When you’re building a new house, gas is one of those things you have to decide on early. You have two main options: natural gas or propane. Both will do the job, but which one you choose depends mostly on where you’re building.
Natural Gas Is Easier If It’s Available
If your neighborhood has access to natural gas, this is usually the best choice. Natural gas comes straight from underground lines that are installed by the utility company. There’s no tank to deal with. The gas is metered on the side of your house, just like water or electricity.
The nice thing about natural gas is that you never have to refill anything. Once it’s connected, it’s always there. It’s also usually cheaper than propane over time, especially if you’re using it for more than one thing in your home.
Natural gas setup via HomeServe
Propane Is Best for Rural or Off-Grid Homes
If you’re building in the country or somewhere that doesn’t have natural gas lines, propane is the way to go. Propane gets delivered by a truck and is stored in a tank on your property. Small tanks are often placed next to the house, but if you want a cleaner look, you can have a larger tank buried underground.
The main difference with propane is that you have to keep an eye on your tank level and schedule refills when it gets low. It’s not hard to manage, but it does mean one more thing to think about during the year.
Residential gas tank via Propane New York
What Can You Use Gas For?
If you choose to include gas, there are a lot of features you can add. Most people think about a gas stove first, but it can also power your water heater, clothes dryer, and heating system. Some people go further and add gas lanterns by the front door, a gas line to their grill outside, or even gas fire features in the backyard.
The best part is that if you install the lines now, you can use them later even if you’re not ready for all the features right away. It’s much easier to rough it in during construction than to dig things up later.
Get Natural Gas if You Can
If your area has natural gas, that’s what I’d go with. It’s easier to manage and usually more affordable. If you’re building in a place without access to it, propane is still a great option that gives you the same results.
Even if you’re not 100% sure you want to use gas, talk to your builder about roughing it in during the build. That way, if you change your mind later, everything is already set up and ready to go.
Plan Ahead and Make It Easy
Like so many parts of building a home, planning ahead is what makes the biggest difference. Gas might not seem like a big decision now, but getting it right will make your house more comfortable and more functional in the long run.
Want help remembering all the little things like this? I’ve put everything in one place with The Ultimate Home Building Checklist. It’s packed with ideas, reminders, and tips you don’t want to miss.
