Utility, grading, etc.

[jbrantiii]

Boy, am I happy I found this forum! I recently purchased 5 acres in Parrish FL and plan on beginning construction sometime around April or May of 2011. I've been researching and planning and dreaming and worrying about costs. Any help would be greatly appreciated:

- POWER. I need to run power some 800 - 900 feet from the street to my building site. I want to run it underground. FPL gave me a rough quote of $10K. When I asked about trenching and running the cable "myself", leaving the hookup to them, they stated I would receive a credit for the labor. Not sure what that means exactly. Is it very unusual to run your own power? Where would I look for cable specs, suppliers, and costs?

- ELECTRICAL. We will be in a trailer while the construction happens. I'd like to install a breaker box like those at RV parks. Is this legal? My lot is A1.

- GRADE. I've discovered that I'll need to raise any structure some 6'. I'm a disabled person and I'm not interested in stair or stilts. I'd like to actually build up the grade (maybe by terracing) making slab construction possible. Any insight into how this is done and at what cost? I'm guessing I'll need 6000 sq' for usable space.

- SEPTIC. Any thoughts on installing the septic before construction? Like I mentioned, we will be in a trailer for some time and not having to dump the waste tanks once a week would be nice. As with electrical, I'm thinking of a setup like at an RV park. How much are septic tanks and installation going for? Can I save $$ by doing the digging myself (I want to buy a compact tractor / backhoe anyway).

- WATER. Any ideas on costs for wells in the area?

- FENCING. Ideas for economical fencing? Mostly to keep dogs in AND out. Several thousand feet...

I will greatly appreciate any insight, advice, and especially cost estimates. BY THE WAY, if there are any sub contractors out there interested in bartering for any of the jobs above, my wife is a professional designer who can trade marketing materials, web sites, etc.

[Jerry Peck - Codeman]

[jbrantiii]

Thank you very much for your detailed answers. The electrical option is something I hadn't thought about and something for me to look into. I appreciate it.

Thanks also for the insight RE: hiring and work. Can you or anyone else give me the basic mechanics and terminology for raising a grade? I wonder about things like:
- Is clean fill sufficient - or is there a requirement like - layer of aggregate, layer of sand, layer of ...
- My wife plans on growing some vegetables. Any insight as to the safety of "clean" fill?
- Insight in how to obtain free fill?
- Finally, what about compaction? Is there process? Say, Lay out a foot and compact, lay out another and compact? Or is it as simple as build it up, compact and add/continue until grade is met? I'd had to have my slab slide or be undermined. I'm also up for grading specialist recommendations in Parrish or surrounding areas.

[Jerry Peck - Codeman]

[jbrantiii]

Thanks you very much. Your answer is detailed and insightful. I appreciate it.