Private Utility Locating
High-trust locates that prevent six-figure mistakes
Private utility locating companies mark and map underground utilities on the customer side of the meter (where 811 often stops), as well as on private sites where records are incomplete. Customers pay for accuracy because a utility strike can cost tens of thousands in repairs, downtime, and liability. Operators use EM locators, sondes, and optionally GPR to trace lines, mark them on-site, and produce simple maps/photos for crews and owners.
Avg Revenue
$350K
Profit Margin
30%
Acquisition Multiple
2x - 3.5x
Startup Cost
$40K - $80K
Difficulty
3/5
How It Works
Win work from excavators, GC's, utilities, HOAs, and property owners. Dispatch a locator to the site, scan/trace utilities, mark them (paint/flags), and deliver a brief report (photos, sketches, or a PDF). Revenue is usually billed by the hour with a minimum mobilization, or per locate/project. The business scales by adding technicians and standardizing reporting and QA.
Revenue Range
Real Acquisitions in This Category
SBA 7(a) change-of-ownership loans · NAICS 541990 · All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Deal Size Distribution
Deal Flow Over Time
Financing Profile
Recent Comparable Deals
| Closed | State | Loan | Implied deal | Jobs | Franchise |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | FL | $50K | $59K | 4 | Garage Living |
| Dec 2025 | FL | $1.0M | $1.2M | 4 | Garage Living |
| Dec 2025 | FL | $395K | $464K | 13 | — |
| Dec 2025 | OK | $411K | $484K | 5 | — |
| Dec 2025 | OK | $30K | $35K | 5 | — |
| Dec 2025 | NH | $4.3M | $5.0M | 63 | — |
| Dec 2025 | WI | $1.6M | $1.9M | 7 | — |
| Nov 2025 | NY | $2.9M | $3.4M | 2 | — |
| Nov 2025 | IN | $100K | $118K | 11 | — |
| Nov 2025 | IN | $1.8M | $2.1M | 11 | — |
Source: SBA 7(a) FOIA dataset, filtered to acquisitions (loans where business age is "Change of Ownership"). Implied deal size assumes an 85% loan-to-purchase ratio, a common SBA change-of-ownership structure. Charge-off rate shown only when 10+ loans have resolved (paid in full or charged off). Interest rates reflect last 24 months only. Actual deal values vary with equity injections, seller financing, and working capital terms.
Pros
- +High perceived value (one accurate locate can save a client $50K+)
- +B2B repeat customers with low churn (excavators and GC's)
- +Low inventory, simple ops, and clear deliverables
- +Scales cleanly by adding trained technicians
Cons
- -Liability risk if locates are wrong (insurance is non-negotiable)
- -Training and quality control matter, mistakes are expensive
- -Equipment is specialized (EM/GPR) and needs calibration/maintenance
Best For
Detail-oriented operators comfortable with job sites, safety standards, and compliance-style work
Operating Costs
Main costs are technician labor, vehicles and fuel, general liability + E&O insurance, equipment depreciation/repairs, and routing/reporting software.
SBA Financing Estimator
Adjust the deal — see if it cash flows after debt service
Estimates only. Excludes owner compensation, capex, working capital draws, and taxes. Margin assumes average occupancy and volume. Actual SBA terms vary by lender and borrower profile.
Where to Buy
Search listings for utility locating and related underground services
Browse utility locating-related businesses for sale
Broker listings for underground construction services (often includes locating and subsurface work)
Acquisition Score
Scores margin (30), entry multiple (25), SBA market depth (20), category risk (15), and deal momentum (10). Higher = better acquisition candidate.
Quick Facts
- Category
- service
- Difficulty
- 3/5
- Buy price
- $700K–$1.2M
Buyer's Toolkit
Essential tools to get started
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SBA loans and business acquisition financing — get funded fast
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