Smart Utility Planning for Self-Build Success

Undertaking a self-build project is a huge task within itself, from finding the perfect plot, arranging the finances, finding a designer, obtaining planning permission, choosing a builder to prepare your plot – all this before you even put a spade in the ground.

One of the most overlooked items within a self-build are the new utility connections, whether your home will run on gas, electric and water or just water and electric it is something that needs to be considered within the very early stages of any development.

When purchasing a plot one of the first considerations is any existing infrastructure that may need disconnecting or diverting. There are many ground survey companies that are able to determine any existing pipework or cables on your plot, but you will also need to make contact with the local network operator that own these. Depending on where you are in the country there is an application process and associated timescales to consider. We recommend having a proper ground survey carried out to ensure there are no surprises further down the line. When uncovering pipework or cables it is worthwhile photographing the pipework with a ruler to be able to provide evidence of…