Cost of trenching

[CREATIVE1]

With the estimate for bringing out electric in hand, I'd like to get some idea about trenching costs.  We may be able to "do it yourself" on our private road (1/2 the distance), but will have to pay someone with a backhoe for the main road.  Total distance, both roads, 2,900 feet.  Depth, 3 feet, width, 12 inches.  We need it for the telephone line too.

[glenn kangiser]

Can you use a common trench for the phone line and electric? 

I think it can vary a lot but I will make a stab at a range of $1 to $3 per foot.  Not much help I bet.  Best to inquire locally - please let us know what you find.  Look for a small hungry trustworthy contractor if possible.

[cordwood]

 Lots of boulders in the area will add to the price as well, Decomposed granite can slow down the the digging but a house size boulder really makes things costly.

[CREATIVE1]

Phone line in the same trench, that's why it's 12 inches wide.

Getting quotes today and Monday, will advise.  No big boulders that I'm aware of.

[diyfrank]

Trenching is fairly easy to get the hang of if you want to do some your self. The only thing is you'll have a lot of hand grading to do till you get it down. If you pay  someone to trench out on the main road you may want to make sure their licensed and insured. If there is any utility's to cross it could get costly for you if damaged.
Just something to consider.

[cordwood]

 I am sure Glenn has some stories about not calling before you dig,..... I once found a 1/2" natural gas line in a back yard of an old desert shack that even the gas company didn't know was there. Back when they would put in gas lamps unmetered for a flat monthly rate. Made a long day even longer

[Redoverfarm]

I think it is about $10 ft here that includes trench 36", 2 " of fine fill or sand bed, Sch 40 conduit 3". Any additional utilities area put in 12" above the electrical if they share the same trench. 

[CREATIVE1]

If that what it costs in Washington, we're back to solar.  Can't spend $50,000 before we even start the house.

I've asked for two bids, so we'll see.  We might do the private road ourselves, but the electric company definitely wants one of their recommended companies do do the main road (which is gravel).

[Redoverfarm]

What is the cost of overhead?  Usually 1/2 or less than UG.  Here they will give you one span 300-400 ft.  Is it possible to take it OH until it reaches near the house then go UG the rest of the way.

[diyfrank]

If that what it costs in Washington, we're back to solar.  Can't spend $50,000 before we even start the house.

I've asked for two bids, so we'll see.  We might do the private road ourselves, but the electric company definitely wants one of their recommended companies do do the main road (which is gravel).

Where in Washington are you? north, south, east, west?  I install utility's in Washington for a living. 

[glenn kangiser]

I am sure Glenn has some stories about not calling before you dig,..... I once found a 1/2" natural gas line in a back yard of an old desert shack that even the gas company didn't know was there. Back when they would put in gas lamps unmetered for a flat monthly rate. Made a long day even longer

I have stories about not calling before you dig and calling before you dig.

Both end with, Call before you dig.

[CREATIVE1]

If that what it costs in Washington, we're back to solar.  Can't spend $50,000 before we even start the house.

I've asked for two bids, so we'll see.  We might do the private road ourselves, but the electric company definitely wants one of their recommended companies do do the main road (which is gravel).

Where in Washington are you? north, south, east, west?  I install utility's in Washington for a living. 

Olympic Peninsula near Hoodsport, so west for sure.  I asked about overhead lines, and they said it might cost more ON THEIR END to do it that way.  Of course, then there's trenching.

Since our road also needs to be regraveled, I'm getting some estimates that cover that too.  It may be possible to trench the main road, and go overhead for our private road.  Obviously, much to consider.

[diyfrank]

You're too far west for me to be of any help.  I though I might be able to hook you up to a low cost job.

Good luck with your project.

[CREATIVE1]

Thanks anyway.  I'll work something out.