The cost to get utilities on land ranges from $6,500 to $30,000 on average. A pro will factor in the utilities needed and your location to determine the exact cost.
When a fresh start on new property also means getting utilities on land, you can expect to pay between $6,500 and $30,000 (or more) to set everything up. The average cost to set up utilities on land is $20,400, but the topography, soil type, land location, and the types of utilities you need can all dictate what getting your new digs connected will cost.
Transporting water and wastewater is one of the first things you’ll need to install on your land for a functioning home.
If your property is near a city or town, connecting to the municipal water supply and sewer system might be the easiest option. The cost of hooking up your property to city water ranges from $1,000 to $6,000, while installing sewer lines costs $1,500 to $5,700.
For more remote properties, it’s best to install a well and septic tank. Drilling a well costs between $5,000 and $10,000 on average, and the cost of a new septic system is between $3,400 and $11,500 on average.
Expect to pay more if you have very deep or very shallow groundwater. Both make it harder for local septic companies to install septic systems. Also, your price will increase if you’re adding water and septic near existing systems close to your property.
| Utility | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| City water | $1,000–$6,000 |
| Well water | $5,000–$10,000 |
| City sewer | $1,500–$5,700 |
| Septic | $3,400–$11,500 |
If power lines exist at or near your property line, getting an electricity hookup is simple. Expect to pay around $1,000 if this is the case, or about $5 to $15 per linear foot.
If you pay to hire an electrician, the hourly rate is $50 to $100. Factors that can increase the cost for a new electricity hookup include the distance from the nearest pole, the amount of trenching needed, how much vegetation needs to be cleared, and overhead wires versus underground wires. Also consider these electrical factors:
Trenching cost: $400–$1,200 per 100 linear feet
New transformer cost: $3,000–$7,000
If your property is near existing natural gas lines, the cost to connect ranges from $500 to $2,000, depending on the distance and local fees.
If you're hooking up natural gas with help from local gas plumbers, expect to pay between $15 and $25 per linear foot for underground installation. While the average price for a new natural gas hookup is $540, people connecting a property to natural gas for the first time may pay up to $3,500.
A propane tank is a viable alternative if natural gas lines don’t service your property. Of course, the cost to install a propane tank varies significantly depending on the size of the tank and whether it’s above or underground, but in general expect to pay between $600 to $2,500.
If streaming hasn’t yet caught on in your household or you still want a landline, getting your property hooked up with a telephone line and cable costs between $100 and $200.
If you extend the line more than a house or two away, you may pay on the higher end of that range. If you're installing a landline, expect to pay between $50 and $80 per hour for wiring and phone-jack installation services.
There are a few different factors that you should consider when budgeting for the cost to get utilities on land.
The biggest cost factor when connecting utilities to new land is the distance from the nearest connection. Contractors handling utility hookups typically charge by linear foot for trenching and pipe installation.
For instance, natural gas lines may cost $5 to $25 per linear foot, and trenching for electrical lines or other utilities that need lines buried underground may cost $400 to $1,200 for every 100 linear feet. Installing a septic system and well typically costs about $60 to $120 per linear foot, while connecting to public water can cost up to $200 per linear foot.
| Utility | Average Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Natural gas | $5–$25 |
| Electric | $4–$12 |
| Septic | $60–$120 |
| Water | $200 |
While you may not want your home to be too far from public utility lines when you’re being charged by linear foot, you’ll also need to keep in mind that some utilities, like a septic system, require some additional distance from nearby homes. So you don’t always want to install with the shortest distance possible.
Soil conditions and topography can impact contractors' prices for trenching. They may charge premiums if you build a home on rocky, hilly terrain that's hard to access. On the flip side, land that’s flat and has minimal rocks and other obstacles (like trees) will mean a lower cost for you.
You may want to start by contacting a local architect or civil engineer to help you create a checklist for all utility connections needed on your land. These pros typically charge $100 to $200 per hour. They can also help you initiate the permit process by letting you know which hookups require permits and applying for them (but you’ll still have to pay for the permits).
Here's a look at common permit costs when connecting utilities to new land:
| Permit Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Well | $5–$500 |
| Plumbing/sewer | $50–$500 |
| Septic system | $450–$2,300 |
| Electricity | $10–$500 |
There’s no comparing the cost to DIY versus hiring professionals to install utilities on undeveloped land. Why? This isn’t a project you can DIY. Most municipalities and states have laws that require only licensed professionals to add utility lines, as improper installation could lead to electrical shocks, sewage contamination into soil and local waterways, fire risks, and other hazards to you and your community.
Instead, make sure to leave these installations to the pros. If you want to help and save money, the best thing you can do is make sure your yard is clear of debris or materials that could make it harder for professional crews to dig trenches and begin installing the lines.
Getting utilities on land is a large but necessary investment. While you won’t be able to DIY this project, you can save on some costs by planning your layout wisely and taking advantage of alternative energy sources. Here are some tips:
Combine Utility Trenches: If you’re installing multiple utilities like water, electricity, and phone lines, coordinate the installation so that a single trench can be used for all the lines.
Plan Utility Placement Carefully: Keep utility hookups in mind when designing your property layout. Position the hookups as close as possible to existing utility lines to minimize the distance—and therefore cost—of extending them.
Drill a Shared Well: If you have neighbors who also need a water source, consider drilling a shared well to split the cost of the well and its maintenance.
Choose a Tankless Water Heater: When installing a new water system, opt for a tankless water heater. These heater systems can be more cost-effective by saving you money on utility bills over time.
Bundle Services: Many service providers offer discounts if you bundle certain utilities, such as phone, internet, and cable TV.
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To get utilities set up on a property, you first have to contact the local department of planning to determine whether your property is able to connect to public utilities. From there, you can work with a structural engineer and/or a building contractor to design the layout of utility lines on the property. The pros will need this information as they begin securing building permits before they can start adding lines.
If your property isn’t able to connect to public utilities, you’ll need to consider working with pros to develop a comfortable off-grid home that will meet your needs.
You'll likely work with electricians, plumbers, and your local utility companies to connect your home. Many people breaking ground on new land hire architectural or structural engineers to oversee utility hookups because this is a complicated process that involves trenching new lines through your property. If you’re not sure where to start, hire a local structural engineer to help you start the process of installing utilities.
Setting up utilities on a vacant property usually takes at least a few months, or between 6 weeks to 16 weeks. This process requires working with the local planning and zoning department, hiring a building contractor or engineer to design the utility layout, securing permits, laying the lines, and connecting the utilities.
You should get estimates from at least three utility installers to help find the best company or contractor. When you are gathering estimates, make sure to look at what each quote includes. Instead of opting for the lowest rate, look for the rate that is in your budget but offers the most comprehensive service to make sure you are getting the best value. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for references to supplement any reviews you find online.
The most common way to connect water to new land is to connect the property to the nearest public water supply by trenching new water lines. If public water is not available at your property, the safest way to access water for your home's plumbing is to have a well drilled.
After paying a contractor to install wires extending from the nearest phone pole, you can contact your local service provider to connect your service for a fee. Connecting to landline service costs about $20 to $270 upfront, and then you’ll spend anywhere from around $15 to $60 per month for this utility.
