Before an underground estimate, have four things ready: the two ends of the job, the records you already have, the permissions you need from others, and the access and timing details. You do not need to know every answer. The markout and a site visit fill in what you cannot know yet. But an estimate is only as good as the information behind it, and a complete set of those four things gets you a number you can trust.
Most estimates that go wrong go wrong at the start, not the finish. The estimator was working from a guess about where the pipe runs, what is in the ground, or who had to say yes. Here is what to bring.
Know what the trench has to do
Write down the two ends of the job. Where does the line start, and where does it finish? A power run to a garage, a water service to a house, a sewer lateral, or a fiber route each has different requirements. Note how many cables or conduits you need, and whether there is a target date.
Gather what already exists
- A survey, plot plan or deed sketch that shows the property lines.
- Old permits, as-built drawings or prior utility records for the house or building.
- Photos of the yard, the driveway, and where you want the line to go.
- A recent sewer camera report or water test, if the job involves an existing line. See what a failed sewer inspection means for what to ask about.
Who needs to say yes
Check whether anyone else has to approve the work before you sign:
- The homeowners association, if the route crosses common land or a road.
- The landlord or property manager, if you rent.
- The town, for any permit the work needs.
- Neighbors, if the route crosses their property or an easement.
- Your electrician or plumber, if their work sets the depth or the route.
Access and site details
- How wide the gate or side yard is, and whether a machine can reach the spot.
- Overhead wires, low branches and trees to protect.
- Septic tanks, sprinkler lines, invisible fences, and patios along the route.
- Pets, and when the site is usually occupied.
Timing
An estimate is not a start date. New Jersey requires a markout before digging, and the markout has its own waiting period. Any permit adds time. Ask the estimator to show the schedule with those steps in it, so the work does not begin the day you sign.
Questions to ask the estimator
- What does the number include: the markout, permits, traffic control and restoration?
- What does it exclude: rock, relocating another utility, or handling an unmarked line?
- What is the restoration standard for the lawn, driveway or road?
- What happens if we hit ledge? Hitting rock while digging can change the number.
- How are changes to the route handled, and how are they priced?
For what the process looks like from the other side of the table, read what to expect when you receive an estimate from us, and our underground utility guide covers the wider picture.
This is general information, not legal advice. The estimate you receive should state what it covers, and the permits and approvals your project needs are set by your town and the people who own the land.
