Expert: Bill-C - 6/7/2011

Question
hello

I am sorry to have a few questions to ask, and I understand that some or all of them might not be your area of expertise but you seem to be the best placed person to answer.

My girlfreind and I are looking into constructing our own timber frame home, it seems that it will cost much less than a conventional home however the installation of sewer lines, water lines and bringing gas and electricity to the property will obviously bump up the cost and as of yet I cannot really find anywhere that gives quotes or price approximations.

so really i am wondering do you know roughly how much it costs per meter to install each of these as I am guessing that it is mostly measured in distance from the nearest hook up point or if not do you know where you can get online quotes

thank you for youe time

Answer
Hi,

Contact your local Building Control and they will give you guidelines and direction for connecting to the foul and surface water drainage system along with the local water authority.Normally you will take the drainage to a disconnecting manhole from the property and and the Regional water authority will or you may appoint a contractor approved by them to install and connect to there system.
Contact you regional utility company for gas and electric .someone like ENVOY.
They will apppoint a nominated contractor and will charge for the design and installation.
These in Scotland anyway are subject to a minimum charge for mains and attract a minimum charge for service connection.
You will have to tell them your intended usage normally a 63mm gas main and a 25 m length of 32mm service to the meter will suffice.
BT is normally free provision for ducting and cable .
Electric is as for the gas and may vary.
Water will depend on the suppliers individual charges.
Hope this helps a bit

regards
Bill