At What Stage of a Building Project Should Utilities be Installed?

When it comes to starting a new building development project, you may be wondering at what stage utilities should be installed. In this guide, we’ll be explaining when the best time to install new utility connections is and what order they are typically installed in.

When Should New Utility Connections Be Installed?

Normally, once the home has its structure- but before it has drywall- it is time to lay out basic lines before the permanent and final heating, plumbing and electric connections.

Using the utility connection company’s designs, the contractors will draw in the lines to show where wires, ductwork and pipes are to be installed.

This allows them to work with the utility company to ensure all of the systems work correctly together and discuss the best approaches for installation.

This step is called the rough-in and is absolutely crucial for the construction to go correctly.

Without a proper rough-in, the construction can turn to disaster

Once the rough-in stage is complete, it’s time to install the utility gas, water and electricity connections.

What Order Should the Utility Connections Be Installed in?

Gas Connections

Gas connections are typically the first to be installed.

National Energy Direct is a Gas Industry Registration Scheme (GIRS) accredited utility infrastructure provider, ​​meaning we are recognised by all UK Gas Transporters to carry out work to a high technical, quality and safety standard.

This work includes:

• Gas network design,

• Infrastructure installation and construction,

• LP Connections,

• MP Connections,

• IP Connections,

• RO and NRO Connections,

• DNO network connections,

• Installation of new gas mains or services,

• Cover all civil engineering works,

• Provision of MPRN number allocation,

• Meter installations/removals,

• Mains/service replacement works,

• Feasibility and consultancy services

Water Connections

After the gas has been installed, the next step is to install the water connection- including hot and cold water pipes to all bathrooms and the kitchen.

National Energy Direct is a Water Industry Registration Scheme (WIRS) accredited utility infrastructure provider, meaning we are recognised by 22 separate water companies and can get to work straight away without needing to be approved first- speeding up the connection process and keeping your costs low.

Our water services include:

• Water network design

• Infrastructure installation and construction,

• CRMC Networks connections,

• Pressure test and chlorination,

• Cover all civil engineering works,

• Project management,

• Service disconnections,

• Meter installation/removals,

• Mains/service replacement works,

• Feasibility and consultancy services.

Electricity Connections

The final utility connection to be installed is usually the electricity connection, though it’s worth noting that the majority of the wiring process cannot be started until the home is dried-in. This is when the property is finished to the point where it can keep out wind, rain and weather in general.

At National Energy Direct, we are a National Energy Registration Scheme (NERS) accredited independent connections provider. This means we work closely with all distribution network operators to carry out high quality work including:

• Design - LV through to 132kV, LV & HV,

• Mains and service Infrastructure installations,

• Domestic, Commercial & industrial type connections,

• Substation installation & commissioning,

• 33/132KV substation installations,

• DNO network connections,

• Cover all civil engineering works,

• Meter installation/removals,

• Mains/Service disconnections & diversions associated with new schemes,

• Supply upgrades,

• Feasibility and consultancy services.

Once all of this has been completed and the rest of the house has come together with a roof, engineers, plumbers and electricians can get to work on installing the internal gas, water and electricity jobs.

Utility Connections with National Energy Direct

For more information on arranging your utility connections with National Energy Direct, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team who will be more than happy to answer any queries you may have.