Budget for utilities before buying a vacant lot

Identify each service provider

Create a list for electricity, water, wastewater, communications, and any other service the proposed home needs. Service territories and arrangements can differ. Ask the relevant provider to confirm the parcel and proposed use rather than relying on a listing statement that utilities are “available.”

OUC's published development process, for example, begins with a service-availability request and then proceeds through project review and pricing. That is an example of provider-specific coordination, not proof that OUC serves your property or that another provider uses the same procedure.

Ask what availability actually means

Request written answers describing the connection point, capacity assumptions, needed extensions or upgrades, and information required for a firm scope. Ask whether the response is preliminary and what could change it. Record the response date and any expiration or conditions.

If an on-site water or wastewater system is being considered, have qualified professionals investigate feasibility and the applicable approval route. Do not assume that an existing neighboring system establishes what can be installed on this lot.

• Who supplies the meter, service equipment, and connection work?
• What off-site or on-site route is anticipated?
• Are easements, road crossings, or other permissions unresolved?
• What design information is needed for pricing?
• What equipment or approvals could affect the schedule?

Separate provider charges from construction work

Build one budget with separate lines for application or review charges, connection or capacity charges where applicable, extensions, on-site trenching and installation, temporary service, restoration, and professional design. Mark each item included, excluded, quoted, or unpriced. Avoid double-counting a line that appears in both the utility and contractor proposals.

Ask who coordinates the interface between the provider's work and the contractor's work. Confirm the location at which responsibility changes, who inspects or accepts each part, and what must happen before permanent service can be activated.

Use the findings in the purchase decision

Review the utility scope alongside the proposed house position and site plan. A feasible route can affect driveway placement, trees, drainage, or usable yard area. Have the team coordinate those conflicts before committing to the layout.

If important service questions remain open, discuss them with the professionals advising on the land purchase before relying on a total development budget. Keep unpriced upgrades visible as unresolved exposure. This is an educational due-diligence framework, not a utility design, connection quote, or statement that FL Pro Builders provides land-development or utility-extension services.