Start with the proposed arrangement
Prepare a schedule of the flats and any common areas needing services. Show the intended meter locations, supply entry points and routes through the building. Ask the designers to distinguish additional meters, an upgraded existing supply and physically separate connections; these are not necessarily the same solution. [1] [3]
Resolve the official addresses alongside the applications. Thames Water's new-connection process, for example, asks for evidence of the verified postal address, as well as plans and information about the proposed water fittings. [3]
Electricity: network connection versus meter
UK Power Networks recommends speaking to an electrician first. The options depend on the existing supply and spare capacity: additional meters may be possible, while another project may need a distribution arrangement, additional connection or an upgrade to the main supply. [1]
The supplier and network have different roles. Establish who will request the supply identifiers, who will install the meters and which internal works the electrician must complete. Do not book the final meter installation on the assumption that the network alteration is already included in it. [1] [4]
Ask for a written diagram showing which supply serves each flat and any common equipment. This is a practical way to check that the connection application, electrical design and future billing arrangement describe the same scheme.
Gas: connection, meter and internal pipework
Where Cadent is the relevant gas network, its connection work runs to the emergency control valve before the meter. The energy supplier installs the meter, while the owner is responsible for the internal installation. Cadent provides the meter point reference number through its connection process. [2]
A network quotation therefore should not be treated as a price for a completely commissioned heating installation. Confirm the meter appointment and the downstream installation separately. The appropriate network operator must be identified for the address rather than assumed from a London postcode. [2]
Water: agree the arrangement with the actual supplier
Thames Water's process covers new connections and changes to existing supplies. It asks for a site plan, proposed entry point and fittings information to assess the application. Private-side pipework and the provider's connection work have separate responsibilities and inspection or certification requirements. [3]
Do not assume every flat conversion needs the same number of physical water connections, or that Thames Water supplies clean water to every property in its wider wastewater area. Establish the correct provider and ask it to approve the proposed layout before excavation or internal pipe routes are fixed. [3]
Budget and programme by scope
Request itemised quotations identifying network work, private pipework or wiring, meters and any street works. The provider's site-specific assessment is more useful than a standard “cost per flat”: existing capacity and the work needed to connect the development can differ substantially. [1] [2] [3]
At handover, assemble the meter identifiers and locations, provider correspondence and relevant installation evidence. Keep this information consistent with the flat addresses and legal plans so each owner or occupier can identify their own services. [3] [5]