Deciding to build a modular home is a step towards modernity, speed, and efficiency. At HardBox, we ensure that the entire process, from design to assembly, runs smoothly and without issues. A key element that guarantees the swift installation of your dream home is the prior and correct preparation of the plot, especially the utility connections. In this article, we will guide you step-by-step through the process of preparing the electricity, water, and sewage connections.
Step 1: Project Analysis and Precise Location of Connections
The foundation of the entire project is the technical documentation you will receive from HardBox. The most important document at this stage is the foundation plan. It marks the exact points where the utility hook-ups (so-called stubs) will extend from the floor of your future home to connect the utilities.
Note! The Key to Success
Precisely marking and running the utilities to the points indicated in the project is absolutely crucial. Any mistake at this stage can complicate and delay the final assembly of the home. We recommend taking measurements twice or entrusting this task to a qualified surveyor.
Your task, as the investor, is to run the external utilities – the water pipe, electrical cable, and sewage pipe – to these exact locations before the modules arrive on the construction site.
Step 2: Electrical Connection – The Heart of Your Home
Electrical energy is essential for the functioning of any modern home. The process of connecting it should be started well in advance.
Necessary Formalities and Specifications
Before starting any physical work, you must obtain connection conditions from your local distribution system operator (e.g., Tauron, Enea, PGE). In the application, you specify, among other things, the required connection capacity – for a standard HardBox modular home, a capacity in the range of 12-16 kW is usually sufficient. After obtaining the conditions and signing the contract, a contractor can begin constructing the connection.
Practical Execution on the Plot
According to the project, the power cable must be run from the meter box to the precisely specified point under the house. A direct burial cable, such as YKY 5x10mm² or YKY 5x16mm², is standardly used, depending on the distance from the box and the project's recommendations. Remember to leave an adequate length of extra cable (approx. 2-3 meters) above ground level, which will make it easier for our installers to connect it to the home's internal system.
Step 3: Water Connection – The Source of Life
Access to running water is an absolute necessity. It can be achieved in two ways: by connecting to the municipal water supply or from your own source (a well).
Technical Aspects of the Water Supply
Regardless of the source, the water supply pipe (most often a blue 32 mm PE pipe) must be laid in the ground below the local frost line. In Poland, this is typically between 0.8 m and 1.4 m, depending on the region. The pipe must be run to the point indicated in the project and terminated with a shut-off valve, which will allow for a safe and clean connection.
HardBox Tip
We recommend installing the main water shut-off valve in an easily accessible inspection chamber outside the home's perimeter. This will facilitate any future service work without needing to interfere with the foundations.
Step 4: Sewage Connection – Comfort and Hygiene
Wastewater disposal is just as important as the water supply. Depending on local conditions, you may have access to a sanitary sewer system, a sealed septic tank, or a home wastewater treatment plant.
Executing the Sewage Hook-up
The sewage pipe (typically 110 mm or 160 mm diameter PVC) must be laid with an appropriate slope – a minimum of 1.5-2% towards the receiver (sewer system, septic tank, or treatment plant). This will ensure a gravity-fed, trouble-free flow of waste. The pipe, like the other utilities, should be run to the point marked on the foundation plan and terminated with a capped bell end extending about 20-30 cm above ground level.
“The client’s perfect preparation of the plot meant that connecting all the utilities to our modular home took the HardBox crew literally a few dozen minutes. It’s amazing how smoothly the entire assembly went.”
Step 5: Assembly Day – Simple and Quick System Hook-up
When your HardBox home arrives on the plot and is precisely set on the previously prepared foundation blocks, the moment comes when all the prior work pays off. Our specialists go under the building and connect the external utilities you prepared to the stubs extending from the house.
- The electrical cable is connected to the main distribution board in the house.
- The water pipe is connected to the internal plumbing system.
- The sewage pipe is linked to the building's drainage system.
Thanks to your involvement in the preparatory stage, this crucial moment is extremely brief, and you can enjoy a fully functional home almost immediately after it is set in place.
Summary and Checklist
Proper preparation of utility connections is the foundation for a smooth and rapid assembly of a modular home. Remember to carry out all work in strict accordance with the project received from HardBox.
Your Checklist:
- Project: Carefully analyze the foundation plan and mark the utility exit points on the site.
- Electricity: Run a power cable of the appropriate gauge and leave a 2-3 meter surplus.
- Water: Lay the PE pipe below the frost line and terminate it with a valve.
- Sewage: Run the PVC pipe with the required slope and terminate it with a capped bell end.
- Verification: Before the assembly team arrives, double-check that the work completed matches the project.
With this simple guide, you are ready to perfectly prepare your plot to receive a modern, durable, and beautiful home from HardBox. If you have any questions or doubts at any stage, our technical advisors are always at your disposal.
Contact us today to discuss the details of your project and start the journey to your own modular home!
