How to Get Utilities When You Buy Land & Build a House

So, you’ve finally decided to buy land and build your dream home—congrats! But now comes the real challenge: how do you actually get electricity, plumbing, and internet on raw, undeveloped property? If you’re staring at a blank plot thinking, “Where do I even start?”—you’re not alone. Many first-time land buyers underestimate the complexity of utility setup, which can delay construction or inflate budgets. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to get electric, plumbing, and internet when you buy land and build a house, with actionable steps, real-world costs, and expert-backed strategies.

What Utilities Do You Need When Building a House from Scratch?

Before breaking ground, you’ll typically need four core utilities:

1. Electricity – For lighting, HVAC, appliances, and tools.
2. Water & Sewer (Plumbing) – Either municipal hookups or on-site solutions like wells and septic tanks.
3. Internet & Communication – Essential for remote work, security, and smart home tech.
4. Natural Gas (optional) – Not universal, but common in suburban/rural areas for heating and cooking.

💡 Did You Know? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 138,000 single-family homes were custom-built in 2023—many on raw land—making utility planning a critical step for modern homeowners.

Step 1: Verify Utility Availability Before Buying Land

Never assume utilities are available. Always conduct a pre-purchase utility feasibility study. Here’s how:

• Contact the local county planning or zoning office – They maintain records of utility easements and service territories.
• Check with utility providers – Call electric co-ops, water districts, and internet carriers directly. Ask:“Can you provide service to this parcel? What’s the nearest connection point?”
• Get written confirmation – Verbal assurances aren’t enough. Request a Letter of Availability.

⚠️ Real-World Example: A family in rural Montana bought 10 acres only to learn the nearest power line was 1.2 miles away—costing $35,000+ to extend.

Pro Tip: Use the U.S. Department of Energy’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) map (linked via Wikipedia’s Rural Electrification Act page) to identify federally supported utility zones.

Step 2: Getting Electricity to Your Build Site

Option A: Grid Connection (Most Common)

• Process:
  1. Submit a service application to your local utility (e.g., PG&E, Duke Energy).
  2. Pay a connection fee (typically $1,000–$10,000, depending on distance).
  3. Install a temporary pole for construction power (~$500–$1,500).
  4. After the home is framed, switch to permanent service.
• Timeline: 2–8 weeks.

Option B: Off-Grid Solar + Battery

• Best for remote plots.
• Average System Cost (2025): $25,000–$45,000 (after federal tax credit).
• Requires professional design to meet NEC (National Electrical Code) standards.

📊 Stat: The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reports a 34% year-over-year increase in residential off-grid solar installations in 2024.

Step 3: Setting Up Plumbing (Water & Sewer)

Water Sources:

• Municipal Hookup: Fastest if available. Fees range $2,000–$15,000.
• Private Well:
  • Drilling cost: $25–$60 per foot (avg. depth: 100–300 ft).
  • Total: $5,000–$20,000.
  • Must test water for arsenic, nitrates, and bacteria (EPA standards).

Sewer Options:

• Public Sewer: Requires tap-in fee + permit.
• Septic System:
  • Cost: $7,000–$20,000 (depends on soil percolation test).
  • Needs 10,000+ sq ft of drain field (varies by state).

🔍 Key Insight: A percolation (perc) test determines if your soil can absorb wastewater. 40% of rural lots fail initial perc tests—always test before buying!

Step 4: Getting Internet on Raw Land

This is often the most overlooked utility—yet critical in 2025.

Top Internet Options for New Builds:

✅ Expert Tip: Ask your general contractor to run conduit from the street to your future utility room during excavation. It costs $200–$500 extra now but saves $3,000+ later if fiber becomes available.

Step 5: Budgeting & Timeline Checklist

📌 Rule of Thumb: Allocate 10–15% of your total build budget for utilities—especially if the land is truly raw.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Skipping soil and perc tests → failed septic = redesign = delays.
• ❌ Assuming internet is “everywhere” → verify coverage at the exact lot.
• ❌ Not getting multiple utility quotes → extension fees vary wildly.
• ❌ Delaying utility coordination → electric and plumbing rough-ins must sync with framing.

FAQ Section

Q1: How far can utilities be extended to a new property?

Most electric co-ops will extend lines up to 1,000 feet for a fee. Beyond that, costs rise sharply—$10–$25 per foot is common. Always request a line extension quote before closing on land.

Q2: Can I install my own plumbing or electrical systems?

In most U.S. states, no. Electrical and plumbing work requires licensed contractors and must pass municipal inspections. DIY work can void insurance and fail code—don’t risk it.

Q3: What if there’s no sewer or water nearby?

You’ll need a well and septic system. These are standard in rural America and fully code-compliant when installed correctly. Always hire a licensed well driller and septic designer.

Q4: Is Starlink reliable for working from home?

Yes—for most remote jobs. Starlink offers 50–200 Mbps with low latency (~30ms). It’s used by over 4 million customers globally (per SpaceX, 2025). However, expect occasional outages during heavy rain or satellite maintenance.

Q5: How early should I contact utility companies?

Before you sign the land purchase agreement. Confirm service feasibility and get cost estimates in writing. This can be a deal-breaker—don’t wait until after closing.

Q6: Do I need permits for utility installation?

Yes. Permits are required for:

• Well drilling
• Septic installation
• Electrical service panels
• Trenching across easements
  Check with your county building department early in the process.

Final Thoughts

Buying land and building a house is a thrilling journey—but utilities make or break the project. By planning early, verifying availability, and budgeting wisely, you’ll avoid costly surprises and enjoy a smooth build. Whether you’re going fully off-grid or connecting to city services, the key is due diligence before dirt is moved.

🏡 Your dream home starts with power, water, and Wi-Fi. Get those right, and everything else falls into place.

Found this guide helpful? Share it with a friend who’s building their own home! 🔄