Yes like I stated I would be all over this opportunity but you have to keep in mind that not everyone is able and / or willing to do this type of stuff. He could maybe try to find someone to do this cheaper but that could be a hassle and at that point likely a wash money wise. Guys and equipment are not cheap either. They also know what the gas co. charges. I do. That's why I can roll a mini excavator in, make money, save the home owner money, and stick it to the utility companies. In and out. Like they care....
IF he can tackle something like this then it is worth the shot. Most definitely. Nothing difficult at all. If he can or has friends or family possibly OR knows someone who does would be a good cost saving option. What about hitting hidden problems below grade? Big tree roots, huge rocks, etc; Anything is possible and not everything is so cut and dry. I have lost my ass like this before giving a fixed price. Finding hidden and abandoned stuff under ground. Change orders can be done but nobody is happy about those. Some more understanding than others but who likes getting a $2K charge when it was ball parked at $1,500? He may have a pretty good clue as to what's what in his yard but may not. Not to discourage saving a buck because I am all about that and your recommendation is excellent as an option. Luckily gas lines are usually not real deep. That's a plus. He could always give it a shot before hand and will likely succeed.
Usually the gas co. will send someone out and look things over too. Establish shut off and meter location. Then all he has to do is Ditch Witch a line, lay the line (also usually a tracer wire), have it inspected, and fill the ditch leaving X amount coiled at each end for the gas co. to work with for hook up. What if he does this and then they can't get out for the inspection immediately even if he has it scheduled. Now he is renting equipment for another day to back fill. Still saving plenty of money but things like this happen more than you think. I see it all of the time and deal with it all of the time. They could have a gas leak somewhere and not be able to get that inspection done. Not highly likely but the OP needs to know about everything so he can proceed and it goes as smoothly as possible. OP needs everyone's input on +/- to see if it is worth it. Now looking at some DIY or outsourced options can sweeten the deal but he also has to take worst case scenario into account.
Bkins just threw out another great option and this is done all of the time. Not as cheap as others but a good option. I bought my first diesel truck in 1988 and diesel was at least .30 cents per gallon less and the truck also had way better MPG's. Perfect example of not knowing what will happen with energy prices. Exactly why I like as many options as possible.
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