Sometimes the sticker shock tied to a home project is so severe that homeowners head to the internet just to make sure they are not overreacting.
That was the case for one homeowner who said a company wanted $3,975 to connect a gas grill located about 6 feet from an existing gas output.
What happened?
The question came from a homeowner posting to Reddit's r/HomeImprovement community, who wrote: "I received a quote and curious if I'm crazy for thinking this is insane."
According to the original poster, the grill already had a natural-gas connection and sat just 6 feet from a gas outlet on the side of the house. The homeowner described the ground between the two as crushed rock over dirt and said the company quoted nearly $4,000 to hook up the grill.
But the price went up further when the homeowner also asked about connecting a fire pit positioned roughly 20 feet beyond the grill.
"They wanted $7600 for both," OP wrote, adding that the estimate listed only "$185/foot" without separately breaking out hardware or hookup charges. The homeowner also said the company indicated the existing outlet was sufficient and did not need upgrades.
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When the OP asked for more detail on the high price, the company, according to the post, replied, "All trenches dug are 18"-24"- we use a plastic PE piping used best for underground gas piping. We charge per foot to trench and run the gas line."
One commenter wrote, "I'll do it for half that!" Another suggested a different route: "Yep. I'd dig the trench myself and hire a plumber to make the connection."
Others added jokes and expletives in response to the post, with one adding, "They just told you to f*ck off."
Why does it matter?
When a quote arrives with little detail beyond a per-foot rate, it can be hard to tell whether the price reflects real complexity, local permitting requirements, or simply a company that is not especially interested in taking on a smaller job.
Getting multiple bids from licensed plumbers or gas-fitters who regularly handle smaller residential line extensions can provide a clearer basis for comparison than relying on a single estimate from a company focused on larger projects.
Plus, extending a gas line can mean paying not only for trenching and labor but also for additional fossil-fuel equipment that may require upkeep over time. A steep gas quote may also prompt a comparison with electric alternatives that avoid new gas infrastructure and don't spew pollution into the air.
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