Utility Installation Costs for New Land
On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Home Services
1. Average Cost
- Typical Range: $20,400 (total utilities setup average)
- Factors Impacting Costs:
- Distance from utility connections
- Soil type and topography
- Required permits
- Utility types being installed
2. Cost by Utility Type
| Utility | Average Cost | Notes |
|---------------------|----------------------------|--------------------------------------------|
| City Water | $1,000–$6,000 | Trenching costs depend on proximity. |
| Well Water | $3,000–$15,000 | Includes drilling and pump installation. |
| City Sewer | $1,500–$11,000 | Sewer line installation costs included. |
| Septic System | $5,000–$30,000 | Costs vary by system size and soil type. |
| Electricity | $10,000–$30,000 | Costs increase with distance from poles. |
| Natural Gas | $500–$3,500 | Underground installations cost more. |
| Phone/Cable TV | $100–$200 | Additional wiring may increase costs. |
3. Key Cost Factors
- Distance from Utility Connections
-
Linear Foot Costs:
- Natural Gas: $5–$25/foot
- Electric Lines: $4–$12/foot
- Septic Lines: $60–$120/foot
- Water Lines: Up to $200/foot
-
Soil Type & Topography
-
Rocky, hilly, or heavily vegetated land increases trenching costs.
-
Permits
- Permit Costs:
- Well: $5–$500
- Sewer/Plumbing: $50–$500
- Septic System: $450–$2,300
- Electricity: $10–$500
4. Utility Breakdown
Water & Septic
- City Water Connection: $1,000–$6,000
- Well Drilling: $1,500–$6,000
- Septic System Installation: $5,000–$30,000
- Cost depends on septic size and groundwater depth.
- Sewer Lines: $1,400–$5,700
Electricity
- Basic Connection (Near Poles): ~$1,000
- New Transformer: $3,000–$7,000
- Trenching: $400–$1,200 per 100 feet
- Electrician Labor: $50–$100/hour
Natural Gas
- Connection Costs: $15–$25 per foot (underground)
- Average Hookup: $540–$3,500
Phone/Cable TV
- Basic Setup: $100–$200
- Wiring/Phone Jack Installation: $50–$80/hour
5. Tips to Save Money on Utility Installation
- Choose Nearby Land: Reduces trenching and linear foot costs.
- Bundle Services: Coordinate utility installation with multiple providers.
- Get Multiple Quotes: Compare at least three contractors for each utility.
- Plan for the Long Term: Install robust systems to avoid future upgrades.
- DIY Trenching: For smaller projects, renting equipment may cut costs.
Remember: Connecting utilities to land involves significant costs, especially for remote properties. Proper planning and consultation with professionals can help ensure smooth and efficient installations.
