Excavation During New Home Development
It’s time to start building your new home. Finally, all your dreams and plans are laid out in front of you. But before the contractors get started, there’s one step to take – calling an excavation service.
Why do you need a home development excavation contractor when you’ve already hired a building team? The process of moving into a new home starts with the land and the dirt. So what better contractors to call in than experts on finding the right soil and surface for your home’s foundation?
A home development excavation contractor will work with your land to ensure you have the proper drainage system, the soil is healthy and toxin-free, and the land is ready for digging. Residential excavation contractors will prepare for your construction project in a professional and thorough way.
Surveying the Site and Inspecting the Land
You may have bought a property without knowing exactly where your land starts and ends. An excavation team can use official survey documents to measure your property and mark property lines. Then, you will accurately know where to place your home without cutting too close to a neighbor’s land.
A home development excavation contractor will be an expert in inspecting the site. Some of the things they check for are large rocks and water lines. Here are some reasons why it’s important to inspect the land before building starts:
- Identify Large Rocks: Digging a foundation isn’t simple when digging into rocks. Breaking up the rocks and removing them requires a different set of equipment than if you were digging into straight soil.
- Check for Existing Underground Lines: When you do your due diligence before a project, you will save money in the long run. For example, a home development excavation contractor can inspect the land for existing power lines and water lines that may be available for your use. Then you do not have to start from scratch and spend extra money.
When you know exactly what you’re getting into, you will not have to delay construction when the digging starts. In addition, planning ahead for extenuating circumstances is way more efficient than urgently changing plans or, worse, paying to fix a burst water pipe.
Knowing Your Soil
Testing the soil will help you know how solid the foundation of your land is. If the area were to flood, would your home stand its ground? Testing soil can determine how much the soil will compact in the face of storms and drainage paths.
Understanding the soil is not only important for digging the foundation for your home but also vital for future growth on your land. At the minimum, any homeowner wants grass to be able to grow on the land. Excavation contractors can test your soil to ensure it is ready for plants and vegetation.
The reason why it’s essential to test the soil is if there was an oil spill in the area that wasn’t cleaned up, you might have to remediate the soil before the building begins. This process is familiar to a home development excavation contractor, which is why they are the best people to inspect and detect toxic soil.
Understanding Your Utilities
Every new home requires utilities such as water, gas, and power. A professional excavation team can set up your home with the hookups that you need for a modern, efficient home system. They can dig out water lines or extend gas lines to your property. You will learn that construction and excavation go hand in hand throughout the construction process.
If your excavation contractor finds existing water or gas lines on your property, they can pinpoint the right place to dig your foundation and work around the pipes. Use the expertise of an experienced home development excavation contractor to get the job done right.
Setting up the utilities before the construction begins will make it easier for the contractors. They will need to access water and power to operate smoothly.
Permits and Codes
Count on your home development excavation contractor to obtain all necessary permits before the building begins. They will be aware that all construction is up to code before choosing the spot for the foundation. You may feel anxious to break ground and dig the foundation, but the last thing you want is to have to restart if you find out that the code does not allow building too close to property lines. Rely on an expert excavation team to get the job done right the first time.
Need a Home Development Excavation Contractor?
Mikula Contracting has extensive experience as a home development excavation contractor. When you have land that you want to be surveyed for any potential problems before building your home, you can trust our team to help.
With years of experience working in the Northern New Jersey communities, our Mikula Contracting team fosters relationships of trust with each client we serve. We are a reputable name in the excavation industry. Call today to schedule our team for your home development excavation contractor needs.
How To Know If You Have Backyard Drainage Issues
If a huge storm comes through and dumps a load of rain on your property, leaving you with standing water for a few hours, anyone may start to wonder about drainage troubles. But if your yard is flooded with water every time your sprinklers go on, you know that you need to find a solution to your backyard drainage issues in New Jersey.
If you hire a professional landscaper to design your yard, one landscape feature includes ensuring that your yard is draining properly. The soil should always be healthy enough to absorb water, but if flooding leads to runoff of topsoil, the clay soil left over can saturate and lead to problems.
This is one common problem with backyard draining. The last thing you want to do is bring out a sump pump because you cannot get standing water off your property. Standing water leads to bugs and unpleasant smells. Here are some other backyard drainage issues in New Jersey.
Common Causes of Backyard Drainage Issues
You are not alone if you are experiencing backyard drainage issues in New Jersey. Various drainage problems can come up, and they can change as the years go by. Some examples include:
- Clogged drain pipe
- Water pools in the middle of the yard
- Poor yard landscape design with plants not getting enough water
- Excess water drowning even the water-loving plants
- Trouble spots in the grass that do not green in uniformity
- Flooding to the home
- Soil washing away, creating paths through the mulch
For each backyard drainage issue is a drainage solution. You do not have to live with standing water on your property that breeds mosquitoes and bacteria. Take action to find the answers you deserve.
Solutions for Poor Yard Drainage
Revamp your garden by implementing drainage solutions that will impact your yard for the better. Work with a trusted contracting team to tackle the backyard drainage issues in your New Jersey home together.
Install a French Drain
If you need to move water from one part of the yard to another, you may benefit from a french drain. When installing a french drain, you take the excess water from one section of the yard and disperse it into another area lacking water.
Build a french drain by creating a long trench from the excessively watered area to the other side of the yard. The trench should be filled with gravel. And then, a long pipe is placed in the trench that will carry the water over during storms. After that, cover the line with dirt or soil to hide the french drain.
While this explanation sounds like a DIY project, the last thing you want to do is dig a trench and put in the work to learn that the pipe is not on a graded downslope enough to function properly. Instead, hire a contracting team to work with you on installing a french drain.
Create a Dry Well
A dry well is a basin that collects the excess water and disperses it into neighboring areas that lack water. The well is placed at the bottom of a creek or a gutter to spread the wealth of ample water supply to areas that may not be as fortunate.
Install an Underground Storm Drain
One drainage system that could work for your backyard drainage issues is an underground storm drain. Dig a trench that will work as a dry well. Fill the well with gravel. Then, create a pipe that leads from the top of the soil to the dry well trench. This will collect all the water and redirect it to the dry well to carry the water to the thirsty parts of the yard.
This yard drainage solution is one step to creating a drainage system in your yard that will fix your backyard drainage issues in your New Jersey home long-term.
Change Your Landscape Design
Many times, you will find yourself with backyard drainage issues in New Jersey after a landscaping project. For example, if you have a sidewalk or pool installed, the hard surfaces leave nowhere for the water to absorb after a storm. This can lead to water pathways through the mulch and other drainage issues.
Work to create a landscape design that offers the proper grading to redirect water to spread evenly throughout the vegetation in the backyard. An expert contracting team can help you tackle this issue.
All of these changes combined are sure to fix your backyard drainage issues in New Jersey. Instead of living with a patchy lawn or flooding in your basement, take action to find drainage solutions for your property. You will spend less money on fixing the aftermath of drainage issues when you install permanent solutions.
Ready To Improve Your Backyard Drainage System? We Can Help!
Our Mikula Contracting team has extensive experience in fixing backyard drainage issues in New Jersey. We know the wild card of New Jersey weather and how to prepare your backyard for optimal draining systems.
Our trusted contractors will work with you to determine a drainage plan that is beneficial to the homeowner without changing the integrity of the yard. First and foremost, we will protect your home from flooding during unpredictable storms. Call us to set up a consultation and learn how we can help your situation.
6 Ideas for Getting Rid of Your Inground Swimming Pool
If you feel like you’ve “been there, done that” when it comes to your pool, then maybe it’s time to think of regaining that precious space in your yard for something different. Or maybe you’ve just purchased a new home with a swimming pool in the yard already and want nothing to do with the maintenance and upkeep that it will require. Getting rid of your inground swimming pool altogether might be something you want to consider as you look at the home improvements you want to make for your enjoyment and to increase your real estate worth.
If you’re ready to do something different and are excited about setting your home apart from the mundane, here are a few new features you may want to add to your backyard to take it from great to amazing!
1. Deck
A deck is one of the easiest and most beautiful ways to take your inground pool to a BBQ hangout heaven. Drain your pool and simply build a deck over it yourself, or employ the help of a hired professional who can help you blend your new space just right with your existing landscaping.
Your new outdoor living space will be a great place to entertain, and building a deck over your empty pool can also add value to your home. Once you list your house for sale in the future, this can be a big payoff.
2. Garden
Using your inground pool space for a beautiful flower garden or vegetable garden will make great use of your newfound space. Your pool removal company can help you prepare your garden area by first removing the pool and then filling the hole with topsoil to make it ready for planting.
Your professional pool removal company will also ensure that the soil is compacted properly so that sinking does not occur. They should be able to guarantee it to not sink for a few years, too. Make sure you ask about what their guarantees and warranties include
3. Sunken Fire Pit
A sunken fire pit is another fun option that can be great for the whole family and all those you wish to entertain. A pool removal contractor can help make the transition between your new fire pit area and the existing landscaping feel seamless and amazing, as well as ensure everything underground is filled in properly. That way, you never have to think about it again.
4. Pond
If you’re game for something different, a cement pond for koi fish, or just a water feature, can be a good choice. While this choice is not the cheapest option, it can be good if you want an interesting change. You may need to add different pond equipment, gravel, and more for it to be suitable for fish or other wildlife. But if you want to keep your pool in place, a pond will do the trick, leaving you the possibility of restoring it into a working pool again if you change your mind in the future.
Make sure this option is really the best for you before getting started. It’s important to note that your insurance will stay the same, and some maintenance will still be involved. Do your research and look at ways that pools can be turned into ponds. Some may not think it’s worth the work or money in the end, but maybe it will be for you.
5. Patio
Why not completely remove your pool and pour a beautiful patio in the shape and size you want? A patio can be used for so many different things, and you simply can’t go wrong with this as a new addition to your backyard.
6. Remove the Pool Completely
Removing your pool completely may seem drastic, but many say it is “the best home improvement they have ever made.” Regaining the large area a pool takes up can be a great added benefit to your space, especially if you don’t have much square footage in the backyard.
While the cost to remove your inground pool may feel a bit steep, the pool maintenance and repairs that you will save on will add up quickly and make the transition well worth the cost.
Ready to Make a Change and Remove Your Pool?
If, after reading about all the many possibilities that could be part of your new landscaping, you are excited and ready to make a change, Mikula Contracting provides all the pool removal services you’ll ever need. Specializing in pool removals of all kinds, they will be your trusted demolition contractors. They remove any ground pools properly and quickly, all while making the space ready to become anything you want.
Contact Mikula Contracting for all your New Jersey pool removal services. We look forward to working with you as you create the space of your dreams. Call our team for a consultation and to find out more about what it would take for pool removal services to become a reality in your yard. We can also give you a quote for the cost of removing your pool, as well as a time frame for completing your project. So get ready to reclaim your backyard soon!
Top Benefits of Hiring a Pool Removal Contractor
Are you one of the many pool owners looking to drain the pool and be done with spending time and money on swimming pool maintenance? Pool ownership can be fun and enjoyable, but it also can be very time-consuming and quite a bit of work. Sooner or later, you may feel ready for a change. A project like this would call for
If you have a pool and are hoping to appeal to future buyers and make it easier to sell your home, you may also be considering a pool removal. Or maybe you just simply no longer find yourself using your pool and are tired of all the added costs to maintain something that you don’t get any enjoyment out of anymore.
As you research your options for replacing your pool, you might be surprised at how easy it is to hire a pool removal contractor. New Jersey residents will find that hiring a professional with experience and knowledge of the ins and outs of inground pool removal or above-ground pool removal will give you peace of mind that the job is done right. Let’s look at some other top benefits of working with an experienced pool removal contractor in New Jersey.
Eco-Friendly Removal and Disposal
Hiring a pool removal contractor is a great way to make sure your inground pool removal is done in the most eco-friendly way possible. A professional will strive to recycle all the materials that they can, as well as make certain that there aren’t materials left behind that could contaminate the soil and possibly even your water supply. A professional knows so much more than the average homeowner about the materials found in a pool setup, so they know the best way to dispose of them in order to keep you and the environment safe.
This is especially helpful if you’re thinking of planting a vegetable garden or trees that provide fruit in the area where the pool used to be. You don’t want unsafe substances in your soil, contaminating the food you plan to consume.
Cost-Effective
Have you ever started a DIY project and realized you don’t have the skills, tools, or equipment to complete the job correctly? It’s frustrating and maddening to put so much effort and time (and possibly money) into something and have it fail. Plus, when your efforts do fail, you’re still left with a job that needs to be done. Now, you may even be stuck with a job that needs to have added repairs to fix the mistakes you’ve made thus far in the project.
Pool removal contractors will help you take the job from beginning to end the right way. The pool removal process requires the right equipment and experience to finish the job right and in a timely manner, getting you to your new backyard space quickly.
Think of the swimming pool costs you currently pay out each week or month. Over the course of a year, it may really seem to add up! Even the cost and waste of water that happens when you’re trying to maintain proper pH levels and more can be monumental.
It’s important to find someone you can trust and who has an excellent reputation when you’re looking for a pool removal contractor. New Jersey homeowners shouldn’t forget to ask if the contractor guarantees their work, as well. Mikula Contracting has all of the above, plus the added benefit of over 70 years of award-winning commercial and residential experience. We encourage our new customers to talk to other customers who have experience working with us so they can learn first-hand about our quality work and friendly customer service.
Save Time
Like we discussed earlier, hiring someone that knows all about pool removal services and has the equipment to do the job will save you so much time. A professional swimming pool demolition contractor will ensure your swimming pool removal is a smooth process that is as painless as possible for you as the homeowner. Your contractor will know all about the different materials used in your particular pool and how to handle them safely and dispose of them correctly. They will also be able to get any kind of necessary permits from your city. As the homeowner, you will not have to give the minutiae a second thought.
Increased Safety
A big project like pool removal can create an unsafe area for young children and adults alike. With all kinds of materials being torn up and large dugout spaces all around, a pool removal workspace is not ideal to have in your yard for very long. When you hire someone that knows all about pool removal services, they will get in and get out as fast as possible, leaving you a safe yard space that you no longer need to be concerned about.
Having your contractor dispose of unsafe materials as part of their pool removal services is also an increased safety benefit for you as a homeowner. Not having to handle or dispose of things yourself will ensure your and your family's safety, as many homeowners are not educated on pool materials and how to dispose of them properly.
Your pool removal contractor will have the proper tools and equipment to complete the job, so you don't have to use unfamiliar equipment yourself. This will keep you safe and protected from some of the large equipment that is often difficult to use if you’re inexperienced.
Ready to Call a Pool Removal Contractor?
If you are ready to get the ball rolling on your pool removal and want to do it the right way from the start, Mikula Contracting should be your go-to professional. Our reputation of trust comes unmatched, so you can be sure your project will be done right and at an affordable price.
Whether you’re looking to reclaim your yard for something new or want to increase the number of potential buyers if you were to sell your home, you’ll be glad that you hired a pool removal contractor. New Jersey homeowners should contact Mikula Contracting today to learn more about how we can help provide you with our fantastic pool removal services.
Types of Excavation Services
When you think about excavation services, do you think of digging holes and moving dirt around? Maybe you're not sure what excavation contractors do at all. Let's break down why you would have a need for excavation companies and how their expertise contributes to various construction projects. You won’t regret hiring excavation contractors for your next project that requires clearing or digging land.
Why You Might Need Excavation Services
Excavation contractors are licensed to operate heavy machinery that will be beneficial for removing large trees and boulders in order to dig or clear land. Look for an excavation company that highlights their experience with commercial and residential excavation services.
Foundation Excavation
When it is time to build a home, the first step is to clear the land and dig out the foundation. If you are building a house with a basement, the hole will be deeper than other foundations. Your excavation contractors will ensure that the land is free of water lines or gas lines before digging.
Once the foundation area is cleared, you will be ready to pour the foundation. Excavation contractors are the right team to call so that they can get the foundation prepared efficiently and professionally.
Parking Lot Excavation
A commercial business may be ready to add a parking lot to their building project. Not only do you have to clear the land of any trees, plants, and rocks, but you also have to level out the earth. Talk to your excavation contractors about clearing and leveling the land to be ready for pouring asphalt or concrete for a parking lot.
Pool Removal
Have you ever hired excavation companies to give you a quote on pool removal? When you have an old, unusable pool in the backyard, it can require more money to keep it up than it would cost for a total pool removal. Excavation contractors can take care of your pool removal to save you money in the long run.
The contractor will assess the situation and start by draining the pool, breaking up the fiberglass or concrete, and removing the pool chunk by chunk. This process requires specific excavation equipment.
Yard Expansion
It may be time to clear an area of your property for everyday use. Maybe you imagine an expansive lawn area where you can play football or soccer. Or you may hope to create a garden to grow your own vegetables. No matter the reason for the excavation, the contractors will know all about leveling and smoothing out the soil.
They will also have knowledge on adding topsoil to a leveled-out yard space to promote the growth of grass and plants. Excavation companies have experience in ensuring that once the project is complete, the land will be safe and prepared for whatever greenery you’ll want to add next.
Foundation Slab Removal
It's possible that you are removing an old garage on your land or have plans to level a current home to build a new house on the property. Because the foundation is built in such a long-lasting manner, it requires excavation contractors to remove the foundation slab.
The team will come out and assess the situation and bring excavators and backhoes to get the job done efficiently.
Basement Addition
Some homeowners choose to add a basement to their homes. This addition can be an extensive project. If the home has an existing crawl space, that can be expanded out into basement space. Either way, adding on a basement requires careful digging skills so as not to disturb the house's structure that sits atop the basement.
Excavators will take care of all of the details, consulting with you about whether a basement addition is even possible for your current home. Sometimes you will do whatever it takes to expand the space in your home so that you don't have to move, and an excavation expert can help see if it’s possible to make your current home the home of your dreams.
Drainage Systems
Another reason why excavation is vital is to set up drainage systems. If your property is not graded correctly, the water can pour into your home, causing flooding or damage to the foundation. In addition, pooled water can attract bugs, drown plants and grass, and lead to destroyed landscaping efforts. An excavation team can resolve this problem by installing various types of drains.You may be familiar with french drains or land grading that will keep water from flooding your property. Excavators will be able to see what type of drainage system will work best for your property.
Soil Remediation
If you have an oil spill on your property, excavation companies can take care of cleaning or replacing the soil. A soil remediation specialist is educated on what kind of soil to bring in for your property. The topsoil is the most nutrient-rich soil and is the top layer. Next is the muck, a mixture of dirt and small rocks below the topsoil layer. Then you have more rock and earth to get through before you reach the water table. Sometimes the rock layer is right below the topsoil, which can complicate a simple project.
Your excavation contractors can take care of all soil remediation needs that you might have, ensuring that they backfill your property with the right soil to help your plants thrive in the future.
Necessary Excavation Equipment
Excavation projects are not for the faint of heart, and you will not get far with only a shovel and wheelbarrow. Typical equipment used by excavation companies includes:
- Excavator
- Backhoe
- Dump Truck
- Digger
Excavation Based on Project Size
When you meet with an excavation contractor, you can learn more about what excavation will look like specifically for your project. Here’s how excavation changes according to the size of the project.
Small Projects
Small excavation projects include clearing brush from a backyard, digging a foundation for fence posts, or building a retaining wall. These more straightforward projects require a mini excavator to get into the small spaces.
Mid-Size
Mid-sized projects include clearing and digging the land for a new pool installation, trenching or setting up for a sprinkler system, or site preparation for a new build. When these are done on the residential side, they are considered mid-size. However, a commercial pool or sprinkler system can be regarded as a large undertaking.
Extensive
Excavation contractors can be found on massive projects for the development of apartment buildings or offices. You can also count on excavation companies to build new roads, railways, and water management systems. Excavation is required in almost every construction project.
It’s possible that you looked into hiring excavation contractors before reading this article and did not understand what they really did. However, now that you know the work that excavation companies perform and how important their work is, you can better understand how important it is to hire professionals for your excavation project.
Hire Professional Contractors
For years, Mikula Contracting has been a prominent contractor in the New Jersey area. We are familiar with the area and the needs of the local homeowners and business owners. Our team will build a relationship of trust with each client we serve. You will always know you can trust Mikula Contracting with your excavation needs.
We have the experience you need for any excavation work that comes your way. Let Mikula Contracting be your trusted excavation contractor. Our full-service solutions will save you from hiring multiple contractors for your various construction projects. In addition, our customer service is top-notch, with every customer coming back for more. Contact us today to get started.
Potential Issues Without Proper Drainage
Drainage issues can be costly and damaging to your home and property alike. For example, you may experience damage to your foundation from the constant pooling of water pushing up against the integrity of your home. Or you may experience damage to the interior of your home from flooding.
It takes extensive planning and execution to fix a drain problem on your property. Still, it should be a priority to search for excavation companies that can offer their services today. Excavation contractors have the customer service and expertise to redirect the water on your property so that it adequately drains during a rainstorm.
Signs that You Have a Drainage Issue
Pick up the phone and call excavation companies to start getting a quote for your drainage issues. These are tell-tell signs that it’s time to take action:
- Mosquitos gathering around stagnant water in your yard
- Water pooling in the middle or edges of your yard by a wall
- Signs of erosion
- Plants and grass dying from too much water
- Flooding in the basement
- Ice accumulating on patios and in puddles
Any of these signs are problematic when left alone. Therefore, excavation services are needed to look into your current drainage situation and see what went wrong. Your trusted excavation company will have the problem fixed in no time.
Possible Drainage Issues
As you start to investigate what could be causing your drainage issues in your yard, especially if it is a new problem, there are several things to consider. First, take note of whether the water pools during a storm and how long the water accumulation lasts. Confirm that it has nothing to do with the septic system. Then you will be prepared to find solutions quickly. Your drainage problems may be caused by one or several of the following factors.
- Run-off from Neighbors: Even if you have your draining issues taken care of, you may still receive an influx of pooling water during a hefty storm. Is it possible that your neighbor’s grading leads to water accumulation on your property? Absolutely. Excavation companies can mediate between you and your neighbors during their site work so that you can civilly find a solution between the two properties for drainage solutions. It’s likely that your neighbor is unaware that their run-off is pooling directly into your yard.
- No Wall Drains: Water pools on properties with cinder block or brick walls that may be blocking water from taking its natural course. Have you ever seen strategically placed holes in the bottom of neighborhood brick walls? They are there for a reason– drainage! First, inspect the holes in your wall to be sure that they are not obstructed. Then, contact excavation services to make the holes bigger or implement more holes into the property wall.
- Clogged Drains from Roots: If you have a working drainage system on your property, it could become less efficient due to blockage from roots or debris. It makes sense that underground drain pipes could get backed up with debris that the water carries into them during heavy storms. Check your existing drain pipes for blockage before embarking on a whole new drainage system.
- Lack of Gutters: Your home has gutters on it for a reason. The worst place you would want water to accumulate is on your roof! Roof replacements are expensive, which is why a proper gutter system is vital to maintaining the integrity of your roof. This simple construction project ensures that gutters are installed to redirect water away from your home and into the soil below.
- Improperly Installed Downspouts: Downspouts are installed on the side of buildings to direct the water to soak into the soil or guide its way out of your property. If you have a downspout that directs the water into a pool of mush that never dissipates, it’s time to find a new path for your downspout. Excavation services can help.
- Property Grading Mistakes: The point of grading your property is to gradually decline your grass or landscaping so that water moves away from your home during a storm. Perhaps the grading was not done correctly, or it has changed over time. Excavation companies have all the insight you need to find grading solutions.
- New Landscaping: Could it be possible that your new landscaping project could contribute to drainage problems in your yard? Sometimes, when you embark on a new landscaping project, you change the grading of your land. For example, if you were to plant an elevated garden, the grading may slope toward your house and, therefore, direct water toward your home during a storm. Excavation construction can grade your land the right way.
- Saturated Soil: If you have soil in your yard that seems to be constantly saturated with water, sometimes even making an impression or what looks like a sinkhole in the yard, you need help. The saturation could be an issue because of the type of soil. If the soil is too clay-like, it will absorb too much water. If the soil is too sandy, the water can slip right through it, causing erosion and clearing out the soil as it flows through your property. Use soil that is the perfect mix so that water moves through it without staying or bringing the soil with it.
You don’t have to live with drainage issues, hoping they will resolve themselves. Excavation companies have the expertise to identify and find a solution so that the draining on your property can keep your home safe from water damage.
Possible Solutions to Your Drainage Issues
When you contact excavation services, it may be helpful to be familiar with specific techniques that are used to solve your draining problems. That way, you can add your input and show your competence. Here are some possible treatments to fix your water accumulation on your property:
- Sump Pump: If you can’t get water to budge off your property, a sump pump may be needed to get it out immediately. Then you can start from a clean slate as you plan for drainage solutions with your excavation company.
- French Drains: French drains can be installed to direct the water run-off away from your home.
- Channel Drains: Channel drains are great around the outdoor patio so that the water doesn’t pool into your grass. You may not guess that water can pool around the patio, but it does when the patio itself does not absorb any moisture.
- Installing a Water Feature: You may install a pond or waterfall on the property to accommodate naturally pooling water. Add variety and ambiance to your yard while solving your drainage problem.
There are so many ways to find solutions to your property draining issues. Excavation services are available to help you through this problem. Learn how your property can reach its full potential with a new drainage system.
Prevent Setbacks with Professional Drain Excavators
Mikula Contracting has extensive experience in excavation services when it comes to drains and redirecting water on your property. We take pride in serving the homeowners of New Jersey. When you choose our company out of dozens of excavation companies, you can rely on a lifelong partnership with a trusted team.
Our Mikula Contracting team can find the ideal drainage system for your property. Avoid all of these complications by hiring competent excavation services. Contact us today for a consultation on your property.
Expanding Your Yard the Right Way
The last few years have shown us the benefit of owning land and maximizing the space in which you live. What does it matter if you live on a half-acre if you don’t get proper use out of it? Have you been dreaming of an expansive garden to grow your own vegetables? Do you want to install a garden pathway to a fire pit and outdoor seating? Would you like to install a pool or covered patio? What about a sports court right there in your very own backyard?
Regardless of your outdoor property vision, you need to take the first steps to get your land ready for practical use. It is wise to hire an experienced home excavator to clear and level the ground for your big backyard project. Let’s look into things to know before starting a home excavation project.
What to Know Before Expanding Your Yard
Many people think that clearing and leveling land is a no-brainer. After all, how much effort does it take to remove a few trees and move some dirt around, right? But you may not be aware of the things that you need to watch out for when you choose to complete the project yourself, rather than hiring a home excavator.
Use knowledge to your advantage and make a wise decision when you start your home excavation project. The last thing you want to do is hit a pipe or encounter a drainage problem and have to hire a home excavator to fix and finish the project that you thought was a DIY.
What a Home Excavation Entails
When you hire a professional home excavator, you will find that they know precisely what to do for a successful home excavation project. There are regulations within municipalities are usually needed to dictate how property needs to be graded. In order to execute your yard expansion project properly, there are some details your excavation contractor will keep in mind.
Drainage
When you examine the home site, you may not be aware that potential drainage issues could cause damage to your home. Alternately, you may be seeking home excavation services to fix a drainage issue on your property.
As you are leveling out your land, think about where the water will pool on your property if it is all leveled out. An experienced home excavator will know how to redirect the water to the ideal place on your property, which will make the project well worth it.
Excavation of Rocks and Trees
One step of the excavation process is to clear the rocks, plants, and debris from the area. Removing a tree can be an extensive process, which includes grinding the stump to be able to grow grass or landscaping on top of the site again. Also, large rocks can require the use of equipment that is more specialized than a John Deere tractor.
What kinds of equipment do you have to excavate land on your property? If you are considering doing the work with a shovel and a wheelbarrow, it may be time to call on a home excavation team with their own heavy equipment.
Smooth and Level the Surface
If digging a hole is part of your excavation plans, whether to plant a tree or install a pool or ground-level trampoline, it takes expertise to know where to dig. Will you have to drill through solid rock to get the depth you desire? Are there water lines or obstructions that will keep you from digging safely?
What does it take to level the land? As with all excavation projects, level land is essential to move on to the next steps. For example, you may want to pour an outdoor patio, build a garden, or create a sports court. No matter what the next project is, a leveled out ground is necessary and should be done by a professional home excavator.
Add Topsoil
In order for any grass or plants to survive on your land, you must add topsoil to the first layer. This rich soil has the right balance of nutrients for growing grass. However, without the help of an excavation team, you may not know how deep of a layer to spread the topsoil. Call on an experienced home excavator to make the right decisions regarding topsoil.
What to Watch Out For
You are ready to start on your home excavation, but what do you need to be aware of first? You may not know that your home excavation project could permanently damage your home. Take a look at some hazards you could face when taking on home excavation without a professional.
Damage to Your Foundation
Imagine that you were to level out your land all by yourself. You cleared all the debris, trees, and rocks and made sure the ground was perfectly flat. If the water is now pooling and draining toward your house, it could cause flooding and even damage your foundation.
With continual water draining toward the foundation, this could also cause a breakdown of the foundation itself. Water is heavy, and if it presses against the foundation each time it rains, the foundation will start to show cracks and clear signs of water damage.
Hitting Utility Lines
You must be aware of what is under the ground before digging about your building site. For example, as you dig to remove large rocks or tree roots, it is possible that you could hit a utility line and cause serious damage. You should also be aware of water pipes and gas lines that run underground.
Water Table
Another thing to be aware of when digging is the water table. How deep can you dig before hitting the water table that runs under the layer of ground on your property? A professional home excavator will know these details about your property.
Tips for Home Excavation
When taking on a home excavation project, adhere to a few tips for a successful outcome.
Recycle Dirt
As you level out the land in your project, be sure to recycle the dirt. The last step will require adding topsoil, but the dirt that exists in your backyard is an excellent backfill for the areas that need to be raised to higher ground.
Required Equipment
Get a glimpse of what kind of equipment is needed and why hiring an excavation team is the best way to go. For example, a compact excavator or mini excavator will help remove the large rocks in tight spaces. A backhoe loader will haul out the materials and get them loaded into a truck for disposal. An expert excavation team will know which equipment to use for your home excavation project.
Hire Professional Contractors
Our team at Mikula Contracting is the home excavator you’ve been looking for. We have the skills and knowledge to make your yard ready for any project you have on the docket. You won’t have to worry about project disasters when you hire our professional team for your home excavation needs. Contact us today to set up your initial meeting.
Pool Excavations Effect on the Environment
If you are ready to get rid of an old pool in your backyard that costs you more money than it's worth, pool excavations But what does an extensive project like this entail? While it is essential to remove your inground pool the right way, you must also consider the implications that pool removal can have on the environment.
Anytime you excavate a large structure from your property, there is waste involved. Therefore, teaming up with the right excavation team for your backyard pool project is vital to getting the task done responsibly.
Swimming Pool Excavation: Step by Step
The construction process for removing pools and spas requires heavy equipment and a team of experienced pool excavators. You can’t just start digging and remove the pool chunk by chunk. Instead, there is a process to ensure the inground pool is removed correctly to set your land up for future projects.
1. Drain the Pool
Did you know that chlorinated water can damage your trees and plants? Before draining your pool, make sure that you do not chlorinate your pool for at least a week. Then you can test the water and wait for it to reach a PH level between 7 and 8.
If you happen to drain your pool without checking the water, you’ll need to flush out the chlorinated water by irrigating your yard. Take care of the vegetation in your yard by always checking the water before draining.
2. Remove the Pool Decking Materials
Make a plan about how you are going to remove your pool and pool decking. Whether you have a concrete or wooden pool deck, it probably won’t remain in place once the swimming pool has been removed.
Take apart the deck and haul it out to make room for the dig process. Physically lay out where the machinery can find access to your old pool. Then your pool excavation will be ready for the next step.
3. Make Way for Heavy Equipment
You may need to remove a few fence panels to prepare a path for large excavation equipment, such as a dump truck and a mini excavator. However, these temporary changes to your yard will be worth it when you no longer have to pay for pool maintenance.
Also, be prepared for the heavy machinery to damage your landscaping, including grass and plants that may be in the pathway from the street to your pool. You may have to replace the landscaping in these areas, so plan for the time and cost that may be required.
4. Remove the Pool Materials
If you have a fiberglass pool, the materials are no use to anyone besides pool contractors. They may be able to use some of the materials in their next pool building project. Either way, trusted pool excavators will know the best way to dispose of your pool materials with the least impact on the environment.
The last thing you want to do is contribute waste as large as a swimming pool to the landfill. Instead, talk with your pool excavators to find out their plans for your old pool materials.
5. Backfill the Hole
Now that you have a massive hole in your yard, what’s next? First, be careful to keep kids and adults away from the hole. It is not a safe place to play. Safety fencing is required and used around large holes in the ground. But people should still keep a safe distance as a precaution. The wood forms placed to support the hole from falling may be removed at any time during the process of preparing the land, creating a situation both dangerous and unpredictable.
Next, it’s time to fill the hole. The first step is to backfill the hole with backfill dirt. This inexpensive dirt offers a good consistency for filling a hole in your backyard. Pool excavations require compacting the earth so that the hole doesn’t sink in the future.
6. Prepare the Land for What’s Next
After the hole is backfilled, you must place topsoil on the top layer to ensure that grass and plants will grow in the space that was once occupied by a swimming pool. Contribute to the health of your property by bringing in nutrient-rich soil.
If you have plans to pour a patio or sports court on the area that was once your swimming pool, you will not need topsoil. Preserve any part of the pool deck that may evolve into your outdoor patio. Minimizing waste is a must during a pool removal project.
When you think about all the steps that pool excavations require, there are many opportunities for missteps along the way that could widely impact the environment. Hire pool excavators who are environmentally conscious and will lay out the implications that the project may have on the environment.
Complete pool excavations are worth the cost, so your property can be free of any sign that a pool existed. Also, if you decide to install a new swimming pool down the road, you will have the freedom to do so without digging up an old, covered-up inground pool.
Hire Professional Contractors For Your Pool Excavation Project
Pool excavations can be an overwhelming undertaking. You want to get it done right the first time. Hire our trusted Mikula Contracting as your pool excavators to tackle the project in the least amount of time. We will have the equipment and know-how to dispose of the materials in a way that is consistent with preserving the environment. Contact us today to get started.
Is Swimming Pool Removal DIY?
There are many home improvement projects you can do without hiring a contractor, such as painting a room or planting flowerbeds. However, certain projects need professional services, such as swimming pool removal.
Why are you asking the question: can I remove my own swimming pool? Most of the time, it’s because homeowners don’t want to pay for the cost of hiring pool removal contractors. You know that you need to get rid of the neglected pool in the backyard, but you are feeling unmotivated because of the investment you will need to make for demolition and backfilling the empty space.
Here are a few reasons why you should rethink your approach if you are asking if you can remove your own swimming pool. These considerations will help you see why it’s worth the money to pay for pool removal from a professional contractor.
Avoid Future Yard Problems
You can find plenty of videos online showing DIY demolition and filling in a pool – going from backyard swimming pool to level ground in just a few days. What you don’t see in these videos is a few months or years later when the ground settles, leaving the homeowner with sinkholes, uneven ground, and/or drainage issues.
In-ground pool removal can leave your yard a dangerous place if you don’t follow the right pool removal method. Professional, engineered backfills are essential, especially if you or future property owners want to build on the space to expand the home in the future.
You need to make sure the ground is secure, which is why it’s essential to have a professional contractor to assist with proper soil compaction.
Using the Wrong Pool Removal Method
Removing an above-ground pool is much simpler than tearing out an in-ground pool. The removal process doesn’t leave as much of a hole if the pool was sitting above ground. The process for above-ground pools is less complicated, but still not easy. You still need to drain the pool, disassemble the materials, then haul everything away. Finally, the area where the pool was located might need a little bit of fill dirt, such as topsoil for the top layer.
Complete pool removal requires full demolition and hauling away the remaining materials. The best solution for choosing from these two types of pool removal is to talk to a professional contractor about city requirements and necessary permits.
Inexperience Using Heavy Machinery
Yes, you can rent heavy machinery, but you need to be sure that you have the knowledge and skills to use this equipment without causing collateral damage in your yard. Usually, the intention is to save money on the cost to remove a pool. Sometimes DIY pool removal is a more expensive option because of the unintended damage that occurs.
Heavy machinery can break sprinkler lines, crush plumbing and sewer connections, ruin septic tanks, and more. In that case, you’ll be spending a lot of money to bring in a professional plumbing and repair team to fix the damage.
Hiring a professional pool removal company is a simple way to avoid these issues. The team knows the best practices for pool removal, including the right ways to use heavy machinery to avoid damage to the property.
Problems with Gas and Electrical Lines
One detail that DIY homeowners overlook is the proper handling of the gas and electrical lines. Not only are these systems connected to the swimming pool to run the heating, water, and more, but you might accidentally hit the main lines that are running through the property.
You need to know where these main lines are located, as well as expert industry strategies to avoid damaging them. Too often, homeowners don’t do the preparatory work, then discover the lines when the damage has already been done.
Hiring the pros is the ideal solution. An experienced pool removal company knows where to look, how to mark the lines and proper techniques for protecting the utility connections during the excavation.
Using the Wrong Fill Dirt
You need to bring in a lot of fill to cover up the hole left behind in your yard. Most homeowners assume that all dirt is the same, so it doesn’t matter what type of fill dirt they choose. You might be surprised to learn that there are major and important differences between different types of dirt.
You shouldn’t just fill in the swimming pool with the cheapest dirt you can find. Most “free” fill dirt out there contains organic material, clay, and trash, all of which cause problems with drainage and compaction. Additionally, it’s important to use the right amount of fill dirt vs. topsoil. Typically, 80% of the hole needs fill dirt, with about 20% of topsoil on the highest layer.
Underestimating A Pool Removal Project
The truth is that there are a lot of things that can go wrong in a DIY pool removal project. There are a lot of materials to haul away, and this process can be complicated, especially if you don’t have the right tools or equipment.
Homeowners mistakenly think they can get the job done in a weekend. Then, they end up with an ongoing mess in the backyard and a much higher bill than anticipated. Small details can lead to big issues, such as underestimating how much fill material will be required to fill the volume of the pool and still have the ability to compact everything down.
Contact Pool Removal Contractors
Can I remove my own swimming pool? Don’t set yourself up for failure because you removed a pool incorrectly. Instead, invest in the right services so you can avoid issues in the future. At Mikula Contracting, we offer quality services for both above-ground and in-ground pool removal. Contact us anytime to schedule a consultation and request a free estimate.
Why Digging A Foundation is Not a DIY Project
You’ve saved and dreamed, planned, and waited but it’s finally time to build the home you’ve desired and longed for. You can already see yourself making your new home your own with the little touches you’ve dreamed of. As you ponder the DIY projects you’re ready to take on, you could be thinking “maybe we can save some money if…”. Let’s talk about one of those DIY projects that future homeowners think they can take on, but soon find what a big mistake it was to do all on their own. One of those projects might be digging a foundation. After all, using an excavator to dig some holes can’t be that hard right? Let’s “dig in” and find out why you should never make digging a foundation a DIY project.
Process of Digging a Foundation
Are you thinking about building a new home, adding on, or building another structure on your property altogether? The foundation is possibly the most important part of your entire build. If you don’t have your foundation right, the rest of your structure won’t withstand the tests of time.
A foundation provides strength, helps keep out moisture, and provides some protection from the elements. It keeps your home stable during earthquakes, floods, and more.
When the process of digging a foundation begins, it may not seem like not much digging is happening at all. The first step in the excavation process includes clearing your site properly so that you have the room to dig your foundation and build your structure. Any roots from trees or shrubs within a foot of the foundation need to be removed as well.
Next, the site is “set out” with the use of wooden stakes and strings to map out where the foundation excavation should be. The excavation contractor will then dig to the depth the general contractor and engineers have determined. This will clear the space necessary for the footings and foundation to be placed. This part of the foundation process is more precise than you might think. If dug too deep, it will need to be filled in since the loose dirt now lacks the stability and support that your foundation needs. It will now need to be compacted or filled with other material. There are all kinds of situations like this throughout the foundation excavation process that require detailed focus to get right.
A soils engineer will determine whether gravel needs to be added because of a high-water table, drainage systems placed, etc. If the dirt is loose, planking will need to be placed to reinforce the sides from falling in so that the foundation work can be completed. When excavation is complete, the footings and foundation can be poured into different sections or troughs to maintain the shape and structure.
Once the foundation has had time to cure, the area can be backfilled and leveled out. Building can now begin! The excavation and foundation digging process may feel like a waste of time, but you’ll be glad you took the time to get it right.
Dangers to Excavating Yourself
Maybe you have received the necessary permits and rented equipment for the job. You have big plans of saving on excavation costs but, this task may be more than you have bargained for. Foundation excavation and pouring can be quite dangerous. Educate yourself on the risks before moving forward and make the wise choice of hiring a professional to complete the job for you. Some of these risks include:
- Hitting power lines below the ground or above your head, results in electrocution.
- Improper excavation can lead to
- Falling into the trenches or holes because the ground is loose from excavating.
- Dirt and debris dust can cause breathing issues if the proper safety gear is not worn.
Common Reasons Why Foundations Fail
Digging a foundation fails for all kinds of reasons. Some take time and others fail immediately. Some of these reasons include:
- Failing to remove tree roots. Removing an above-ground stump does not ensure that roots will stop growing, and could eventually disturb the foundation.
- Backfill soil contains too much water, causing the foundation to fall inward or to absorb the water, creating cracks and leaks.
- A sinking base can cause the foundation to shift and possibly even crack.
- Not allowing the foundation to dry long enough before proceeding to backfill and build on top of it.
- Failing to pour the entire foundation at once. This can allow seams to develop between pours which permits moisture to seep in.
Commonly Made Mistakes
Some mistakes to be aware of during the foundation excavation process include:
- Failing to get the necessary permits before excavating.
- Forgetting to measure the size of the equipment you will be renting. Some lots are small and won’t fit just any excavator or cement truck.
- Failing to plan for excess soil removal before foundation excavation begins. If you fail to remove dirt and are on a small lot, the dirt can fall back into your trenches, and you will need to begin the digging process all over again.
Call Mikula Contracting for Excavation Needs
When it comes down to it, hiring a professional is the safest and often most cost-effective way to complete your foundation excavation. Mikula Contracting has been in the excavation business for more than 70 years. Throughout the years we have encountered all kinds of building sites and situations. This experience makes us the trusted foundation excavation company for residential and commercial builds throughout New Jersey. Let us be your excavation and foundation experts. Call us at 973-772-1684 with any questions you may have or to schedule a time for us to help in your upcoming build.