Hi Rotarycoach,

A newbie here. I can only tell you what we did. We rented a trencher at the rental place. It was about 80 dollars for 4 hours. We bought 400 ft of water line at Mills fleet farm it ran about 50 dollars. Now electric is exspensive because of the copper wire inside. If you are handy you can do it yourself. Gas line is also not cheap. I dont know what you plan on using for heat, but for us it was the best option. Definately rent a trencher it is easy to operate and saves your back. Remember you have to back fill your trench. If you cant do it you will have to hire someone. I am out of work lately. I had to do all the grunt work. In the long end, it was worth it. Did I say I had to fill it twice. We came into some gas line for free so I had two trenches to back fill. LOL you should see my muscles. Dont mess with electri if you dont know it or the gas. Hire someone to be safe!!!! Goodluck Barb

Because of solid rock between our waterline coming in from the road and our GHs, we don't have running water in them. We do have a hose I drag out there as needed. Both our hobby GHs are heated with electricity. Cheap, fast, safe and easy. :)

I think some folks are hesitant to post details about electrical/plumbing stuff for two reasons...one, because local ordinances might officially require them to get a permit and have it inspected (ahem) and two, they worried about giving advice about a potentially dangerous step to folks who may not have much experience.

You might see if you can find a local electrician to give you the basic info about what you'll need, and see if they'll let you do the trenching and laying of lines yourself. Having them back to do the final connections often costs a lot less than doing the whole job, and we've done that before.

We gave a lot of thought to the size and number of electric heaters and fans we'd need (and where they would be located in the GH.) That's critical info to pass on to an electrician too. Frankly, figuring out the plan for the electrical stuff was one of my least favorite parts of the whole project, but for other folks it might be easier.

Hi here are some pics...

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I Threw in an extra one. It was very warm today up north. Barb
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Barb, looks like you were wise and put in a lot of outlets. I only have three, and they're already all used up.

Mudhouse, if you only knew what a help you have been. Thanks for everything. Ole dawg i was thinking of you today. You all have been so nice. John you and your day length link too cool. Greenhouser your awesome. Jim you too and the list goes on...... I look forward to all of you guys. Here are some more pics. Can you tell im a newbie..... Rjinga I am thinking this could give you some ideas anyw
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ays..... Thanks all...... Barb

We put 6 exterior GFI outlets in my 10x16 GH. (The kind with hinged covers) For even more safety, we also placed them just above head height on the walls. Still reachable to plug things in like fans, heater, heatmats and radios but out of the way of drips or spray from the hose.

I think higher is better too (as long as your heater cord can reach, if it sits on the floor.) I had a fistfight with my DH to get all my GFI outlets ABOVE the benches. In my next greenhouse (ha) they will be even higher...like Rosepedal or Wyndyacre. Right now mine are about at the height of my prickly cacti...I plug things in slooowwwly. LOL!

Barb, an overhead light and a light switch too! Up town!

It's hard to have too many outlets. I have 17 GFCI outlets on 4 separate breakers in my 20x23. I have used everyone of them at one time or another.

I have water and 100amp electric service. The contractor who did my foundation put in the water and the electrician ran the electric to the breaker box. I did everything past the circuit breakers with the exception of one little bit of conduit I couldn't bend. I am happy to help with what I know.

Tips or pointers? Put everything in the trench...water, electric, even a phone line for remote climate monitoring in case you ever decide you need it.

http://foxesearth.googlepages.com/greenhouseinprogress

Well, I am pretty handy but just don't know much about these subjects. If there are not any good how-tos or help on the subject, then what do you think I should budget to get an electrician and plumber complete this step? (greenhouse will be about 20 ft from house)

rotarycoach,

I am a licensed unrestricted electrical contractor in Georgia. I'll be glad to walk you through any electrical process. We can go step by step so you won't get confused.

If you don't bury your waterline below your local frost line, make sure you have a way of draining the water in the winter. A Separate faucet inlet at the begining of the waterline will let you use compressed air to blow out water inside the pipes.

If you bury electric conduit, or gas line, bury a thick board over the pipes to prevent future people from damaging the line.

If you dig a trench for your stuff, bury an extra empty spare pipe for future use.

dcarch

fredgsanford,

Thanks for the generous offer! Please shoot me an e-mail if you would to: rotarycoach @ gmail.com