In any land development project, ensuring proper coordination of dry utilities—such as electric, gas, telecommunications, and fiber optics—is essential to avoid costly delays and unexpected obstacles. A Dry Utility Study provides a strategic approach to identifying existing infrastructure, estimating costs, and anticipating project timelines. Here’s a breakdown of the typical workflow DFM Development Services follows when conducting a Dry Utility Study.
Step 1: Compiling Mapping Records & Service Availability Letters
The first step involves gathering essential data, including mapping records and will-serve/service availability letters from utility providers. This information helps determine which dry utility companies operate within or near the project site and what infrastructure they currently own.
For dense urban environments, understanding utility ownership can be particularly challenging due to overlapping service areas, abandoned infrastructure, and limited public records. By leveraging past project experience and thorough research, DFM helps developers navigate these complexities efficiently.
Step 2: Conducting a Site Inspection
Once records are reviewed, a site inspection is performed to validate findings and identify any discrepancies in the existing mapping data. This step ensures that any undocumented utilities or potential conflicts are accounted for before moving forward.
Step 3: Defining the Scope of Work for Utility Providers
After identifying utility providers and their infrastructure, the next step is to outline the anticipated scope of work for each provider. This includes determining:
- Whether new service connections, relocations, or upgrades are required
- The extent of trenching or conduit installation needed
- Potential conflicts with existing infrastructure that may require modifications
Defining these details early helps streamline communication with utility companies and prevents unforeseen design or permitting issues down the line.
Step 4: Estimating Budget Figures
Once the scope of work is established, DFM provides budget estimates for the necessary utility work. Costs may include:
- Utility company design and engineering fees
- Trenching, conduit, and material costs
- Service connection and upgrade fees
Having an early budget estimate allows developers to plan accordingly and allocate funds before utility coordination begins in full force.
Step 5: Evaluating Schedule Impacts
Utility coordination often influences overall project timelines, especially in urban areas where multiple providers must be engaged. DFM estimates potential schedule impacts by assessing:
- Standard processing times for utility company approvals
- Lead times for design, permitting, and installation
- Dependencies between utility work and other construction phases
With this information, developers can proactively adjust project schedules, reducing the risk of delays due to unforeseen utility conflicts.
Why a Dry Utility Study is Critical
A proactive Dry Utility Study helps developers avoid costly surprises by clarifying infrastructure needs, budgeting realistically, and anticipating timeline constraints. By working with experienced consultants like DFM Development Services, project teams can ensure a smoother, more predictable development process—especially in utility-heavy urban environments.
Need help navigating dry utility challenges? Contact DFM Development Services today to get started with a Dry Utility Study for your project.
