Need some help with utility hookups

[superSTAN]

Hello every1,

I'm new to all of this. We just got our double wide setup and i'm in the process of having the water, electric, and septic hooked up. We had a single wide on the property so I just thought it would be a low cost hookup and that everything would tie into all the old stuff.

I've been quoted a price at $7500 to install a new pole for the electric(because we're way over 100 feet from the street), to dig for water lines and septic lines. Does this seem like a reasonable amount for all of that work? Seems like that price should include brand new water and septic lines, but i'm not sure it does. We're in West Virginia also if that helps.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

[rmurray]

Sounds a little high to me...Usually waqter lines will be about $1.50 per foot. I assume septic is close about 20 feet should cost a few hundred if the lines are on the new house and septic meets current code( tanks will always have to meet current code.. many existing tanks need work or replacement even if they were working fine). Electric service pole and hook up are <$1000 w/ permits..Then electric company usually brings the line from the road to this properly installed and inspected service pole..Electric companies all have different policies about distance..some bring the lines underground some overhead. Usually they will bring the line a ways for no additional fee and then a per foot price after the limit..Check with them about this cost..Did you get your price from your dealer?..did it include some sort of required driveway..Does it involve any clearing of land?.

[superSTAN]

I haven't checked with the electric company about additional costs from them. It seemed to me that they would do all their work for free, but i'm not 100% on that.

rmurray, what do you think would be a reasonable estimate for all this work? This price was quoted by one contractor that would do all the work and they seem to us like honest ppl. They've helped us out before. There's no additional work being done, no driveway, clearing of land, etc.

I know it's best to get 3 estimates or so, but these people are going to finance all of this work for me. I was told that this $7500 option would use great parts and would be worry free for 20+ years and that sounds awesome to me cause we have had a lot of stuff happen in the past. He also told me that he could set me up with a $5500 option, but it would just be tossed together. My question also is, don't you have to meet certain specs regardless of the high end stuff you use? I mean is the $5500 option going to break down in 1 year or less.

I appreciate all info and replies. Thanks rmurray for your quick reply. Everyone have an awesome day.

[rmurray]

Sites vary quite a bit and local codes vary substantially, which means it is impossible to give you any accurate estimate of costs...Has your contractor clearly defined the difference in the 2 prices. I doubt that he is giving a 20 year warranty. I assume you will get a contract requiring the job to meet local code and be inspected, that said to me a sewer pipe is a sewer pipe, a water line is a water line and electric wire is electric wire. Make sure you get a complete written estimate detailing the work and all materials to be used..I would call your dealer for a referral to other contractors. Few will finance their work.

[AZRealtor]

RMURRAY is right, it would be difficult for any of us to guess at what it would cost for the work in your area. Sounds like you may be familiar with the contractor? Were they recommended? Are references available?
In Arizona, electric companies have recently started passing on "extension" costs to the consumer, any additional transformers, line from their main to the supply, etc. driving costs up substantially.
Variances in soil content change trenching costs dramatically. If it can be done with a ditchwitch vs. a backhoe, cost would typically be minimal in comparison. The actual wire for electric varies basied on rating for 100 or 200 amp, piping, etc. for water & sewer is rather inexpensive.
As suggested above, get an itemized bid including the number of feet (or estimate with cost for overrun) on each item. Does it include trenching? How deep? Is the trench shaded? With what kind of material? Some of these items can be completed by you, if you want to involve yourself and recognize some savings.
I would also have to agree that electric wire is electric wire, etc. etc. Can't see why there would be a "thrown together" job and a more precise job. Do they both get the job done?