Temporary Power for Home Addition or Home Building Project

Learn more about when temporary power is needed and what your options are

One of the lesser thought about aspects of home additions or custom home builds in Toronto is how to get power for the duration of the project. Depending on the type of project you are completing you may or may not need temporary power, and there are different types of temporary power to chose from that all have varying levels of cost. This article helps homeowners understand the when and which of temporary power so you can plan accordingly and help your project start with no hiccups!

When is temporary power needed for a residential construction project in toronto?

The following four scenarios outline the times when temporary power is needed:

1. New Home Builds and Custom Home Builds (otherwise known as residential infill construction). Whether you have overhead or underground service your power will be disconnected from your home and you will be forced to use one of three methods outlined below.

2. Second or Third Level Home Additions with Overhead Power. If you have overhead service that goes through your roof down into your basement and are completing a top-up to your existing bungalow or two-storey home you will need to order a disconnect with Toronto Hydro and will have to use temporary power for the duration of the project.

3. Home extensions where underground power is encroaching location of new extension. If you have underground electrical service but your proposed extension to your property is proposed in the path of the service, the service will need to be disconnected. You may also potentially have to get the service re-routed to allow for the power to be reconnected.

4. Home extensions where over head wiring encroaches the newly proposed extension. There is a certain amount of clearance that is needed away from overhead wires, and if Toronto Hydro determines that your new home extension will encroach the minimum clearance they will disconnect your power.

What options do I have for temporary power during my residential construction project?

1. Neighbours. This is easily the most cost-effective method to get temporary power, as long as you have a good rapport with your neighbours and they have an outlet accessible for the duration of the project. We’ve had many clients successfully do this and pay for the neighbours hydro for the amount of time that it is used during the construction project. It still beats the next two options by a landslide in cost.

2. Generators + Fuel Charges. If neighbouring power is not an option, and you don’t want to pay for a temporary hydro connection (see below), generators will be the only viable option. Note that generators are not quiet and are likely to cause quite a bit of noise during the day, which may be a way to convince your neighbours to use their power! The average cost for a 6-8 months project in fuel and generator costs will be between $2000-$3000.

3. Temporary Hydro Connection + Temporary Hydro Pole. This is by far the most costly option, but is sometimes the only option for new home builds or home additions. There is a cost associated with A) Obtaining a Hydro Pole, which needs to be a certain height and diameter of wood, B) Paying Toronto Hydro for the connection/disconnection fees, and C) Paying our Electrician to do the connections with a temporary panel and outdoor receptacles. This method can easily cost between $5000-$6000, but is sometimes necessary. As long as it is accounted for in the total project costs then everyone should be happy!

When Can Power be reconnected to a Home Addition or New Home Building Project?

The earliest that power can be reconnected is when the ENTIRE exterior is finished, including aluminum, windows, and all exterior finishes, irrespective of if they are close to the location of the hydro meter. This is why it is important to work with an efficient Home Builder in Toronto to ensure that you can get to a permanent hydro connection sooner in the project.

ConclusioN

We firmly believe that accounting for everything in the scope of work is the best way to conduct business as a home builder and General Contractor in the GTA. If you are completing a new home build or home addition project in Toronto, make sure that you account for any potential temporary hydro costs!

About BVM COntracting

BVM Contracting is a full-service General Contractor or Home Builder located in Toronto. We provide home renovation and building services for major home renovations (kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations, basement renovations, full interior renovations, home additions, lot severances, and new home construction). Our goal is to help guide our clients through the process of renovating their home, from concept to completion.

Further than providing General Contracting and Project Management for major home renovations, we also offer value-added services such as renovation financing, renovation rebate consultations and services, building permit and design services, smart home installation services, and real estate investor services.

To learn more about our offering by visiting our services page.