Site Improvement Checklist

In construction lingo, the gas/propane, electrical, sewer/septic, and water lines are called laterals. The cost of these lines is determined by size, type, and length (setback) from the house to the POC (point of connection).
Always get two or three bids if possible when considering a contractor. It’s also important to check references and several past jobs before you commit. A little homework up front can save you a lot of pain and money down the road.

Gas Line
Contact the gas company for the location of the gas line and if the line is stubbed on your side of the street. If it’s on the other side, you may have extra fees. Usually, you dig the trench and the gas company runs the line and sets the meter. Get any other costs that may be involved.
If you’re going with propane, call two or three propane companies and get pricing for the fuel, set tank, run line to home, and changing appliances to propane if needed.

Electrical
Call the power company and find out what the hookup costs will be.
Get bids from two or three electricians to run overhead and/or underground lines.

Sewer/Septic
Call the city office and find out what the connection fees will be.
Get two or three bids for running the sewer line from the street to the home site.
If you’re going with a septic system, call two or three contractors and get bids for the lines, fields, tank, and installation. Check on a percolation (perk) test. Sometime a perk test can take months, so check on this before you commit to buying the lot.

Water
Call the water company for connection fees, location, and size of lines. The contractor who does the other lines may be able to include the trenching for the water lines in the bid.
Get bids from a plumber, if needed, to run the water lines and do the hookups.
If you’re going with a well, get bids with a cost breakdown sheet from two or
three drilling companies.