Plumbing and Electric Installation

[artkid]

Hi. I'm considering purchasing property to build a small studio house. I have created an architectural model and I can build it myself. The construction will cost < $4,000 (for foundation, floor, walls, roof, siding), since it has no basement and I will make my own premade items, such as trusses, windows and furniture. However, I will have to contract the plumbing and electric and I don't have any information on this or how much it will cost.

1. What must I be aware of when selecting a property, in order to access to water and electric? It will be in the country, not residential
2. Please tell me a *general* estimate (including materials) to have plumbing installed in a 20x28' house w/ 2 bathrooms and kitchen sink. I'm located in IL (US).

Thank you.

[Rich]

Typically when you go to purchase the property they will tell you if there are accessible utilities. If property is for sale it's not uncommon to see utilities nearby... unless it's on top of a mountain somewhere. You'll just have to check on a case by case basis. There is also the possibility of having to drill your own well for water and using a generator if you're way out in the country :)
In that setting I would think you could get plumbing for about $2.00 / sf
and electrical would be slightly higher at propably $3.00/sf. Probably the larger cost would be getting someone to a remote location.

[artkid]

Thanks for responding.

So, generally, do you think I could get plumbing installed (everything, including digging hole for septic tank, pipes/materials, labor) in my house for like $1,500? I have experience with electronics so I'm sure I can buy a book and learn house electricity. If I need a permit by city codes, I'll get one.

[Rich]

Umm.. possibly. Impossible for me to say though - it'll really depend on how deep the water is. It could cost you $20000 for all I know.

[colonial carpentry]

The pricing that you are running off seems to be extremely low for any situation or area.just as an example a septic system in ohio will run ya $8,500-$10,000 for the most basic of systems.

[BPINC]

You can't price plumbing by the square foot. Builder budget like that all the time, but it doesnt work. You need to budget by the number of plumbing fixtures. Include the water heater, washing machine. For a house with a city sewer and water, you are looking at $400 to $1000 per fixture depending on area, fixture spec level (quality) and piping materials. For basic cheap fixtures and a non-union shop in Il, you are probably looking at closer to $400/fixt.

Just dont budget plumbing by the square foot :x . A 2000 sf house could have #1) 2 baths with a toilet, tub and lav in each bath or #2) it could have a master bath with 2 lavs, a shower, a seperate tub with a roman tub valve, a toilet. A hall bath with 2 lavs, toilet and a tub shower, a powder bath with a toilet and pedestal lav.
Example #2 is going to cost a LOT more for the same square footage :wink: .

[Rich]

Just in response to your reponse BPINC - I wasn't suggesting someone should price by the sf. I don't believe the original poster was asking how to price a job - he wanted to know what a cost range was. So I gave a guideline - just to clear that up.

[BPINC]

Rich,
I understand what youre saying. I just think a per fixture budget is better for a builder to use as a guideline because there a many variables. :wink:

[Rich]

I just think a per fixture budget is better for a builder
Absolutely - for a builder.
Ask a homeowner how many fixtures in their house - doubtful anyone could give an accurate count. But ask them for square footage - almost all of them will know.