ask what deposit triggers the order and do it as soon as you can.

Tools and technology that make this easier

• Utility GIS maps: Many utilities publish online GIS maps showing mains, hydrants, and lines. Use them for prelim planning.
• BIM and clash detection: Even for residential, a simple 3D site model with trench routes can catch conflicts early.
• Drone surveys and photologging: Document trench routes, depths, and compaction stages. Great for as-builts and future maintenance.
• Project management checklists: Set recurring reminders—“Call utility planner”—and log every conversation. Names and dates matter when disputes arise.

Step-by-step: how to size up your utility plan this week

If your project is in design or about to start, here’s a practical week-long sprint: Day 1:

• Call water, sewer, power, gas, and telecom providers. Ask for new service application links and planner contacts. Request will-serve letters and current fee schedules.

Day 2:

• Print utility standard details. Highlight trench sections, minimum separations, and pad clearances. Send to your designer and site contractor.

Day 3:

• Walk the site. Stake tentative locations for:
• Electric transformer and meter
• Gas meter
• Water meter box/backflow
• Sewer lateral path
• Telecom entry
• Take photos and mark on a site plan.

Day 4:

• Meet (virtually or in person) with your electrician, plumber, and civil engineer. Review proposed routes and flag conflicts with driveways, retaining walls, or trees.

Day 5:

• Submit applications with load calcs and fixture counts. Ask about lead times and what triggers equipment orders.

Day 6:

• Draft a utility schedule: trench start, inspection windows, pad pour dates, meter set requests. Include 20% float on long-lead items.

Day 7:

• Update your budget with current fee schedules, trenching estimates, and a contingency. Share with your lender if applicable.

Quick reference: typical documents you’ll need

• Site plan with proposed utility routes
• Load calculation for electrical service
• Plumbing fixture count and proposed meter size
• Fire sprinkler plans (if applicable)
• Civil drawings for stormwater and grading
• Right-of-way permit applications and traffic control plan
• Will-serve letters from water, sewer, and power
• Easement documents and legal descriptions (if crossing private property)
• SWPPP/NPDES documentation for larger sites

Keep digital and printed copies. Inspectors appreciate a well-organized binder on site.

A few personal insights that consistently pay off

• Get the utility planner on site, not just on email. People solve problems faster in the dirt than on a PDF.
• Mark future-proof conduits in bold on the plans. A few extra sleeves today save expensive directional boring later.
• Treat backflow preventers and transformer pads like design elements, not afterthoughts. Screening and access go hand in hand.
• Keep neighbors in the loop. A friendly note about road work and driveway access can avert complaints that slow down permits.
• Photograph everything before backfill. If there’s ever a dispute about depth or bedding, you’ll have proof.

Frequently overlooked details that cause last-minute drama

• Meter heights and mounting substrate. Utilities have strict standards; mount on plywood backer if sheathing isn’t installed yet.
• Grounding and bonding. The inspector will look closely at bonding for metal water lines and CSST gas piping.
• Slope and cleanouts for sewer. Don’t bury cleanouts under driveways or planters.
• Backflow cages. Some areas require locking enclosures—order early.
• Valve boxes and tracer wires. Telecom and gas often require tracer wires and specific color-coding; inspectors check.
• Final utility letters. Some jurisdictions need letters of completion from each utility before granting a Certificate Of Occupancy. Ask early.

When the plan changes: how to pivot without wrecking your budget

If a utility throws you a curveball midstream:

• Get the reason in writing. Understanding whether it’s a code issue, capacity constraint, or policy helps in negotiating alternatives.
• Ask for options with pros/cons and costs. For example, moving a transformer vs. upsizing conduit and rerouting.
• Bring your trades into the conversation. The electrician or civil engineer may offer a smarter solution that the utility accepts.
• Revisit the schedule publicly. Share the impact with stakeholders and rebaseline your plan. Surprises are worse than delays.

I once had a power company deny a proposed pole due to sightline issues at an intersection—six weeks after our initial submittal. We convened a call with their traffic engineer, proposed a shorter pole and different arm, and got approval in three days. Pressure helps when you come with solutions, not just complaints.

What a clean closeout looks like

As you near the finish line, aim for this checklist:

• Permanent power on and inspected
• Water meter set and backflow tested and tagged
• Gas meter set and appliances lit by a licensed installer
• Sewer line tested (air or water) and documented
• Stormwater facilities inspected and signed off
• Telecom live and verified
• As-built utility drawings compiled and shared with owner
• Final letters or confirmations from utilities on file
• Utility billing accounts transferred to the owner

Take a final photo set of all meter locations and equipment labels. Share with the homeowner in a digital handoff packet. It’s a small touch that saves headaches later.

Bringing it all together

Early utility planning isn’t glamorous, but it’s the grease that keeps your project moving. Start the conversations on day one, put the details on the drawings, and schedule with a healthy dose of realism. Get will-serve letters, respect utility standards, and don’t bury anything without an inspection. When you hit a snag—and you will—treat your utility contacts like teammates. Show them clear plans, give them options, and keep the site ready when they’re ready.

The projects that glide to completion aren’t always the ones with the fanciest finishes. They’re the ones where the owner, designer, and builder sat around a table early and asked, “How are we getting water in, waste out, and electrons flowing?” Answer that well in the first month, and you won’t be waiting in the dark at the end.