Acreage Utilities Checklist: Wells, Septic & Pressurized Irrigation

Before you fall in love with a floor plan, confirm the utilities that will make it work. This checklist keeps acreage projects honest and on schedule.

Water. Domestic well? Verify depth, flow, and quality; plan for treatment if minerals are high. City water? Budget connection fees and meter placement. Landscaping? Pressurized irrigation where available reduces costs and stress on wells—check season and delivery type.

Wastewater. Septic means soils, perc tests, tank sizing, and drain‑field placement that can steer driveways and shop pads. City sewer nearby? Price connection and trench routes before you finalize the plan.

Power & comms. Distance to transformer and trenching routes affect cost. Add spare conduit for gates/cameras, 50‑amp stubs for hot tubs, and exterior shutoffs for winterization. Fiber availability and cell signal checks prevent surprises after move‑in.

Paperwork & timing. Easements, canal setbacks, and occasional floodplain edges are solvable with good surveying. We’ll use permit time to order long‑lead items so groundwork flows straight into framing.

Do these first and the house you design fits the land, budget, and calendar from day one.