1) Go to the contractors desk in your HD and get the free CD-Rom catalog and estimator disk.... install and peruse. The TOC is kind of rough on the catalog but if you use your head, you can find what you need or want. It has many items that the store doesn't normally stock that you can get (usually for no extra ship in fees)
2)Go about the work like a house is built. At least when you are dealing with the utility side (that also sets it up for ONE permit for each of those areas.
If you need any other questions answered, you know where I be. ;-) My old man might be a retired contractor but he hasn't lost his mind... totally anywho. lol
http://www.bobvilla.com has a VERY good section with boards, chock full of good questions - advice and answeres from contractors as well.
http://www.thisoldhouse.com has alot of info too and I believe you used to be able to get answers there. They also did a house in HI which should be on the site somewhere that you can sccess (being as there are special things to deal with in the Islands) You can also order that series of videos on the project if you need to visualize more.