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 One major factor of the overall home cost is its utilities. It is also one of the most variable costs related to a new home. Overall you only have a few different types of home utilities: Power, Water, Waste, and Tele-communications. However, the method of each type can be very different from home to home.For instance, water and waste utilities can be provided by the local municipal in the form of public water and sewer utilities. In more rural areas, they can be provided by the homeowner in the form of well and septic. Either way, there can be a very significant cost. Public Utilities:The first time public utilities are accessed from the property, they incur what is called a "Tap fee" or the cost to tap into the public lines. Depending on the area, this fee can be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands. Plus, once your utilities are tapped, the bills keep coming each month their in use.Private Well and Septic:In a private system, water is pumped from underground into the home by a well. The depth required to reach fresh water depends on the individual property and may vary substantially. Once used, the waste water flows back out of the home into a holding tank (septic tank) somewhere on the property. This tank is generally buried near the home and is usually out of sight. However, some specialty systems may differ. A local health department official will determine what type of septic tank and well are required for your property. Generally, the cost of a well and septic tank vary between a few thousand dollars each up to tens of thousands each. This cost depends on the complexity of the home site and the cost of certain system components. Keep in mind that, besides the electricity to operate a well pump, private utilities have little or no monthly cost to the homeowner.See a sales associate for more details concerning available on-site utilities for your new home. |
