Coordinate Utility Modifications
Gas, electric, and water service changes require utility company involvement - your contractor can't do this work. Contact utilities 6-12 weeks before construction begins. Utility delays are one of the most common causes of project timeline issues.
Quick Summary
Lead Time Needed
6-12 weeks
For service upgrades
Typical Costs
$500-$10,000+
Varies by scope
Key Risk
Project delays
Without early planning
Why Utility Coordination Is Critical
Utility companies operate on their own schedules, not yours. They're busy with new construction, emergency repairs, and thousands of other customers. Getting on their schedule requires advance planning - you can't rush utility work when you realize you need it.
For whole home remodels, utility work touches almost every phase of construction. You need disconnections before demo, temporary power during construction, possible service upgrades, and final connections before occupancy. Missing any of these can halt your project.
- Schedule dependency: Final inspections often can't pass until utilities are connected
- Long lead times: Service upgrades can take 8-12 weeks from request to completion
- Limited control: You can't speed up utility scheduling through money or relationships
- Inspection sequence: Some utility work must happen before and after various inspections
- Occupancy requirement: Can't legally occupy without utility service established
- Budget impact: Unexpected utility fees and upgrade costs can be substantial
Types of Utility Work in Whole Home Remodels
EElectric Service
Common Work
- • Service upgrade (100A to 200A or 400A)
- • Meter relocation (new panel location)
- • Underground service conversion
- • Temporary disconnect/reconnect
- • New transformer or service drop
Typical Costs
- • Service upgrade: $1,500-$5,000
- • Meter socket replacement: $300-$800
- • Underground conversion: $2,000-$8,000
- • Temp disconnect/reconnect: $200-$400
- • New service drop: $500-$3,000
Key Point: Most whole home remodels need 200A service minimum. If adding EV charging, central AC, or high-end kitchen appliances, consider 400A.
GGas Service
Common Work
- • Meter relocation
- • Service line upgrade (higher capacity)
- • Temporary shutoff during construction
- • New gas service installation
- • Conversion from propane to natural gas
Typical Costs
- • Meter relocation: $500-$2,000
- • Service upgrade: $1,000-$3,000
- • Shutoff/turn-on: $100-$300
- • New service line: $1,500-$5,000
- • Pressure testing: Often included
Key Point: Gas work requires pressure testing and inspection before service can be restored. Plan timing carefully around HVAC commissioning.
WWater and Sewer Service
Common Work
- • Main shutoff valve replacement
- • Service line upgrade (larger diameter)
- • Meter relocation
- • Sewer lateral inspection/replacement
- • Backflow preventer installation
Typical Costs
- • Shutoff valve: $300-$800
- • Water service upgrade: $1,000-$5,000
- • Meter relocation: $500-$1,500
- • Sewer lateral replacement: $3,000-$10,000
- • Backflow preventer: $200-$500
Key Point: Many jurisdictions require sewer lateral inspection before permit approval or at property sale. If inspection is needed, do it early.
Utility Coordination Process
Identify All Utility Work Required
Review your plans with your contractor and trade subcontractors to identify every piece of utility work needed. Create a comprehensive list before contacting utilities.
Utility Work Checklist
Electric
- □ Service upgrade needed?
- □ Panel relocation?
- □ Temporary power?
- □ Underground conversion?
Gas
- □ Meter relocation?
- □ Service upgrade?
- □ Shut-off timing?
- □ New appliance loads?
Water/Sewer
- □ Main valve replacement?
- □ Sewer lateral inspection?
- □ Service upgrade?
- □ Backflow preventer?
Contact Utility Companies Early
Reach out to each utility company 8-12 weeks before you need their services. Explain your project scope and ask about their process, timeline, and costs.
What to Ask
What's the process for your service request? What documentation is needed? What are the fees? What's the typical timeline? Can it be expedited?
How to Contact
Look for "builder services," "contractor services," or "new construction" departments rather than regular customer service. These teams understand construction timelines.
Get It In Writing
Document all conversations. Get work order numbers, contact names, and timeline commitments in writing (email preferred).
Submit Applications and Pay Fees
Each utility has its own application process. Complete all required documentation and pay fees promptly - your request doesn't enter the queue until paperwork is complete.
Common Requirements
Site plan showing meter locations, electrical load calculations, permit numbers, contractor license information, and payment authorization.
Fee Timing
Some utilities require payment upfront, others bill after work completion. Some have deposits refunded after final inspection. Understand payment terms.
Pro Tip: Your contractor or electrician may handle utility applications as part of their scope. Clarify who is responsible and track progress regardless.
Coordinate Timing with Construction Schedule
Utility work must happen in specific sequence relative to construction phases and inspections. Plan this carefully with your contractor.
Typical Utility Work Sequence
- 1. Pre-construction: Contact utilities, submit applications
- 2. Before demo: Disconnect gas and electric if needed for safety
- 3. During rough-in: Contractor installs new panels, gas lines, plumbing
- 4. After rough-in inspection: Utility company installs new meter base, service
- 5. After final inspection: Utility connects permanent service
- 6. Before occupancy: All utilities active and metered
Track Progress and Follow Up
Utility work requests can get lost in large organizations. Proactive tracking prevents surprises.
Regular Check-ins
Contact utilities weekly as your scheduled work date approaches. Confirm your request is on track and scheduled. Get specific dates when possible.
Escalation Path
Know who to contact if standard channels aren't responsive. Utility companies often have construction coordinators or expeditors for urgent situations.
Backup Plans
Identify alternatives if utility work is delayed: temporary power generators, schedule adjustments, or parallel work paths that don't require utility completion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting until construction starts to contact utilities
Consequence: Project delays of weeks or months while waiting for utility company scheduling and work
Prevention: Contact all utilities 8-12 weeks before construction begins to initiate requests and understand timelines
Assuming contractor handles all utility work
Consequence: Critical utility company work not scheduled, delaying inspections and occupancy
Prevention: Clarify responsibility split - contractor does work to meter, utility does service side. Track both.
Not planning for temporary power during construction
Consequence: Work stops or slows when power is disconnected, especially in winter with heating needs
Prevention: Arrange temporary power panel if main service will be disconnected for extended period
Failing to coordinate utility work sequence with inspections
Consequence: Inspectors can't complete their work, or utilities connect before inspection approval
Prevention: Understand inspection requirements for each utility and schedule utility work accordingly
Not upgrading electrical service when you have the chance
Consequence: Insufficient capacity for modern loads, expensive retrofit later, missed EV charging opportunity
Prevention: Evaluate service needs now - 200A minimum for modern homes, consider 400A for large homes or EV charging
Forgetting to notify utilities about extended vacancy
Consequence: Unnecessary charges, risk of disconnection for non-payment, missed utility access needs
Prevention: Contact utilities to explain construction project, adjust service levels, and arrange access as needed
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I contact utility companies?
Contact utilities 8-12 weeks before you need their services. Service upgrades require engineering review, equipment procurement, and crew scheduling. Simple disconnections may need only 2-3 weeks, but major modifications require significant lead time.
How much do utility modifications cost?
Costs vary: Temporary disconnect/reconnect $200-$500. Electric service upgrade $1,500-$5,000. Gas meter relocation $500-$3,000. Water service upgrade $1,000-$5,000. Sewer lateral replacement $3,000-$10,000. Your contractor handles most work; utility company portions are additional.
Do I need to upgrade my electrical service?
Probably. Older homes often have 100A-150A service; modern remodels typically require 200A or 400A. Your electrician calculates requirements based on HVAC, appliances, EV charging, and overall load. Upgrading during construction is far easier than later.
Can my contractor handle utility modifications?
Contractors handle work up to the meter or service point. Everything from meter to street is utility company responsibility - service drops, meters, main supply lines, and infrastructure connections. Your contractor coordinates timing but utility performs their work.
What if utility work delays my project?
Utility delays are common and costly. Without electric service, you can't pass final inspection. Without gas, HVAC can't be commissioned. Prevention is key: contact utilities early, build schedule buffer, track commitments, and consider temporary power if needed.