Land developers know that time is money when it comes to installing power in new subdivisions. The faster the site is prepared, utilities are installed, and construction is completed, the faster the developer can turn a profit and move on to the next project.

The key to success, however, isn’t just about speed; getting it done right is crucial too. Sure, you could take a chance and do it yourself. Or perhaps ask your local excavator to give it a shot. Maybe the guys doing the sewer can get it done cheap; however every one of these scenarios could result in wasted time and money.

As experts in the power and excavation industries we’ve seen it all (and fixed it).

  • Entire projects re-done because the wrong type of pipe was used – Ouch, should’ve read the specs!
  • Five figure $ corrections because “our guys moved the pipe to avoid the storm drain” – Ever heard of staying in the utility easement? 
  • Conduit installed too shallow under future roads – Anyone priced out a directional bore lately?  $$$
  • Wrong size pipe installed – Might want to study up on reading utility plans.

 

Here are some tips to avoid costly problems like these:

  • Start early but don’t jump the gun.

Make sure your utility company is aware of your development and is working on designing your project as early on as possible. DON’T install conduit until they provide a finalized design. Getting in a hurry will be costly if you don’t install it correctly. 

  • Get to know the utility company’s specifications and requirements. 

Power line conduit must be kept within the utility easement, installed at proper depths, with the proper materials, and must meet many specifications under many different circumstances. If it’s not done correctly you may end up ripping out what you installed and redoing everything. Cha ching! (underground conduit systems – Rocky Mountain Power)

  • Watch your P’s and Q’s at road crossings. 

Installing conduit under future roadways and intersections is especially tricky because it often happens early on by inexperienced crews and then curb and asphalt are laid making it very difficult and expensive to correct a problem if something was installed improperly. Some common mistakes include:

  • Installing conduit outside of the utility easement or too close to other utilities
  • Placing conduit too shallow for specifications
  • Using the wrong size conduit
  • Using the wrong materials for conduit sleeves

Any of these mistakes may lead to cutting new asphalt or hiring a boring company to bore new conduit in. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Make sure to get road crossings right. 

  • Do not backfill until everything has been inspected and approved. 

Once again, haste makes waste. If you bury conduit before it’s been inspected and approved, the utility company is not required to use it, they may even make you dig it up to be inspected —  which could kill your timeline and possibly your budget.

  • Bonus tip:

Don’t forget to coordinate with the other utilities such as cable, internet and gas. They may be able to share the same trench as power.

Every DIY’er knows that sometimes it’s best to hire an expert. Trusting the wrong company can get expensive and time consuming. Partner with CATO Line Construction to get your dry utilities done right… the first time.

We have unique expertise in the excavation industry because not only do we install dry utilities, but we install power lines as well (Applicant-Built Line Extensions | Rocky Mountain Power), and have an intimate knowledge of the standards and requirements to make your project a success.

Trust CATO Line Construction to  Power Your Development