Getting Ready to Landscape? Preparing Your Property
Whether you are beginning landscaping after new construction, or you are ready to invest in improvements for your outdoor space, it’s essential to ensure that the property is prepared before the landscaping team gets started. Not only is groundwork important for drainage and other functional purposes, but it also ensures that the property is ready for all of your landscaping ideas. At Mikula, we’re experts in preparing your property so your landscaping team can get the job done properly.
In this article, we outline the necessary and essential steps for landscape planning, ensuring that you get the long-term results that you desire. Proper planning is one of the most important factors that will create the curb appeal that turns heads when people are passing by in the street.
Here are some of the best practices to follow when preparing your property.
Clear and Clean Your Property Before Landscaping
Clearing the land will leave you with a clean slate that is ready for landscaping design elements. During this stage, unwanted vegetation, debris, and other materials need to be removed. A land clearing crew can assist with demolition, take out trees and shrubs, and dispose of all of these materials responsibly.
It can take a lot of work to bring in the heavy equipment, load the debris and waste, and then haul it to the proper location. Rest assured knowing that our team is skilled in this process, ensuring that your project remains on schedule and is executed safely and efficiently..
We always check the property line boundaries before making any major changes, ensuring that your property and the neighboring properties are protected every step of the way.
Assess Your Soil and Improve Its Quality
Information will be needed about the soil to determine if any additional site prep steps should be included in the plan. Hire an expert team that uses a soil test kit to check all of the soil factors that could impact health, safety, and construction success. For more information about this process, you can talk to a soil testing provider or even talk to a local extension office for recommendations.
Some soil issues that might affect landscaping include compacted soil (which can hinder plant growth), the level of organic matter, and the type of soil that is on the site. Depending on the planting zones, you might need to bring in more topsoil to make sure there is a healthy foundation so that your landscaping will thrive in the future.
Plan and Mark Your Landscape Layout
The first step to successful landscape design is to imagine the overall layout and put it on paper first. This process will turn into the blueprint that is followed for the actual landscaping installation. Once the layout is decided, we’ll clear and level what’s needed to help you reach that goal.
It’s also important to think about the traffic flow through the yard and how functional different areas will be for your preferred activities. We’ll make recommendations about the ideal ways that your layout will align with your long-term goals.
When planning your landscape project, it is essential to work with a professional landscaper and landscape architect. At Mikula Contracting, we can coordinate with other professionals to ensure the project is completed to specifications and efficiently.
Grade and Level the Land for Proper Drainage
Before moving forward with any grading or excavation, we’ll make sure to have the necessary permits in hand. These permits from the local authorities are often required if major changes are being made to the property.
Successful grading addresses water flow patterns. Ideally, the slope should gently move water away from the structures, helping to reduce the risk of water damage to the foundation. Additionally, we are proactive about correcting any low spots to avoid water pooling and collection in undesirable areas.
Not only does proper draining protect your buildings, but it is also critical for preventing erosion and water damage. The right drainage plan will protect your trees and other landscaping features. For this reason, it’s worth the investment to bring in a professional excavation and grading crew, especially when you are dealing with complicated issues.
Prepare Your Property for Planting and Hardscaping
Once an excavation team clears and levels your yard for the project, your landscaping team can be brought in to execute their side of the deal.
Some steps are important to reduce your maintenance in the future. For example, putting in landscape fabric can help to avoid unnecessary weeds and keep your yard looking great with minimal work.
Plan for Irrigation and Water Conservation
Efficient watering systems will keep your landscaping alive and also help you avoid manual labor to take care of the yard. For example, one option is to install a drip irrigation system to help with plant growth. Depending on your plant selection and placement, some of the yard areas might need sprinkler installation.
Consider eco-friendly solutions that can help with water management, such as hardscaping in certain areas of the yard, or using collection systems and rain barrels for the water. Some property owners also want to prioritize the use of drought-tolerant plants to reduce their monthly expenses since less water will be needed to maintain the yard.
Schedule Your Landscaping Project for the Best Season
If you are ready to make your outdoor space look great this season, then it is a good time to contact our team. The weather is nice, and we can help you determine the ideal timeline for executing your perfect yard.
Consult an Experienced Land Improvement Contractor
While small landscaping designs might be fine as a DIY weekend project, there are times when it makes sense to hire a professional team for assistance. When you bring in the big guns for landscaping, make sure you don’t forget about site prep and excavation. For more information about available grading and excavation services, reach out to us to schedule a consultation. We will evaluate your landscaping design vision and offer recommendations to achieve the best results possible. Our team at Mikula is always here to help.
Did You Buy a Home with a Pool You Don't Want?
When you are in the market to buy a home, you can fall in love with a property that seems to have everything you want – but it’s rarely a perfect situation. Often, there are adjustments or updates that need to be made after the sale goes through. One thing that you might be considering is hiring a New Jersey pool removal contractor if you like the home, but you don’t want a house with a pool.
Even though the pool can look nice in photos, it can take a lot of time and money to keep up with the maintenance requirements. Plus, some new homeowners are worried about the liability issues of having a pool on their property. For example, a backyard swimming pool can be quite dangerous for families with young children or pets.
Hiring a New Jersey pool removal contractor is the best decision that you will make if you want to get a pool out of your yard. This is not a DIY project, especially when you consider the logistics of hauling away the materials and leveling the yard. Here are a few things to watch for if you want to buy a house but don’t want to keep the pool around.
Why Homebuyers End Up with an Unwanted Pool
An existing pool might feel like a bonus when you are buying a home, but many new homeowners don’t realize what they are getting themselves into. The family finally finds the right home to fit their desires, but a pool is part of the deal since it’s already there in the backyard.
There are a lot of responsibilities and upkeep that are required if you own a pool. Eventually, you might have regrets and want to take the pool out. The reality is that pools require a lot of time and money for cleaning, water management, and unexpected repairs that can pop up along the way. Plus, in states like New Jersey, the pool is only usable for part of the year, which means that you need to deal with winterizing every year.
What to Do if You Discover a Pool You Don’t Want
If you decide to buy a house with an existing swimming pool, then it’s time to consider your options: keep the pool or remove it completely. As you are evaluating your options, it can be helpful to talk with a New Jersey pool removal contractor for personalized recommendations. You can look at the current condition of the pool to decide if repairs make sense, such as replacing the pool pump or updating the filtration system. If it’s the right move to completely remove the pool, we’ll work with you to create the plan, determine the costs, and get the demolition rolling.
Costs and Considerations of Pool Removal
The amount you are going to pay for pool removal depends on the size of the pool, the materials the pool is made out of, and whether it’s an in-ground or above-ground pool. With a full pool removal, you will need to pay for expenses such as breaking up the concrete, hauling away the materials, removing the equipment and plumbing, and backfilling the hole.
Other hidden costs might include soil compaction, inspections, and permits that are required for the type of pool removal that you choose. Even though you will be paying money to get rid of the pool, there are financial benefits in the future since you won’t need to pay for pool repairs, maintenance, or energy bills to heat the pool.
Key Things to Know Before Buying Any Home with a Pool
There are both pros and cons to buying a home with a pool. Properties with backyard swimming pools offer many options for summer fun, such as pool parties and relaxing weekends. If you have a large family, then you might love the idea of a private place where you can let the children swim as often as they would like. Also, a swimming pool is beneficial because of the exercise options during the summer months.
On the other hand, there are also drawbacks to backyard swimming pools. For example, pool maintenance costs can be high, especially if you have an older pool. It’s also important to think about the potential safety risks and how they will increase your insurance premiums for the property. Additionally, some homebuyers see a swimming pool as a negative feature, which might make it harder to sell when you are ready to move in the future.
Ready to Remove That Pool?
Yes, a pool removal can be an investment, but it’s worth the cost if you want to use that area of the yard in a different way: a fire pit, patio, garden, or children’s play area. If you are thinking about removing your pool, then reach out to our team at Mikula to talk to a New Jersey pool removal contractor that you can trust. We are always here to help!
Eight Key Steps Needed When Preparing Your Land for Building
There are a lot of things that need to happen before you can break ground for new construction. Whether you are building a home or investing in a new commercial building, don’t overlook the importance of land prep for your construction project. The best thing that you can do is call a New Jersey excavation contractor right away to ensure that you have the experts on site.
Rushing through this stage can cause major problems in the future, such as budget issues, unexpected delays, and even problems that arise after the construction is complete. These issues are most easily avoided by hiring a trusted contractor to help with excavation and site prep. Our team at Mikula is here to help every step of the way, ensuring that every step is done correctly. Here are a few things that you need to know about the site prep process:
1. Conduct a Comprehensive Land Survey
The first step is to complete a detailed land survey, which will map out the property with important information about lot lines, topography, and other physical features that need to be noted. We need to understand where the existing structures are located, including utilities and easements. These current features can impact your construction in the future. Plus, the land survey is critical because it helps you avoid issues with site planning and legal disputes in the future.
2. Understand Zoning Regulations and Permitting Requirements
Zoning laws regulate where buildings can be constructed and what you are allowed to build based on how the land is categorized. Some areas only allow for residential construction, while other properties allow commercial or agricultural activities. You will need to obtain the necessary permits before site prep begins, especially if you need excavation, grading, and utility installation. Hiring an experienced New Jersey excavation contractor is a smart decision because the team will work with local agencies to support your construction process.
3. Evaluate Soil Quality and Conduct Testing
Soil testing is critical because it can impact everything about your construction project, including the stability of the foundation and potential risks associated with drainage and erosion. You should hire a professional team to help with soil tests in order to understand more about the soil composition and moisture content. If you have poor soil quality, then it might require remediation before construction can begin. Skipping this step can lead to major problems in the future. Our team at Mikula commonly works closely with environmental teams to ensure that the soil is safe before moving forward.
4. Clear the Land and Establish Access Points
Now it’s time to clear the land and remove anything that might get in the way of construction: trees, stumps, bushes, and all other types of debris. We can also demolish and clear any existing structures, such as concrete or old buildings. Our team at Mikula will bring the heavy machinery that is needed on the build site and ensure safety at all times to reduce the risk of liabilities during your construction project.
5. Level and Grade the Site
An experienced New Jersey excavation contractor can help with grading the land to make sure that everything is sloped correctly for drainage purposes. If there is any uneven terrain, then it needs to be backfilled and compacted to create a more stable surface for construction. Proper grading is critical to reduce the risk of water pooling around the foundation, which is important to prevent long-term damage. Our team is here to help you manage the slope and handle water runoff to keep the water pooling away from your building.
6. Install Utilities and Infrastructure
Now it’s time to put in the lines that are needed for all of your utilities: water, electricity, gas, and internet. Also, you will need to connect the property to the city sewer system or put in septic systems if sewer lines aren’t available. Other infrastructure prep might include conduit laying, trenching, and inspection scheduling. Make sure to take a proactive approach with utilities and infrastructure requirements to help you avoid more expensive issues once the property is built. Our excavation contractors will coordinate with utility companies to ensure a smooth installation. Depending on your project, this step may occur simultaneously with step seven.
7. Finalize Site Plans and Begin Construction
Planning is everything to ensure the overall success of your project. We are here to help with site planning, including access paths, soil stability, and more. Then, our excavation and site prep work will ensure that you can lock in the architectural plans and contractor timelines. It’s essential that you finalize any last-minute adjustments as soon as possible, such as drainage management and/or utility hookups. Finally, it’s common that a site inspection will be required before construction can begin.
8. Work With an Experienced New Jersey Excavation Contractor
Site prep is an important step to ensure that you have ground stability and a strong foundation for your upcoming construction project. Make sure that you hire an experienced and qualified New Jersey excavation contractor to help. Mikula is just a phone call away, offering the local knowledge and skilled team that you need for a successful outcome.
Upgrading Your Home to Accommodate Multigenerational Living
The cost of living is going up, which means that many families are choosing to blend generations under one roof. While the theory of sharing financial burdens with loved ones can seem like a good idea, the reality is that traditional home layouts don’t often cut it when it comes to shared living spaces.
If you are a homeowner and facing the need to bring elderly parents or adult children back into your home, then it might be time to call a New Jersey excavation contractor for assistance. In this guide, we will explore some of the options that you might consider so that your home accommodates multiple generations comfortably, including features to ensure the safety of aging parents or family members with disabilities.
The Rise of Multigenerational Living in New Jersey
The Pew Research Center recently reported that multigenerational living is increasing in popularity across the United States, and we are seeing these trends here in New Jersey. Why are families choosing to share residences? While many people have the dream of owning their own homes, the reality is that this goal might be out of reach for various reasons.
These are some of the most common reasons why more and more people are choosing to live in a multigenerational household:
- High living costs, make it less affordable to live alone
- Housing shortages, which are also driving up housing costs
- Elder care needs for people who are no longer able to live alone because they need support
- Cultural values that include a long history of the younger generations caring for the older generations
- Some people have a desire to build deeper family relationships, which can be achieved through sharing a household
- Shared responsibilities for families who want to live in a community environment
When family members move in together, it can simplify finances for everyone involved. Additionally, caregiving is more accessible if there are other people in the house to assist.
But in order to make this work, it’s critical that you have the right setup to support the needs of everyone involved. The renovations or changes that you make to your home can have an undeniable impact on comfort, privacy, and access.
Three Options for Upgrading Your Home for Multigenerational Living
What is the best way to prepare your home for multigenerational living? Every situation is unique, which is why you need to consider your current floor plan, available space, and whether there is room on the property for an expansion. If you need help with planning and you are getting ready to move forward with the project, then reach out to a New Jersey excavation contractor for more information on how to prepare your property.
Adding an Addition
Consider adding a full suite or a “mother-in-law apartment,” which gives your family members a private space where they can live. If you want more privacy, then you’ll need to include a bedroom, bathroom, and even a small kitchen or kitchenette. If you create a big enough living area, then the extra space feels independent (while still being connected to the main structure). This type of addition requires permitting, design work, and even basement excavation or a foundation extension. But it’s worth the investment when you consider the long-term benefits. Even if your family members are no longer living in the addition in the future, you can always turn it into an income source with renters.
Pool Removal
If you have an old pool that is no longer being used, then it might be time for pool removal to free up space for your new home expansion. Keep in mind that it’s necessary to hire a New Jersey excavation contractor to help with full pool removal – a partial removal isn’t sufficient when you are repurposing the land or building over the area. So, if you want to put an addition on your home or you are looking at options for an accessory dwelling unit, then complete pool removal will be a prerequisite. Putting the extra living area in the backyard can allow your family members to have a separate entrance to access their apartment.
Guest House or Auxiliary Building
Another option for multigenerational homes is to build a guest house or small auxiliary building on your property. An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) can take open space on your property and turn it into practical, usable space for a member of your family, providing the warmth and support of multigenerational living while still providing some level of privacy. If the lot and your municipality allow for the addition of an ADU, we can clear and prepare the land for construction, priming the space for your next steps towards completing your project.
The Role of an Excavation Contractor in Upgrading Your Home
There’s no question that you will need to hire a New Jersey excavation contractor for your upcoming project. It doesn’t matter if you are investing in an addition, an ADU, or a basement conversion: you need the experts on site to ensure a successful completion. Our team is here to help with the necessary excavation for your multigenerational home upgrades, including soil prep, grading, foundation digging, drainage systems, and more.
Hire an Experienced New Jersey Excavation Contractor
What questions do you have when you are preparing your home to accommodate multigenerational living? As you are exploring your options, we invite you to reach out to a New Jersey excavation contractor you can trust: Mikula Contracting. Our team is always just a phone call away and ready to help with your upcoming projects.
Why You Might Need to Hire an Excavation Company
Excavation is much more than just digging a hole. Depending on the type of excavation that you need, it can be a high-stakes project that will have a critical impact on the future success of your upcoming construction. Whether you need help with land clearing, leveling/grading, sewer line installation, or other types of land management, the most important thing that you can do is call a New Jersey excavation contractor for assistance.
One of the biggest mistakes that you will make is attempting a DIY excavation, especially when you don’t have the proper equipment or any experience with this type of work. It’s an undeniable benefit to invest in an experienced contractor because they will play a critical role in your site prep and overall outcome.
If you are looking for more information about excavation services and the type of work that is available, then reach out to our team at Mikula to discuss your needs. We are here to help ensure that your timeline and budget are protected every step of the way.
Expertise and Experience
Hiring professional excavation contractors is a great decision because they bring the specialized skills that are needed to get the job done right. An experienced contractor has worked on many other similar projects over the years, ensuring that your project is handled with the best strategy and skill every step of the way.
Not only does a contractor have the experience to know how to work with different types of soil, but they are also proactive about managing potential hazards, such as working around a gas line or power line that might be in the area. They always assess the entire construction site before work begins, ensuring that proven strategies are in place to avoid some of the most common risks that might occur. The goal is to minimize the risk of any potential dangers or delays, ensuring that your project stays on track.
When you hire a professional excavation contractor, you can’t put a price tag on the peace of mind that comes from having a skilled team on the job. You can have confidence knowing that the job will be done right the first time.
Proper Equipment and Resources
You’ll need more than a backhoe and shovel to complete a major excavation project. An experienced New Jersey excavation contractor will bring the necessary heavy equipment to complete the job quickly and safely. Depending on the size of your site and the type of excavation that needs to be done, equipment that might be used includes excavators, bulldozers, and compactors.
Our team at Mikula always brings the proper equipment for your specific job. Whether we are doing site prep before foundation work or trenching for utilities, we’ll make sure that the completed excavation aligns with your construction plans and future needs.
Keep in mind that renting the equipment on your own can be quite dangerous, especially if you don’t have the proper training to ensure safe operations. Not only are you putting your own safety at risk, but there is a possibility of causing expensive property damage. It’s worth the cost to hire professional excavation services, especially because the team that you hire will have a full fleet of equipment to complete the job safely and quickly.
Safety and Risk Management
Safety is a big concern, especially when heavy equipment is on the job site. Before hiring a New Jersey excavation contractor, ask about the team’s safety protocols and what measures will be in place to reduce the risk of complications. These safety standards are especially important if the excavation is happening close to a gas line or power line. Not only is there a risk of injury, but you could be facing expensive fines if the excavation isn’t done correctly.
Safety is Mikula’s primary goal. Our excavation team is trained to identify and mark all potential hazards before we break ground. As per the law, we always locate utility lines, and we also use site maps to understand the conditions that we will be navigating.
Also, we always have full insurance coverage to help reduce liability in the unlikely situation that something goes wrong. It’s critical to make sure that the excavation company you hire has proper insurance, because otherwise, you might be held responsible for any personal injuries or property damage that happens on your property.
Legal Compliance with Local Regulations
Another reason why it makes sense to hire an experienced New Jersey excavation contractor is because the excavation industry is highly regulated, which means that you need a skilled team that will follow all of these regulations. There is a lot that happens behind the scenes that your contractor can assist with, including permits, inspections, and zoning restrictions.
You need to be sure that you are not violating any zoning or local rules during the excavation. Some of the legal compliance and regulations that must be followed include marking the utility lines, managing stormwater runoff, and controlling sediment properly.
Our team at Mikula knows the best strategies for navigating local permitting, which helps to reduce the risk of fines or delays with your project. We understand that compliance isn’t optional, which is why we ensure that your project is safe and legal every step of the way.
Environmental Considerations
When your property is being excavated, a skilled contractor will be aware of the steps that are needed to protect the environment throughout the project. Examples of environmental considerations that might be added to your site prep plan include tree preservation, protecting topsoil, and managing drainage in order to avoid erosion.
Additionally, there could be strict rules that need to be followed if you are near a flood zone or wetlands. Working with professional excavation contractors is critical to minimize the disruption to the local ecosystem.
Cost-Effectiveness
Pricing is always a factor to consider for your construction project. One common myth is that DIY excavation will save time and money. But the harsh reality is that these DIY attempts often backfire. If you don’t have the right equipment or training, then it’s likely that you will be dealing with delays and damage – often resulting in additional expenses because you need to pay for a pro contractor to redo the excavation.
When you hire an excavation expert contractor, it’s worth the investment because you are paying for precision, speed, and efficiency. There’s no guesswork when a pro team is on the job.
Cleanup and Site Restoration
Digging isn’t the only thing that needs to be handled during the site prep stage. When the digging stops, there are additional steps that our team will follow to ensure that your site is ready for the upcoming construction projects. For example, we help with hauling away debris, handling excess soil, and leveling the whole site.
We don’t just dig your site… we make sure that your site is clean, graded, and ready to go for the next steps. We understand that cleanup and compaction after sewer/utilities trenching or a foundation dig matter because any remaining soil instability can complicate construction going forward. So, we offer full-service solutions for your excavation project.
Hire an Experienced and Trusted New Jersey Excavation Contractor
If you are getting ready to hire a New Jersey excavation contractor, then Mikula is the team to call. We offer everything that you need for top-notch excavation services. Your satisfaction is always our priority. Reach out today to learn more.
How to Safely Tackle Your Summer Demolition Project
The weather is warming up, and your outdoor to-do list is getting longer. What are the most important tasks that you want to finish this year on your property? Whether you are getting ready to clear land or you need help with demolition, our team at Mikula is here to help every step of the way.
The summer often feels like the best time to approach demolition projects. The days are long, and the weather is favorable, allowing you to complete the project as quickly as possible. You want to have a fast and effective outcome, which is why it makes sense to hire a professional New Jersey demolition contractor that you can trust.
In this guide, we are taking a look at the essential steps to help you maintain the highest levels of safety during your upcoming demolition. If you have questions or need help with this process, then reach out to our team at Mikula for more information. We offer careful planning and precise execution, ensuring that every detail is addressed along the way.
Create a Plan and Assess the Project
Before any heavy equipment pulls up on site, you need to make sure that you have a clear plan in place for the demolition. What types of materials are being removed (and are there any special considerations for disposal)? How much hauling and cleanup will be needed after the demolition is complete?
We take the time to understand what your project involves in order to create an ideal plan for your unique needs. Many property owners don’t have a complete understanding of what it’s going to take to handle the project safely. Instead of taking the risk with a DIY project, a better solution is to bring in an expert team for assistance.
Our proactive approach with upfront prep is essential for preventing accidents. We are careful to not only protect your property and the surrounding buildings but also reduce the risk of injury or accident for anyone on the site.
Protect Your Property and Surroundings
There are times when nearby buildings or features are accidentally damaged during the demolition because the New Jersey demolition contractor didn’t take the proper care to avoid these issues. At Mikula, our primary goal is safety for both our workers and the job site. We work to ensure that our team members are highly trained and focused on the job at hand. By focusing on safety for all personnel, we are simultaneously protecting your project from complications that may arise during your demolition. At the same time, we also put protections for the existing structure in place, such as covering windows, laying down plywood, and shielding the landscaping with tarps.
Potential domino effects can occur when a portion of the building is being taken down, which is why we are careful to protect all attached structures. We’ll study the building plans and identify a load-bearing wall, then bring in the right equipment that allows us to complete the demolition with care and accuracy. If needed, the surrounding structures will be reinforced. We follow all of these steps upfront in order to reduce the risk of costly or irreversible damage.
Turn Off Power and Utilities
Demolition will never move forward until the power and utilities have been disconnected completely. In fact, your project will not receive a permit to move forward if this step has not been completed. Turning off the power is one of the most effective ways to ensure safety protocols, especially because many demolition accidents are related to live lines. Make sure your New Jersey demolition contractor shuts down the power, gas, and water in the area before they start working.
Everything needs to be shut off at the source to prevent any issues as the demolition process progresses. Keep full documentation about which things have been turned off, and you can even mark the areas with visual reminders so that all team members are on the same page about managing the utilities.
Do you have a large or complicated demolition site? In addition to hiring a New Jersey demolition contractor, it can also be helpful to bring a plumber and/or electrician on site so that they can double-check all of the connections before the team gets started with the demolition.
Keep the Work Area Clean and Safe
Tidiness is a key factor that will impact the overall safety on the site. Our professional crew will be proactive about keeping an eye on waste generated throughout the project and leaving as clean a worksite as possible when the job is done.
Organization is integral to an efficient worksite. Large-scale demolition projects can create a great deal of waste, and our goal is to ensure the conclusion of the project is safe, efficient, and tidy. We will use a truck demo directly to a site and utilize dumpsters or haul-away services to maintain forward progress and stay ahead of the mess.
Use the Right Tools and Equipment
Ask your New Jersey demolition contractor about the types of equipment that will be used during the demolition. The selection of equipment and staff matters and can make a difference in keeping the demolition safer and more efficient.
Because our team tackles whole-structure demolition projects both big and small, we employ heavy equipment and experienced operators to ensure that the job is done efficiently and all debris is cleared away effectively. Ensuring staff are properly trained and maintain safety certifications provides peace of mind while these large pieces of equipment are being used.
It’s also critical for crew members to always have the proper PPE for the type of project being completed, some examples being hard hats, steel-toed footwear, safety glasses, and high-visibility vests.
Work With a Trusted New Jersey Demolition Contractor
When you are ready to move forward with your demolition project, it’s time to reach out to a New Jersey demolition contractor. Mikula is always here to help! We’ll provide customized demolition services based on your unique needs, ensuring that safety is always the top priority every step of the way. Contact us to learn more about residential and commercial demolition services.
What is the Process for Removing an Inground Swimming Pool?
There are many reasons why you might consider having your swimming pool removed. Maybe you are tired of the time and money that goes into maintenance, or you are worried about the safety of your family and pets. Some New Jersey homeowners want to use the yard in a different way, especially if they aren’t using the pool often.
Regardless of the reason why you are choosing an inground pool removal, it’s essential that you follow the right steps to ensure a successful outcome. The scope of work is quite extensive, which is why it usually makes sense to call a New Jersey pool removal contractor for help.
This project is going to require careful planning, and you need to make sure that you are following all compliance requirements. So, it makes sense to hire professionals.
In this article, we are taking a closer look at the inground swimming pool removal process. Our team is here to help with the pool removal method you choose, based on your overall goals and unique needs.
The Steps Involved in Removing an Inground Swimming Pool
There are a lot of factors that impact how long the pool removal process will take, including the size of the swimming pool, the materials that need to be removed, and the necessary post-removal excavation. This is not a one-day job! You’ll need to follow a structured process every step of the way.
You might be tempted to try to save money by tackling this project on your own. But when safety and quality are priorities, it makes sense to hire an expert demolition team.
Obtaining Permits and Other Requirements
Before we can get started with removing the pool, we’ll make sure to have all necessary permits in hand. Our team will reach out to the city office or other local authorities to ensure that we have the proper approvals in place.
Depending on your area and the scope of work, permits might include site plans and utility marking. Permits are not optional. Failing to have the proper permits could lead to complications, fines, and delays.
Draining the Pool
The first step for pool demolition is to drain the pool completely. While it might seem like a straightforward step, the reality is that you can’t just open a valve and hope for the best. You need to know where the water is going in order to prevent flooding. Improper draining can cause serious damage to landscaping, cause the sewers to be overloaded, or even erode the foundations on nearby buildings.
Checking the Location of Utility Cables
Next, we need to know where all of the utility lines are located before we start digging. We will call to have them identified and marked, including gas, electric, water, and sewer, as required by law. We’ll coordinate with the licensed electrician hired to disconnect any electrical lines before demolition begins.
Swimming Pool Demolition
The first step in the physical removal is to take out the concrete or tile decking located around the pool area. Depending on the materials, we might need to bring in a saw or jackhammers to cut the concrete slabs.
Next, it’s time to get started with the most intensive part of the process. The type of pool will impact your decision about how the demolition is done. For example, if you have a fiberglass pool, it’s possible to remove it in large sections. On the other hand, concrete pools can be more time-intensive since the concrete needs to be broken up and then removed.
Legally, an inspection will be required once the pool is demolished. A second inspection will likely be required once the pool is backfilled.
A full pool removal ensures that you will have no limitations for future projects (such as home additions, building other structures, or putting in a garden).
Filling and Grading the Pool Hole
The final step is the excavation: the remaining hole in the pool area needs to be filled. The material chosen for the filling will be based on drainage needs and town requirements. We add the soil in layers and compact it as we go, helping to avoid sinking and other issues in the future. It’s essential to compact the soil so that you have a stable yard. Finally, we will grade the surface to make sure that everything is level and you have the right layout for proper draining.
Hire a Trusted New Jersey Pool Removal Contractor
If you are looking for a New Jersey pool removal contractor, then Mikula is the team to call. Reach out at your convenience to book an appointment and learn more about available services. We’ll give you an estimate for pool removal costs based on the removal method you choose.
How Can Mikula Help Make the Most of Your Backyard This Summer?
Summer is the best time of the year: fun evenings in the backyard with family and friends, lots of sunlight hours, and plenty of time to spend with the people that you love. The right backyard design can help you maximize the summer months, making it easier than ever to spend time outside.
Whether you want to use the yard to play, relax, or entertain, it often makes sense to hire a New Jersey home improvement contractor for help with your yard makeover. Mikula is here to help you transform your yard into something that you love.
Is Your Backyard Being Used to Its Full Potential?
How much are you enjoying your outdoor spaces? Just because you have a large backyard doesn’t mean that you are using it to its fullest potential. In many cases, the yard is underused, and as a result, families aren’t spending as much time outside as they might like.
There are several reasons why you might feel like your yard isn’t ideal. For example, you might have an outdated deck or patio. Or, the ground may be uneven and need some TLC. It’s easy for the backyard to be neglected, especially when you have so many other responsibilities and maintenance tasks that need to be handled in other areas of your home.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful and relaxing yard. There are ways to upgrade your outdoor spaces simply, which will expand the living area that you can share with your family.
Five Ways Mikula Can Help Make the Most of Your Backyard This Summer
Our team at Mikula is here to help with your backyard projects – big and small. If you are looking to turn your yard into a place that everyone wants to visit, then it’s time to call us: a trusted New Jersey home improvement contractor. Here are some of the ways that we can help prepare your yard for improvements.
1. Assist With Proper Yard Grading
The right grading is essential to help with drainage. Not only does grading reduce the risk of erosion and soggy spots on your lawn, but managing water flow is essential to protect your home. Yard grading is the first thing that should be considered before moving forward with any other yard projects. For example, you need to make sure that everything is graded properly before installing a patio, garden, outdoor kitchen, or other landscaping features.
2. Help Add a Pickleball Court
Are you looking for a way to enjoy more fitness and fun in your backyard? There’s a reason why pickleball is growing in popularity. Your backyard can be a great place to add a court, giving you a convenient place to play with your family. You need a New Jersey land improvement contractor to help with clearing the land and preparing the site, including excavation and grading, so that your personal pickleball court can be installed. When this project is complete, family members of all ages will be thrilled to have a dedicated play area at home.
3. Make Room for a Luxurious Outdoor Kitchen
If you love to host and cook, then it might make sense to install an outdoor kitchen. There’s something magical about prepping dinner under the stars! Your guests can participate, or sit back and relax in your outdoor living room – enjoying a nice conversation while the meal is being prepared. Our team at Mikula is here to help with all of the prep work to install your outdoor kitchen: excavation, grading, demolition, and more. We’ll clear the area to make room for you to add the seating areas, counters, patios, appliances, and other features that need to be installed for your new outdoor kitchen.
4. Help Remove a Pool
Hiring a New Jersey pool removal contractor is always the right answer if you are preparing to remove a swimming pool so you can utilize your backyard for other things. Our team at Mikula is here to help with pool removal, ensuring that your yard area is the perfect fit for your family’s preferences and daily activities. Let us take care of the heavy lifting.
5. Add the Patio of Your Dreams
Every backyard needs a nice patio area, where you can set out a few Adirondack chairs and a dining area under the stars. Also, consider adding a fire pit or another type of fire feature to set the mood and make it a relaxing space where your loved ones want to linger. We’ll grade and clear the land so you can install a patio that fits your lifestyle.
Consider ways that you can personalize this area with a water feature, string lights, and outdoor furniture – allowing you to enjoy a perfect al fresco experience. Installing a beautiful patio is one of the best ways to ensure that you enjoy spending more time outdoors. Even if you aren’t entertaining, it’s nice to relax on the patio with a drink in hand at the end of a busy day.
How Mikula Ensures a Stress-Free Backyard Makeover
At Mikula, our team is here to help with a variety of services to ensure that your backyard is everything that you desire. It’s time to hire a New Jersey land improvement contractor if you need help with excavation, site clearing, prep, grading, and more.
While we don’t install these premium backyard features, our team’s goal is to prepare your yard for all future projects and work alongside the right crew to provide you with the yard you’re dreaming of. We’ll take care of your yard with care and precision, ensuring an optimal outcome that aligns with your goals. Call us to start planning your upcoming project.
How Spring and Summer Drainage Improvements Help Prevent Fall and Winter Damage
Even though drainage is something that might be at the top of your mind during the rainy season, the reality is that these issues could be a concern throughout the year. If you aren’t proactive about water management and drainage solutions right now, then it could lead to water damage later on, especially when the snow melts after winter ends.
The good news is that spring and summer are the best times to call a New Jersey drainage contractor. Our team at Mikula is here to help you address these drainage issues before winter comes around again, helping you avoid major issues when things turn cold: water pooling, freezing, and erosion.
A proactive approach is always the best solution to help reduce the risk of damage to your property. If water-related issues happen, you might have an expensive bill to repair the area and fix the problem.
The Importance of Properly Preparing Your Drainage System for Fall and Winter Protection
Do you understand the potential consequences if your drainage is neglected heading into the winter months? Most homeowners don’t know the serious consequences that can occur. Too often, people don’t think about drainage until something goes wrong, resulting in a serious situation that you can’t ignore. Instead of assuming that everything is fine and hoping for the best, it’s smart to be proactive about hiring a New Jersey drainage contractor for help.
If you don’t plan ahead during the spring and summer, come the winter months, then you could be dealing with water that freezes and causes damage in pipes or low areas. Other common issues include cracking, erosion, and ice hazards.
If there are any pools of water near the home, they can lead to water damage in the basement, crawlspaces, and foundation. As the snow starts to thaw in the spring, the water might start coming inside. Also, water in poorly graded spots can lead to soil movement or slab shifting, which can cause a domino effect of other issues.
If the water drainage systems are blocked or broken, then they are going to fail when you need them the most. So, it’s essential that you take a proactive approach during the warmer months. It’s a lot cheaper and easier to handle the potential issues right now before they turn into more serious problems in the future. Smart planning will help you prevent winter flooding and avoid other related issues such as mold and building damage.
Drainage Improvements to Make in the Spring and Summer to be Prepared for Fall and Winter
What are the best drainage improvements you should make in your yard? Every situation is unique, which is why there isn’t a cookie-cutter solution for every property. The easiest way to create an ideal plan for your unique needs is to schedule a consultation with a New Jersey drainage contractor. We’ll assess your yard, identify potential issues, and then create a customized drainage plan that matches your preferences.
Here are some of the common recommendations that might be included in your drainage plans:
- Find and Address Soft Spots: We’ll check the yard and look for any soft spots, because these are often the areas with excess water. Issues that might need to be fixed include ponding water, gutter overflows, and soft or sinking areas of the lawn.
- Adding Drainage Systems: It’s important to evaluate your current drainage systems to see if anything needs to be added or improved. We offer a variety of systems, including French drains, downspout extensions, and swales. These drainage systems will improve the way your yard handles the storms.
- Correcting Drainage Slopes: We’ll make sure that the drainage slope is carefully designed for any low-lying areas around your property. It’s essential that the water is running away from any structures on site.
- Clearing Yard Clutter: One critical maintenance step that shouldn’t be avoided is clearing yard clutter and removing debris in the area. You need to make sure that the drains, culverts, and gutters are all open and flowing freely when water is moving through.
- Other Drainage Features: Talk to a New Jersey drainage contractor about other drainage options that might be helpful, such as rain gardens, dry wells, sump pumps, underground piping, or retaining walls as needed. We need to identify and address any areas with persistent excess water accumulation.
How a Drainage Contractor Can Help Prepare Your Systems for the Colder Weather
When you hire an experienced New Jersey drainage contractor, we’ll do more than just dig a few trenches and hope for the best. Our team at Mikula brings the knowledge and expertise that you need to ensure an optimal outcome in the future.
We’ll evaluate where your current systems might fail under the weight of snow and ice, then make proactive upgrades that will protect your yard and home. This isn’t a DIY project – you need to be working with a contractor who knows the proper way to redirect flow and prevent erosion.
Our expert team will offer smart, long-term drainage solutions. This big-picture approach ensures that you invest in the best services for your unique needs. You’ll be glad that you put in the effort right now in order to avoid major headaches and problems in the future.
We can help you plan for a variety of drainage solutions, as well as other necessary modifications that might be needed to prepare your yard for drainage success. With our guidance, you and your landscaping team will be able to implement natural drainage features that will work well throughout the year.
Work With an Experienced New Jersey Drainage Contractor
What services do you need from an experienced New Jersey drainage contractor? Our team at Mikula is here to assist with all of your grading, excavation, and landscaping needs. One of the benefits of choosing us is that we understand the region's specific weather patterns, terrain, and soil types.
We know the best solutions to handle the shift from the humid summers to the harsh winter conditions, and everything in between. Your new drainage systems will transition smoothly through all of the seasons.
Don’t wait until fall to deal with your residential water and drainage problems. We are here to help with your immediate needs, ensuring immediate and long-lasting results for your yard.
The Role of Test Pit Excavation and Soil Testing in Environmental Remediation
Before getting started with a construction project or any type of environmental cleanup, you need to know if there are any special considerations in the soil that need to be addressed. While the hope is that the site is clean and safe, there could be contamination in the soil requiring specialized services to ensure safety.
The reality is that if soil or groundwater is contaminated, then it poses serious health and safety risks to everyone in the area. Not only are people impacted by these issues, but there are also environmental concerns that need to be addressed.
The good news is that it’s possible to identify these issues early when you are working with the right New Jersey excavation contractor and environmental consultant. Our team is here to help with site investigations, test pit excavation, and soil testing. The goal is to evaluate the quality of the soil, then put proactive measures in place, if necessary, in order to avoid delays or issues when construction starts.
In this article, we are taking a closer look at what environmental remediation is and why test pits and soil testing are necessary at times.
What Is Environmental Remediation?
To put it simply, environmental remediation is the process of cleaning up polluted soil, water, or air. These contaminants impact the overall safety of the area. Not only is environmental remediation the right thing to do to protect the community and environment, but there are also regulations in place that require you to follow these practices.
Some of the most common reasons why you might need remediation before construction projects include industrial activity, underground tanks that are leaking, or chemical spills.
Ultimately, the goal is to protect the health of everyone in the area, including both residents and crew members. At the same time, it’s possible to restore the ecosystem and create the conditions for the land to be developed safely.
Test Pit Excavation Overview
If test pits are necessary, then you’ll need to hire a New Jersey excavation contractor. The process involves small-scale digging so that we can take a closer look at what is happening below the surface level. We’ll bring in excavation equipment, such as backhoes, to make it easy and accessible.
There are various things that can be inspected with test pit excavation. For example, industry experts will be able to see the layers of soil and any contaminants that might be present.
Other inspection points include the condition of the soil overall, water table levels, and more. This process is also important for underground utilities, protecting current lines and preparing for installation if new lines are needed.
In many situations, test pit excavation is the first step that needs to happen before major work starts for construction projects.
Understanding Soil Testing
When the test pits are excavated, it allows experts to collect soil samples from the different layers within the pit. These samples are tested in a laboratory setting to see if there are any contaminants or issues that need to be addressed. Your testing team will be looking for common contaminants such as chemicals, oil, or metals.
Soil testing also involves processes to check the properties of the soil, including the type, compaction, moisture content, and drainage. All of these factors affect the successful outcome of the construction project.
The results of these soil tests will guide your New Jersey excavation contractor in planning the proper site preparation activities to minimize complications or issues in the future.
How Test Pit Excavation and Soil Testing Work Together
Both test pit excavation and soil testing go hand in hand. If you need to have soil testing done, then the pit excavation is the preparatory step so that you can access the deep layers of soil. This excavation process is helpful because it provides a visual inspection of the soil so that you can find and address any problem areas that need to be taken care of. Finding an excavation contractor that works well with environmental firms can help make the process move along more quickly and seamlessly.
Our goal is to confirm what is in the ground on your work site. We’ll work with environmental experts to find chemical and physical properties that might impact construction, safety, and environmental factors. Test pit excavation and soil testing are the perfect combination to give you a complete picture of the site conditions.
Why Test Pit Excavation and Soil Testing Are Vital for Effective Remediation
There’s no question that you need both test pit excavation and soil testing in order to have a successful outcome with your remediation project. In order to plan an effective remediation, we need to determine both the scope and severity of the contamination. Then, we can create a targeted plan that will achieve the desired outcomes.
Rest assured knowing that we always meet both state and federal regulations. Also, we take a proactive approach to protect workers, nearby communities, and the environment from toxic exposure.
Need the Help of a New Jersey Contractor You Can Trust?
If you are looking for a local New Jersey excavation contractor, then make sure to hire a team that has experience in environmental site work. Mikula is here to help every step of the way. We’ve been working in the local community for many years and understand the unique soil and groundwater conditions. Contact us today to learn more.