The desire to expand living space and enhance property value often leads homeowners to consider constructing additional structures on their premises, such as garages.
However, the prospect of building over buried power lines can raise concerns about safety, feasibility, and potential legal restrictions.
While the idea of constructing a garage over underground utilities may seem daunting, it is essential to thoroughly understand the implications and take necessary precautions before proceeding with such a project.
Building over power lines is a common occurrence. A physical failure of the power cables is unlikely. In addition, most of the cables are encased in conduits.
The cable or cables would either be pulled from one end or the other if they needed to be replaced on the off chance.
As far as my area is concerned, it is ok to build over, but the power company does not encourage it. Additionally, if there is a fault under the slab, you will be responsible for any costs related to the repairs or damage they do to get to the fault.
There is a good chance that you won’t be able to build a house beyond the line. Because homes need solid basements, officials will not allow you to develop.
If you want the line rerouted, talk to them about it. There is usually no difficulty in moving it since it is buried directly.
A crew comes in, digs up, reroutes, and splices new cables in. It is sometimes cheaper to repair your damages now than to have to fix them later if the slab should fail.
When Can You Build A Garage Over Buried Power Lines?
The only way to build above these lines is if you have the clearance to do so. In that case, you can build your garage over the buried line. It is important to set a proper plan, however. Check your local laws and zoning authority.
Additionally, digging must be done with great care. It is also important to consider future repairs. There must still be a lot of confusion about this matter for you. Don’t worry, this article will clear things up. Now let’s talk in more detail.
Can You Build A Garage Over Buried Power Lines – Details Explained
You may have a telephone line, gasoline line, sewage line, or electrical line pass through your property.
Most likely, you can’t build beyond the line. Because homes need solid, waterproof basements, officials won’t let you build.
How about a shed? Can a shed be erected over power lines? Depending on the situation.
Construction often covers power lines. It is unlikely that the cords will malfunction due to their physical strength.
A tube encloses the wires and allows them to be removed from either end. Occasionally, they have to be changed due to incredibly unlikely events.
I didn’t enjoy doing it, but it got done. Without conduit, replacing direct buried wire is more challenging.
When these are put into service, how often are they modified? The construction of something is rarely left unattended!
It is common for utility lines to run beneath pavement, roadways, and walkways. When building a new patio, it’s crucial to take safety precautions. It also needs a deck that prevents any existing lines from being damaged.
First, we recommend determining whether there is no other place you can place the shed beside the electric lines. It is better to choose a less convenient place rather than deal with the lineups.
For those who are not familiar with the process, we have provided some detailed instructions here. Here are some recommendations you can follow to give it a try.
Check Your Zoning Laws and Authorities
It would be best to wait until you are sure that it is legal before you start building. There is a possibility of receiving a fine and having your shed removed.
Rather than building a large building, indicate that you are building a shed. It is best to obtain permission before proceeding when you inquire at the city zoning office.
Plan Carefully
When pouring concrete foundations or excavating holes for supports, plan your terrace or deck around the wire.
Unlike garage lighting layout, it won’t be too difficult to plan. By following the right steps, you should be able to build a deep paver terrace on top of the existing lines.
The Foundation
You must build your shed on a decking pier base if you have not been given instructions on what you can construct. In this way, fewer shallow holes will need to be dug in the ground.
Typically, electricity cables are buried at a depth of 18 inches or so below the surface of the water. There may, however, be multiple levels of cable TV or the internet.
Drill on the land slowly and carefully. If you know precisely where the lines are, look for a hole over the line.
You should contact the local electric locator company for assistance locating the wires. You may build on top of the basic frame without any additional difficulty.
Call Before You Dig
Call the authorities before you start to schedule a utility finder appointment. Your property’s underground power lines will be marked by them.
Call Utility Companies
The next step is to contact the organizations responsible for each line. Find out how deeply it is buried on your path.
Power lines are usually buried about 18 inches underground, whereas cable TV cables are much lower.
Dig By Hand
Use a fiberglass-handled shovel to dig beyond 18′′ of a flag, touching very cautiously to avoid an electric shock. You’ll find these hand shovels very helpful, and they’ll serve you for a long time.
Make sure you avoid pulling, nicking, or breaking any underground lines! When digging the base of your patio, you may run into lines or pipes. Get in touch with the appropriate utility company for assistance.
Consider Future Repairs
In spite of the fact that it may seem unlikely that those wires will ever require repair. You will have to choose between tearing up your patio and drilling a hole under it if they do so.
From under a patio or drive, you can drill a hole relatively easily. You can do it yourself. Pay a professional to do it for you or rent a boring machine. However, you should update your electricity supply as soon as possible.
Consider Conduit
If you’re currently constructing these lines, it’d be a great idea to wrap them in conduits so that future repairs will never be an issue. A water supply line and hose bibs can also be added to your garage.
Is EMF Reduced By Burying Electrical Lines?
Burying electrical lines does not eliminate magnetic fields. The magnetism of a subterranean line can sometimes be greater than that of an above line.
How Far Below Ground Do Electrical Cables Go?
Between 0.45 and 1 meters beneath the floor’s top, buried electrical cables are covered with 150mm thick tiles, boards, or colored plastic tape.
Do Electrical Lines Lower The Value Of A House?
Electricity lines have been linked to a 2–9% decline in real estate values according to other investigations and writers. You will lose about $5,000 to $22,500 in value if your home is valued at $250,000.
Final Words
Building a garage over buried power lines is a complex undertaking that requires careful consideration and adherence to safety regulations.
Please note that regulations and guidelines may vary depending on your location, so always consult with local authorities and utility providers to ensure compliance with specific codes and regulations.
