Does Removing a Pool Affect Your Home Value?
Does it feel like a dream come true to have a private swimming pool in your backyard? In the beginning, it feels like a fun feature to have a place for hosting family and friends on a hot summer day during the swimming season. While there are many benefits to residential swimming pool ownership, you might eventually reach the point where you feel that removing a pool is your best option. At this point, you are probably wondering: does removing my pool affect home value?
The swimming pool can affect the price when it’s time to sell your home. Talk to a real estate agent and you will likely find that an inground pool doesn’t add value to your home. In fact, removing the pool can add value, resulting in more equity when it’s time to sell.
Not only do you need to consider the cost, but also look at the longer-term financial benefits that are available when you invest in swimming pool removal.
Type of Pool Removal Affects Home Value
As you are asking “does removing my pool affect home value,” it’s important to understand the differences between available types of pool removal. A full pool removal takes out all remnants of the swimming pool. When the remaining hole is filled in with engineered backfill and professional compaction, there are fewer risks of issues in the future. This method preserves your home value because the ground is more secure, and future owners can build in that area if they desire.
Does Removing My Pool Affect Home Value?
The simple answer to your question is: yes! Pool removal could increase the value of your home. Your property value is more likely to go up when the pool you’re removing has these factors:
- The pool takes up a lot of the backyard
- The swimming pool is older than 30 years
- Major repairs and renovations are needed on the swimming pool
- There is no safety gate around the swimming pool
- You only have a few months of swimming weather
- It is a vinyl lined swimming pool
- You are the only one in the neighborhood with a backyard pool
In comparison, certain types of swimming pools and circumstances could potentially increase the value of your home. These are swimming pool factors that could have a positive effect on home value:
- The pool was installed less than 15 years ago
- Less than 10% of the backyard is taken up by the swimming pool
- Many of the neighbors have swimming pools
- The pool equipment is energy efficient and relatively new
- You live in a luxury home
- A safety gate surrounds the swimming pool
The actual value of the home depends on the area and many other real estate factors. It’s also important to consider supply and demand, and how the current real estate industry trends are impacting the types of homes that people are buying. You’ll want to talk to an industry expert to learn how much pool removal will affect your property.
Swimming Pool Installation and Removal Can be Expensive
Putting in a swimming pool requires a bit of an investment. Often, these upfront costs are added onto the mortgage or a home equity line of credit, resulting in interest accrual over the course of the loan (most people pay their mortgages for 15 years or 30 years).
Because you invested so much money into the swimming pool installation, you are probably feeling the obligation to keep the pool in place. But if this backyard feature is no longer serving the needs of your family, then it might be time to remove the pool. Even though it will cost money for proper pool removal, you can recover some of these costs by saving money on other related expenses.
Other Money-Saving Benefits of Pool Removal
Homeowners underestimate the maintenance costs when adding a pool in the backyard. If you live in a warmer climate, it might seem like a great addition to your home to enjoy many months of swimming weather without a need to go to a public pool.
But the ongoing time and money investment can be cutting into your budget. Calculate the higher water and electric bills, as well as other additional pool costs for:
- Maintenance equipment
- Water treatment chemicals
- Pool toys
- Patio furniture
- Professional maintenance and repair services
- Accessories
- And more
Additionally, the costs of homeowners insurance go up when you have a backyard pool. If you are thinking about pool removal, talk to your insurance company to see how much money you are going to save in the coming years.
More Benefits of Swimming Pool Removal
As you are asking “does removing my pool affect home value,” also learn about the other benefits you might experience after swimming pool removal. Here are some of the reasons why homeowners are motivated to take out their backyard swimming pool:
- More green space and usable yard
- Reduced yard maintenance
- Avoiding liability issues
- Lower utility costs, saving over a thousand dollars a year
- Cheaper insurance costs
The benefits add up. Even if you aren’t planning to move for a while, you might be ready to remove a swimming pool for your own family’s needs.
Call Experienced Pool Removal Contractors
What information do you need about swimming pool removal? If you are asking “does removing my pool affect home value,” then Mikula Contracting is the team to call. Reach out to us to book a free consultation so you can learn about the best course of action. We’ll provide an estimate for the work and help you choose the ideal services for your home.
Best Way to Remove a Vinyl Lined Inground Pool
When a backyard pool is outdated, older than 15 years, or in need of major repairs, you might choose to remove your inground pool instead of sinking more money into upkeep and maintenance. However, there are specific steps that need to be followed when removing a pool with a vinyl liner to ensure quality results and minimize the risk of complications in the future.
At first, the concept of removing a vinyl-lined in-ground pool might seem simple. Is it possible to just fill in the pool with dirt to cover it up? The truth is that there are many essential tasks to remove the materials and bring in the right type of fill dirt to prevent sinking and instability down the road.
Consider hiring a professional pool removal company for assistance instead of risking the problems that often occur with DIY pool removal. Investing in an experienced contractor is the most important thing you can do when tearing out a backyard swimming pool.
2 Options To Remove An Inground Pool
There are two possibilities for inground pool removal. It’s best to do the research and weigh the pros and cons to find out which method will work for your home. Your contractor will explain the differences between a partial pool removal vs. a complete pool removal.
Partial Pool Removal
Partial pool removal might be recommended after the vinyl lining is removed if you have concrete walls behind the vinyl. This method is cheaper and faster compared to full pool removal. But there is one big disadvantage: you won’t have the option to build structures on the land in the future because of stability issues.
With a partial pool removal, a portion of the side of the pool might be left in place. For example, the top of the walls needs to be removed, but the bottom sections can remain in place. Concrete that comes from the pool walls is placed in the bottom of the pool as fill materials. The contractor drills large holes in the bottom of the pool to enable proper draining. Then, the pool is backfilled and compacted, leaving some of the pool materials buried below.
Full Pool Removal
Another option is to break down and haul away all of the remaining materials from the inground pool. Nothing is left behind in the pool cavity with this method, except for fill dirt and topsoil.
While full pool removal is more expensive compared to partial pool removal, it’s often a better option because you aren’t limiting possibilities for future construction on that part of the property. Full pool removal is often a recommendation for vinyl-lined swimming pools. Since these pools often have steel walls and other steel materials, it’s necessary to remove the steel before backfilling the swimming pool.
When you choose a complete pool removal, it means that everything goes: vinyl lining, fiberglass, steel, concrete, equipment, and more. We bring in heavy equipment to break up the pool walls and bottom, then haul everything away. Finally, the project is finished with backfilling and compaction to ensure balanced, even land in the future.
Regardless of the type of swimming pool removal that you choose, proper compaction and backfill are the most important details, so you don’t end up with a sinkhole in the future.
Overview: Removing a Vinyl lined Inground Pool
If you are ready to take out a swimming pool, talk to a knowledgeable contractor to learn more about this process. The specific services you need vary depending on the type of pool you have and where it is located.
Here is an overview of what typically happens when removing a vinyl-lined in-ground pool:
- Estimate: Don’t hire a pool removal contractor without having an estimate on paper. This project can be costly, which is why you need full transparency about how much you will be paying for these services. Ask for a consultation and estimate to get personalized recommendations for your project.
- Access: First, the contractor needs access to the worksite. For example, it might be necessary to temporarily remove a section of your backyard fencing to bring in heavy equipment. Sometimes, removing landscaping features like shrubs might be required. Also, clear out any items that could get in the way, such as patio furniture.
- Utilities: Before the digging starts, the pool removal contractor needs to identify where the utility lines are located. Then, these utilities need to be disconnected before the project is underway.
- Water: Now it’s time to pump out the water. The contractor can’t start digging until all the water is removed from the pool.
- Vinyl Liner: When there is access to the vinyl liner, it’s time to cut this liner into chunks for removal. The vinyl liner is hauled away, to be disposed of properly at a nearby location.
- Steel Structure: Once the vinyl liner is out of the way, steel walls often need to be disassembled and removed. Alternatively, you might have composite, wood, or fiberglass under the vinyl liner.
- Concrete Decking: If there is concrete pool decking around the pool's edge, it’s common to break the concrete into pieces for fill. The concrete chunks are placed in the empty pool cavity, or the concrete might need to be hauled away.
- Fill Dirt: The next step is to add fill dirt in the pool cavity. Then, the topsoil is put on the highest layer. Heavy equipment is necessary to compact the soil and grade the area to ensure water drains away from houses and other structures. Talk to your contractor to determine if engineered structural backfilling is necessary for your yard.
Depending on your unique situation, there might be variances with each of these steps. A demolition contractor can offer specific information to ensure your project is completed successfully.
Call Trusted Pool Removal Contractors
If you need information about removing a vinyl-lined in-ground pool, then Mikula Contracting is the team to call. Contact us for more information about pool removal services. We are here to help!
6 Questions to Ask Your Excavating Contractor
6 Questions to Ask When Finding an Excavating Contractor
A commercial construction project is a big undertaking, especially if it’s your first time going through it. Finding an excavating contractor and making all the big decisions can be a lot to navigate. There are a lot of choices, and sometimes there are multiple companies fighting for the chance to be hired to complete your project.
Finding an excavating contractor that makes you feel comfortable and confident is one of the first big decisions you’ll make in your commercial building project. You don’t want to just hire an excavator you found on the internet. You want someone that you know does exceptional excavation work and will do it in a timely manner at a fair cost. What else should you be looking for in an excavating company? Let’s examine six questions you should be sure to ask.
Are You Licensed?
Asking your potential excavation contractors if they are licensed, bonded, and insured is one of the very first questions you want to ask. While this isn’t a requirement in every state, you want to be sure the group you hire has the knowledge and experience to complete your job. You’ll also want to be sure they have insurance protection in case something goes wrong. Don’t just take their word for it either. Ask to see proof of these qualifications and insurance before you hire your excavator or any other contractor for your project.
Ask for an Estimate
If the excavating contractor you’re working with gives you a verbal cost estimate, ask for a written estimate at the very least. Have them write out the extra costs that could be added to the estimate and how much those “extras” will be. Get everything in writing, especially on a large commercial project. If your budget is out of whack, in the beginning, you’ll be trying to make up for it throughout the rest of your build.
When it comes to the excavation timeline, getting an estimate can help keep your excavating crew accountable. Make your expectations known and agree on a timeline that is realistic.
What Similar Projects Have You Completed?
Always ask for examples and even references from past projects. A company that regularly completes these kinds of jobs will have no problem giving you references of people they have worked within the past.
You should also look online and see if any reviews or other mentions are available to you. Choose an excavator who not only has a great reputation but is also someone with whom you feel at ease in sharing your project.
If the excavator you’re thinking of hiring hasn’t done a job like yours, you may want to think twice. Maybe you’re building a large 10 story office building, but they have only ever worked on residential excavations. Even though they do good work, they don’t have the experience you need for your project. Be sure to ask.
Which Training and Certifications Does Your Team Have?
It’s important to know what kind of training the company you’re hiring has put its team through. Do they have any special certifications that make them a stronger choice than others? How familiar are they with the piece of equipment they will be using?
Knowing the skillset of your excavation team will be vital in your decision-making process. Finding an excavation contractor with the training and specialized certifications that make them a step above others will serve you well on your current project and for future projects to come.
How Many Years of Experience Do You Have?
How long have you been in business? How many years have you been doing commercial excavating? These are both great questions for your potential excavator. A commercial excavation project is vastly different from a residential dig. When you’re speaking with each excavation company, be specific and don’t let them brush over your questions. A crew with great experience is anxious to brag about their skillset.
Make sure you hire someone with years of experience, and a team that’s just as skilled. Just because an excavation contractor overseeing the project has plenty of experience doesn’t mean the team is equally skilled.
Is Your Bid an Estimate or a Final Price?
Do you understand exactly how much your commercial excavation project is going to cost? When finding an excavating contractor, ask if the bid is an estimation of what the final cost will be or if it is what you can plan to pay in the end. This is an important one. Extra costs and charges can easily be thrown in after the fact if you don’t agree on a fixed price before your project starts. Don’t waver on this one. It could save more money than you know!
Call a Trusted Excavation Contractor
Mikula Contracting has over 76 years of excavating experience. Our commercial excavation work speaks for itself. We encourage our potential customers to check out our past work and talk with our past customers to see and hear for themselves how amazing our work truly is. The customer service and project management we provide will be unforgettable.
If you have started looking for an excavating contractor for your big project, we encourage you to give us a call and find out how we can help make your project great. We believe your commercial build deserves to have a strong support and foundation from the beginning. Get the job done right with Mikula Contracting.
5 Reasons to Hire a Professional Excavation Contractor
5 Reasons to Hire a Professional Excavation Contractor
You may see all the DIY projects on TV and Instagram and decide that you can take on a number of projects by yourself. But when it comes to excavation work, that is in a category of its own. For example, taking on the excavation of a concrete slab or an in-ground swimming pool can cause irreversible property damage. Instead of risking a disastrous construction project that will likely result in calling on a professional excavation contractor for help anyway, you can start the project right by calling them from the start.
Read on to learn about the reasons to hire a professional excavation contractor.
Top-Notch Equipment
When you hire a professional excavation contractor, you won’t have to worry about how you’re going to level out a piece of rocky soil or dig out a foundation on a construction site for your home. In addition, you won’t need to purchase fancy machinery or tools when professional excavation companies have their own top-of-the-line equipment.
One of the reasons to hire a professional excavation contractor is that they won’t just rely on a pickaxe and a shovel to break up your old fiberglass swimming pool. An excavator, backhoe, front-end loader, and cranes are just a few pieces of machinery that a professional excavator would have on hand. The team is trained to operate this machinery safely.
With the proper equipment, your project will go from a weeks-long endeavor to something that can be done in an afternoon. Hire a professional excavator to get the job done efficiently and correctly.
Insurance
When you invite a skilled excavator onto a building site, there is a possibility that things could go wrong. An excavating company with years of experience will only allow people on the excavating job that are covered by insurance. One of the many reasons to hire a professional excavation contractor is their insurance. Ask professional excavation services about their safety and insurance policies before hiring them. How they answer the question will reveal the quality of the company and how prepared they are. Hiring an excavation crew with proper insurance will reduce the risk of accidents during your excavation project.
Also, insurance will cover any equipment or property damaged during the project. For example, if you dig and hit a water line, insurance will cover those costs to fix the city water source.
Expertise and Training
As you may wonder what reasons to hire a professional excavation contractor, you must first know that excavation services require much more than digging a hole. Excavation services are vital to preparing land for a big construction project or cleaning out an oil spill. If you skip your due diligence in getting the excavation piece of your construction project done right, the whole project may have severe consequences.
Here are some examples of projects that would serve as reasons to hire a professional excavation contractor:
- In-Ground Pool Removal: Use an excavation team to remove the large, heavy pieces of an old decrepitated pool. The team will finish the project from the pool removal to the backfill of the proper dirt, compacting the soil, and leveling the ground once the project is over.
- Removal of an Underground Oil Tank: Let an excavation team handle the sensitive project of removing an underground oil tank. An oil spill is the last thing you want on your property. They can take care of this project safely and professionally.
- Removal of a Concrete Slab: You may have an old concrete slab to remove that was under an old garage or shed on your property. This is a reason to hire a professional excavation contractor to break up the slab and remove the chunks of concrete without hitting underground gas lines or causing damage to your property.
- Digging a New Foundation: If you are building a home that you would like to last for hundreds of years, it’s a good idea to make sure you get the foundation right. Let this be a reason to hire a professional excavation contractor.
- Leveling Rocky Soil for Construction: An excavation team can prepare the land for a construction project by removing trees and leveling out the rocky soil.
- Clearing the Soil after an Oil Spill: Another of many reasons to hire a professional excavation contractor is soil cleanup. For example, an excavation team can remediate the contaminated soil and backfill with fresh, clean material.Let the professionals take on these complex projects for you. You will end up saving money in the long run when you don’t risk the dangers that can come with a DIY construction project.
Safety
Along with having insurance, the reasons to hire a professional excavation contractor include the safety procedures that an excavation team will be prepared to implement. They will have a map of nearby gas and water lines. They would have safety measures in place if they were to accidentally hit a gas source. When you hire a team that wears proper safety protection and knows what to do when something goes wrong, you reduce the risk surrounding your excavation project.
Excavation Mistakes Can Be Costly
If an excavation mistake were to occur during a DIY project, the error could lead to thousands of dollars in repair, not to mention reparation for a person’s injury or life. Imagine some risks that come with excavation work, like a pit collapsing in on machinery and workers, hitting an overhead power line, or hitting an underground gas line. Be sure to consider these risks and how to mitigate them all as a reason to hire a professional excavation contractor
Call Mikula Contracting for Professional Excavators
Our team at Mikula Contracting wants to help you with your excavation project. With years of experience working on various excavation projects, we have the equipment and safety measures that will bring you peace of mind. So don’t delay – contact Mikula Contracting today to schedule your project.
How Much Does A Home Demolition Cost?
How Much Does A Home Demolition Cost?
Is it better to renovate a home or choose a total demolition and rebuild? And how much does a home demolition cost? Let us explore more.
When it comes to searching for the perfect home in the ideal location, you may not be able to find a home that checks all of the boxes. For example, maybe the house is located in a great school district with nearby shopping and restaurants. But the home has not been maintained over the years and is in bad shape.
Why Choose Home Demolition?
Putting the question, how much does a home demolition cost aside, when would a homeowner choose demolition over renovation? There are a variety of reasons to choose house demolitions:
- Foundation/Structural Issues: The costs of repairing a foundation, roof, and windows are so high that it might make sense to build a brand new home with updated features. When you find a home that has so many structural issues, they may be the tip of the iceberg. A house that was not well-maintained can have construction surprises throughout the process that lead to ever-growing renovation costs.
- Mold: If you discover mold throughout a house, the cost to deconstruct the walls and replace all of the drywall, insulation, and rotted wood can be astronomical. You cannot live in a house filled with mold without suffering from health problems. A mold-infested home would warrant a demolition project.
- Energy Efficiency: A new home comes with modern features like updated windows, doors, insulation, and appliances that promote energy efficiency. Over time it won’t matter how much a home demolition costs because you will save a significant amount of money on energy bills.
- Warranties: When you hire a contractor to build a home from the start, your home comes with all kinds of warranties. You can call the team back to repair the roof, siding, flooring, foundation, windows, HVAC systems, and appliances. Unfortunately, if you move into a home with existing warranties, they do not always transfer to the new homeowner.
If the bones aren’t good, it’s time to tear down and start again. You may be surprised at how much a home demolition costs. Let’s take a look.
How Much Does a Home Demolition Cost?
The average home demolition costs $2-17 per square foot. The wide range is attributed to the home's location, whether rural or in a busy city. It also depends on what part of the country you live in and the competitive construction costs. And finally, the project cost is dependent on what kind of equipment is required.
Here are some other factors that contribute to how much does a home demolition cost:
- Foundation removal
- Dumping fees
- Asbestos or hazardous materials
When you are looking into demolition costs, think about the cost to rebuild as well. Meet with a trusted demolition contractor to outline the process, including whether you can reuse the foundation or any materials. Any reuse of materials will reduce the cost of the new construction.
Necessary Safety Precautions
Once you find out a house demolition cost, ask for an accurate estimate from demolition companies that visit your home. Regardless of how much a home demolition costs, do not choose a team that cuts corners when it comes to safety.
Look for these safety procedures in the outline of the demolition plan:
- Demolition Permit: Your contractor should be prepared to secure the proper permit for demolition. Sometimes construction projects can be delayed due to securing the permit, so make sure your contractor is educated on the permit process.
- Check for Asbestos: Before any demolition project, the property should be inspected for asbestos. If asbestos is found, there will be an extra cost for thorough asbestos removal, but it is vital to the community's health. You cannot demolish a building that will spread poisonous materials into the air.
- Check for Mold: Mold is also a toxic substance that should be dealt with carefully. The property should be inspected for mold, and the presence of mold will affect the next steps of demolition.
- Removal of Hazardous Materials: Other hazardous materials like gas, oil, paint, and chemicals should be safely removed and disposed of before demolition begins. You cannot toss these substances into a dumpster like other materials.
- Proper Equipment: Does the company have a demolition plan? Will they use excavators or a wrecking ball? Are they experienced in the demolition of structures similar to the size of your home?
- Protective Gear: Ask about the personal safety of the construction team. Do they wear protective gear? Are they instructed to practice safety measures at all steps in the process? And do they take safety seriously?
- Roping Off Unsafe Areas: Once the structure is ready for demolition, the home should be closed off so that no one can enter the dangerous premises.
- Ample Signage Announcing Demolition Day: Will the team use warning signs or proper signage to announce that demolition will occur and no one should be inside the building? This step is vital to communicate to the general public.
You will always discover if you are hiring the right contractor if they are upfront about their safety procedures. Ask some tough questions and see if they are transparent about what it takes to demolish a home safely.
What to Know Before Demolishing Your Home
One thing to note before you embark on demolition is that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing when it comes to the cost. For example, you may choose to demolish the whole home or choose partial demolition. So what are all of the different options?
Partial Demolition
Many times, partial demolition is used for a pool or garage that is separate from the home. However, when you choose partial demolition on the part of the house that is connected, you have to think about the weight-bearing walls that go into holding up the house as a whole.
Sometimes it can work to choose a section of a house to demolish. For example, maybe a part of the house was added on by the previous owner. If the construction was not up to code or not holding up well, you can choose to demolish that part of the house and start again. That way, you do not pay the cost of tearing down the whole house, just the section that is not suitable for living.
Deconstruction
Another way that pieces of a home can be preserved for historical reasons is through deconstruction. For example, you can choose to keep parts of a house like the eaves or the windows and demolish the rest of the property. Then, when the new structure is built, you can add back the historical pieces.
Another reason why you may choose deconstruction is to save money. Maybe the previous homeowners just replaced the windows, appliances, or cabinets. Keep the materials while the home is demolished and rebuilt, and then add them back in.
Small savings like not having to pay for a new stove don’t sound significant when breaking down how much a home demolition will cost. But if you are calculating the savings of cabinets, appliances, windows, doors, and more, the savings can really add up!
When you know all of these options, you can make an informed decision on the demolition of your home. Meeting with an experienced contractor will help you make the right decisions as well. A contractor can lead you through the steps of a partial demolition vs. a total demolition. Then, when you get a clear picture of whether you can live on the property during the construction period or need to find temporary housing, you can be prepared to start the project.
Contact the Experts
Mikula Contracting loves to serve the residents of Northern New Jersey. Our family-owned business is important to us, and we strive to make lifelong relationships with each homeowner that we serve.
Safety is key when it comes to demolishing a home. If you have questions regarding the total cost or the step-by-step demolition process, let our Mikula Contracting team help. Our company has experience of over 75 years with residential and commercial demolition. We want to help you understand and make the best decisions for your home. So contact your trusted New Jersey demolition contractors today.
How Long Does Soil Remediation Take?
How Long Does Soil Remediation Take?
Soil remediation is the process of removing or replacing the soil to get rid of contamination. Soil contamination occurs when toxins get mixed with the natural compounds of the soil.
Many times, these chemicals come from industrial activity or hazardous waste such as heavy metals and/or pesticides. However, contamination can come from many places including:
- Livestock manure runoff
- Farming chemicals
- Failure of a septic system
- Improper waste disposal
- Failing underground oil tanks
- Nearby industrial activity
If toxins are present in the soil, you must be proactive with soil remediation to eliminate the contaminants and restore the safety of your land.
Some common soil remediation strategies include bioremediation, soil washing, and thermal desorption. The effectiveness of these options depends on the specific type of contamination in your soil as well as how extensive it is.
These soil remediation technologies can be used to separate out the chemicals, but sometimes it may be necessary to remove the contaminated soil and replace it with clean fill.
How Long Does Soil Remediation Take?
Excavating contaminated soil can take one day or several years. The actual time it takes to excavate the contaminated soil depends on several factors including:
- Large contamination area
- Depth of contamination
- Contamination below the water table
Time by Type of Soil Remediation
Each type of soil remediation strategy takes a different amount of time. However, in all strategies, one of the primary factors is how much soil is contaminated.
Bioremediation
Bioremediation occurs by stimulating the growth of certain microbes to use contaminants, such as oil, as a source of food and energy. As a byproduct, the microbes release water, carbon dioxide, and other non-harmful amino acids. The microbes secrete enzymes similar to the way the human body makes saliva and stomach bile. The enzymes break down the contaminants into smaller pieces. Then, the microbes can consume the broken-down contaminants.
Ideal environmental conditions are necessary to start the bioremediation process including a balance of temperature, surface pH, available moisture, and other factors. In the right environment, with ample food supply, the microbes reproduce. More microbes can then further aid in the removal of additional contaminants. The cycle repeats until the food source is depleted.
Due to the need to maintain environmental conditions, it can take weeks, or even months for microbes to clean up a site. The primary consideration is the number of contaminants present in comparison to the number of microbes present.
Soil Washing
Soil washing is a remediation strategy that removes contaminants by washing the soil with a liquid (often a chemical additive), scrubbing the soil, and then separating the clean soils from contaminated soil and wash water.
The concept of soil washing is based on the idea that contaminants will bind with fine-grained soils like silt and clay. These—in turn—are prone to bind with coarse-grained soils like sand and gravel. The main goal of soil washing is to separate the contaminated fine-grained soils and wash water from the cleaned coarse-grained soils.
The contaminated soils and wash water can be treated or disposed of. The washed soils may be reused as a backfill at the site if all contaminants have been successfully removed. Soil washing can be broken into six steps:
- Pretreatment
- Separation
- Coarse-grained treatment
- Fine-grained treatment
- Process water treatment
- Residuals management
Soil washing is a very fast method. The process can be run at a very high rate of around 100 cubic yards per day. Soil washing is often also used in conjunction with another remediation method because it can concentrate the contaminants down into a smaller volume of soil which can be easily treated by another strategy.
Thermal Desorption
Thermal desorption removes organic contaminants (including volatile organic compounds and some semi-volatile organic compounds) from soil by heating it in a machine called a thermal desorber to evaporate the contaminants. Semi-volatile organic compounds require higher heat than volatile organic compounds. The contaminants are evaporated separated from the solid material.
Thermal desorption may take a few weeks to a few years. Cleanup time will depend on several factors, including:
- The contaminated area is large or deep.
- The desorber is off-site.
- A lot of debris must be crushed or removed.
- The desorber is small.
- Contaminant concentrations are high.
- The soil contains a lot of dust, clay, or organic material.
Most thermal desorbers can clean over 25 tons of contaminated soil per hour.
Benefits of Faster vs. Slower Soil Remediation Methods
Bioremediation is the slowest method while thermal desorption and soil washing are much faster.
One difference in the strategies is how the contaminants are disposed of. With soil washing the contaminated soil and wash water must be processed.
The wash water must be treated in order to be reused in the soil washing process or to be disposed of in sewers. Disposing requirements are stringent, so recycling the water back into the system is the preferred choice as long as it does not interfere with the washing process.
Contaminated fine-grained soils may be disposed of in a landfill. If they are still considered contaminated, they may require further treatment before disposal.
When it comes to thermal desorption, gas collection equipment captures the contaminated vapors. The vapors often require further treatment, like removing dust particles. The remaining organic vapors are usually destroyed using a thermal oxidizer.
The thermal oxidizer heats the vapors to high enough temperatures to convert them to carbon dioxide and water vapor. At sites with high concentrations of organic vapors, the vapors may be cooled and condensed back to a liquid form. The liquid chemicals may be recycled or incinerated. If the concentrations of contaminants are low enough, and dust is not an issue, the vapors can be released without treatment into the atmosphere.
While bioremediation takes much longer, once the process is complete, the microbe population will naturally decline. The microbes also do not create any residual waste that needs to be processed or treated. The carbon dioxide, water, and other amino acids they produce absorb naturally into the environment without any negative impact.
Need Soil Remediation Services? Contact Mikula.
At Mikula Contracting, we offer both residential and commercial soil remediation services in New Jersey. Contact us today for a quote.
A Guide to Excavation Cost For A New Home
A Guide to Excavation Cost For New A Home
You have recently bought a new piece of property and are ready to get building your dream home. The excavation cost for a new home is one of the first things to consider when planning the project, because, it is important to remember that every step of the project needs to be done properly, and that starts with the ground.
Excavation is vital for laying the brand new house’s foundation, and it is an important step in installing all of the underground piping. It also ensures that the land is safe to work upon.
Excavation involves removing all existing vegetation, rocks, and debris from the land to create a level building site. The excavation may also include preparing for gardening or landscaping, improving the view, or increasing fire safety. The land is cleared and leveled or regraded. The cost of the land clearing depends on the size of the lot, the necessary machinery, the amount and density of vegetation, and the labor required.
One of the first steps when building a new home is surveying the land. Look at the full property, identify which trees and greenery will stay. You may not want to clear the land entirely. Mature trees provide much-needed shade for the yard and keep utility costs down inside the home.
Another thing you want to consider as you are planning your excavation is the layout of your driveway in relation to your new home. You may also want to take into consideration additional structures such as driveways, sheds, or playsets.
If you want to build a pool, that will also require additional excavation. Whether below ground or above ground, pool planning has a lot of excavation considerations. You may even want to think about grading to allow for changing depth in the pool.
Once you have made those decisions, measure out the piece of land that will need new construction excavation.
Excavation costs for a new home can vary based on the type of land you are excavating. The primary factor is just how much dirt needs to be moved. Typically, heavy machinery for removing large quantities of soil is required. Oftentimes the dirt can be used in other areas on the property.
Unexpected water under the soil level, excessive clay, or rocky formations that hinder digging and removal could all increase project costs.
Another factor to consider for new home excavation is whether or not you want a basement. Basement excavation involves digging out a foundation for a house with enough room for a basement versus just a standard foundation. This is useful if you want to use the extra space for another level or at least another room in your home.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Many people think they can handle excavation projects themselves. Equipment for digging is usually available for rental. Excavation can seem exciting. Getting to operate heavy machinery can be appealing, but the excavation process is actually quite intricate and detailed.
When you are making big changes to your land, you must apply for the proper permits to ensure that the excavation process will be done safely. Often the permit process can be difficult to navigate.
There are different types of equipment that are needed for different aspects of the job, such as:
- A backhoe
- A skid steer
- A laser level
- An excavator
Most large pieces of equipment take time to figure out how to use. It takes even longer to learn how to use them correctly and efficiently. Some really large pieces of equipment may require special credentials or training to use. In this case, it may be best to bring in a professional.
Another factor to keep in mind when debating whether or not to do a project yourself is not just the cost of the project, but the cost of your own time. How much is your time worth? Are there more valuable ways you can use your time in comparison to hiring a professional?
It may seem more expensive to hire someone initially. However, they will probably get the job done much faster than you would by doing it yourself. Additionally, it is often cheaper to have someone do the job right the first time. You could end up making mistakes that are very costly to repair.
Is it Wise to Do it Yourself?
You might feel like you can handle your property’s excavation project yourself, but with so much room for error, it is strongly advised to hire professionals who can ensure quality service, safety, and certified experience.
People who choose to forego the excavation process or do not do it properly often suffer the consequences later. These consequences can include the foundation sinking and your home shifting with different ground conditions. To avoid these disastrous possibilities, ensure you have the land properly and professionally excavated.
Professionals who are certified to operate heavy machinery and are trained in excavation work often have safety certifications that are not available to members of the public. They also have training and experience in identifying potential issues before they become problematic and expensive.
One example is that someone who has a lot of experience working with different types of soil can identify inconsistencies and issues that could indicate contamination. Soil that is contaminated with toxins can have major implications for your health, especially if you are building your forever home.
Soil contamination occurs when toxins get mixed with the natural compounds of the soil. These toxins can come from chemicals or other organic compounds. They could also be a naturally occurring toxin due to certain types of heavy metals in the ground. Contamination can come from many places including:
- Improper waste disposal
- Failure of a septic system
- Livestock manure runoff
- Farming chemicals
- Nearby industrial waste or emissions
- Failing underground oil tanks
If you have soil contamination, you will want to have a professional on-site who knows about the different strategies for soil remediation.
Work with Excavation Professionals
There are plenty of projects that are great to do yourself, however, excavation is one that is best left to the professionals. Contact us at Mikula to learn about our residential excavation services.
What is the Average Cost of an Excavation Project?
What is the Average Cost of an Excavation Project?
Excavation projects come in different shapes and sizes, and there are many factors that go into the average excavation cost of a project.
The average excavation cost for a commercial excavation will depend on the type of project, the extent of the project, and if it is a residential or commercial property. Whether your company is going through a major development or expansion or if an environmental cleanup is necessary, there are various factors that go into determining cost.
Certain projects are similar for commercial and residential projects, like pipe repair or drainage issues.
If the water line to your building or home stopped working, it could require excavation services to repair it. This ensures that workers can access the affected line without causing further damage.
Perhaps the water line burst and has caused excess water. This can damage your foundation and create health and safety issues.
With so many plumbing, electrical, and septic systems located underground, excavation services are usually necessary to fix problems in these areas.
You may also need excavation services like:
- trench shoring
- underground utility installation
- oil tank removal
The average excavation cost for residential projects is typically less than a commercial project. However, the cost breakdown is similar.
The Average Cost of an Excavation Project
As mentioned above, there are several factors that can affect excavation costs. With that, it is hard to determine the exact cost without getting a quote directly from an experienced residential and commercial excavation company. However, typically, the average cost ranges from $50 to $200 per cubic yard. However, again, the average cost can vary depending on other factors.
Breakdown of Costs
The type of excavation is going to determine the cost factors, but some costs are a given no matter the type of project.
Permits are a standard cost. Permits are generally required before undertaking an excavation project that could disturb the surrounding environment. Most excavation projects require permits from the city or county to ensure the project is being completed safely and up to standard. Part of the permit cost may also include a site survey to ensure there are not any electrical or plumbing lines that will be impacted by the project.
The excavation of the soil is a standard cost usually per cubic foot or cubic yard. If the project is removing topsoil, the cost may be calculated in square feet or square yards instead of cubic.
Depending on your project, you may have the same company doing grading and other prep work that may add money to the cost of the project, but save money by having the same company do the work. Additionally, the work might get done faster by not having multiple companies doing different parts of the project.
Soil remediation may be a cost or it may be the basis of your project. Soil remediation is the process of removing or replacing the soil to get rid of contamination. Soil contamination occurs when toxins get mixed with the natural compounds of the soil.
If you have had a spill or discovered improper waste flow on your property, you may need soil remediation to restore the safety of your land.
Some common soil remediation strategies include bioremediation, soil washing, and thermal desorption. Some of these soil remediation technologies are used to separate out the chemicals.
Sometimes it may be necessary to remove the contaminated soil and replace it with clean fill, especially if you do not have the time to deal with bioremediation.
Another standard cost for excavation is dirt removal. Both commercial and residential excavations have the option of reusing the dirt on-site. However, if there is not enough space for the amount of dirt being removed, or you cannot use all of it on your property, there is a cost for hauling and disposal.
There are a number of factors that can drive up costs that may be unexpected. Besides soil remediation for unexpected contamination, you may end up finding unexpected challenges during excavation.
Having to move large boulders, rocky soil, or running into potentially long-buried things can complicate your excavation project and increase the cost.
Prices Depending on Size of Project
Regardless of whether your project is commercial or residential, it is the size of the project that is going to determine the price. Clearing a large piece of land or digging deep into the ground is much more expensive than topsoil clearing and leveling for the installation of a pool.
Pool removal is a prime example of variables based on the size of the project.
- Before the removal of any inground pool, whether residential or commercial, it must be drained.
- The bottom of the pool, as well as the sides, will be broken up into small pieces and transported off your property. Properly disposing of the waste from the pool involves recycling concrete, treating the water for reuse or disposal, and disposing of or recycling other equipment connected to the pool.
- Of course, a commercial pool is going to have more water, more chemicals, and more waste than a residential pool. Either way, junk removal is a lengthy process and should be included in the cost of your pool removal.
- After that element is completed, you will have a hole in your property. A variable cost factor is how much backfill material is required to fill the hole. Compacting and leveling is a standard service that should not fluctuate too much based on size.
One cost factor that may be impacted by the size of the project is labor. Larger projects take longer and require more manpower on-site. This is another increase in the cost of the project.
Equipment is a variable factor. The larger the project, the more heavy equipment is needed. However, larger equipment is needed to complete the project quickly and safely. Larger equipment can also increase costs due to additional safety measures and the need to have specially trained operators.
When considering an excavation project, you may want to consider a company that has a wide range of expertise in different types of excavation and offers a variety of services so that you do not have to outsource multiple parts of your project.
Get multiple estimates from different companies. Ask for recommendations from local hardware and home improvement stores. Talk to your neighbors, check your local social media pages or groups, and access websites that provide ratings for companies.
Once you’ve selected a company, ask detailed questions about their experience and equipment. Verify their certifications, insurance, and licensure. Request a contract or agreement that specifies the work to be done and the rates to be charged. Make sure you have agreed upon estimates for unexpected hiccups in the project.
Get a Quote From an Experienced Excavation Company
At Mikula, we specialize in providing exceptional professional and residential excavation services. Call us today to get a quote for your project today.
Using Test Pits for Soil Exploration
Using Test Pits for Soil Exploration
Surface exploration can provide you with many clues about the stability of the ground. However, it doesn’t provide you with the full picture. For that reason, many contractors and engineers will utilize test pits for soil exploration.
Just as the name would imply, a test pit is a hole dug into the ground that allows you to test the soil. They often aren’t very deep, but they provide great insight into the composition of the soil and its layers. Not to mention, a soil pit is one of the most affordable options for soil exploration.
That’s not all!
In this article, we’ll cover the purpose of soil testing so that you can better understand how a test pit is used. We also cover some of the different options for soil exploration methods so that you can compare them to test pits and trenches.
Purpose of Soil Exploration
Geotechnical engineers and contractors in New Jersey often want to explore the soil for safety reasons. They give you the opportunity to:
- Look for Soil Properties That Could Impact Construction: When you explore soil, it’s important to look for any soft matter, such as clay or sand. These materials create instability. You should also look for sandy loam soil as it exhibits great drainage properties.
- Determine Materials for Construction: More often than not, you won’t find the perfect soil composition in your test pit. That’s okay, however. There are many ways you can adjust the type of construction materials to fit your land’s soil. Soil exploration allows you to see which materials will work best and the extent of adaptations you will need to make.
- Locate and Check Groundwater Conditions: Groundwater can be a blessing when it’s in the right place and a curse when it’s in the wrong place. If you are building a home in an area with a high water table, you will have to be cautious of foundational issues and basement flooding. On the other hand, a water table can be great if you need to put in a well!
- Diagnose Cause of Existing Structural Failures: In some cases, soil exploration might be done after construction. If an existing structure shows signs of structural issues, including shifting or cracked foundation, you might need to examine the ground beneath it.
Soil Exploration Methods
When you are testing ground conditions, there are several factors you must consider. These factors can help you determine which tests to perform. They can also aid in making predictions about your soil and its stability. To make sure you get the most out of your soil tests, you should consider:
Excavated Test Pits
Test pits are one of the most common methods of soil exploration. They are perfect for looking at shallow depths as they are simple and fast to dig. You can do so manually with the help of local labor. When done by hand, a test pit is one of the most economical soil exploration methods. In some cases, you may prefer to hire contractors to use heavy equipment excavation tools.
We also find this method especially useful because it allows you to observe the soil profile up close. You can easily see the variation in each layer, and you can examine the different materials. This view can help you diagnose any fill material that may pose a threat to the stability of the ground.
Auger Boring
If you need to reach more depth, auger boring is another option. It is a method used for shallow or deep collections. It is done by using an auger to drill into the soil. As it makes its way down into the ground, the auger fills with soil, and it brings the samples to the surface where soil experts can examine them.
While this method allows you to reach greater depths, it is more costly. Not to mention, the process causes a lot of disturbance while collecting the samples. That means that it can be challenging to see changes in the soil strata. Using this equipment can also be much more expensive than manually digging a pit.
Wash Boring
When dealing with softer materials like clay and sand, wash boring is the better option for soil exploration. The name comes from the jet stream of water sprayed through a hollow drilling rod. The fragments then separate from the water and collect in soil samplers attached to the bottom of the drill rod.
This quick and straightforward method is relatively inexpensive. It’s perfect for gathering undisturbed soil samplings. You can even use it in areas with limited accessibility. For example, it’s ideal for testing in swamps or on water.
Percussion Drilling
The percussion drilling method is also known as cable tool drilling. It is often used to dig wells. However, it is also a popular method for examining soil in areas with boulders and rocks. You can even locate cavities and weaknesses in the rocks by comparing drill rate changes. It’s important to keep in mind that the blows of the chisel in percussion drilling cause disturbances to the soil at the bottom.
Rotary Boring
Lastly, you can use rotary boring. It is one of the fastest methods. Despite its speed, it doesn’t disturb the soil as much as some of the other methods. Unfortunately, the cost and bulkiness of the equipment deter contractors and engineers from using it. The drill also doesn’t do well with soil that contains large pieces of gravel.
Use a Test Pit to Explore Soil at Your NJ Construction Site
If you would like assistance with digging a test pit or trench, Mikula is happy to help. Our contracting company has over 75 years of experience with excavation services. Therefore, you can count on our experts to dig a safe test pit for you and your geotechnical engineering crew.
To get started with your soil test pit excavation, give us a call. We are happy to schedule a consultation before we dig to discuss your soil testing needs. You can also reach out to our service representatives by submitting our online quote form.
How Much Does It Cost To Excavate Land?
How Much Does It Cost To Excavate Land?
There are many different reasons that you may need land excavation done. Anything from simply digging a hole to see if you can find a leak in one of your underground pipes to larger projects that entail heavy machinery and a full team can be considered land excavation. Depending on the size of the project, you could end up paying a large amount of money for a project to get done.
If you have never had land excavated before, you may still be researching what a land excavation project entails and how much does it cost to excavate land?
We’ve got the answers you need so that you can make sure you’re getting the right work done for the right price.
Types of Excavation Projects
The cost of your land excavation is going to depend primarily on what type of excavation you need to be done. This guide is a great indicator for the scope of the project which will affect what types of machinery, price per square foot, and, ultimately, the total cost of your land excavation project.
One way that experts classify the different types of land excavation is by the types of materials that are being excavated. The main land materials that are commonly excavated are:
- Topsoil- Topsoil is the outermost layer of soil or dirt. This layer supports and includes vegetation, meaning that the material being excavated here is moister than other types of material. This is important to remove as quickly as possible, making it the first step in any land excavation project.
- Earth- Earth is classified as the layer underneath the topsoil. This is generally removed using a scarper but may include rock and boulder materials that require the use of a drill for removal.
- Muck- Muck is any earth material (topsoil or earth) that has a high concentration of water. As the name suggests, this includes things like mud and undesirable soil. Since it is so unstable, it’s often spread out over a larger area, allowing it to dry before it can be used for anything.
Here are a few of the most common types of excavation that both residential homes and commercial properties alike may need to be done at some point or another.
- Securing Foundation- This type of land excavation is necessary for any building, whether it be a home, a small business, or even a huge office building. If you’re building a new home, the most important part of it is the foundation. In order to build a solid foundation, a large amount of soil must be removed to make space for pouring concrete, ensuring a level surface for the rest of the construction.
- Drainage Solution- To avoid things like flooding that could cause damage, it’s recommended to have some sort of drainage solution that leads rainwater away from the property. In order to do this, however, land excavation is necessary to make way for a pipe or seepage pit installation.
- Pipe Damage- One of homeowners’ and businesses’ biggest fears when it comes to their home is a pipe leak or break. When this happens, it can lead to flooding and severe water damage to your property. If your pipes are damaged, you will need professional land excavation to get to those underground pipes so that they can be repaired.
- Environmental Cleansing- For a variety of reasons, the soil surrounding your business may become contaminated with things like sewage or improperly disposed waste. When this occurs, the soil must be removed to prevent the contaminated land from causing environmental or even health problems and also needs a team of general contractors to ensure the land is removed and disposed of properly.
As you can see, on top of the square footage and equipment used, issues like toxic materials and types of soil affect the overall cost of any particular land excavation project.
What also factors into total cost here is how the contractors or company you hire choose to charge for each project. It’s generally up to them, based on the scale of the project, cost of labor, and equipment used, to decide by what metric they will charge.
- In general, the hourly price of land excavation will run from $100-$180.
- If you’re being charged per cubic yard, your costs could be anywhere between $50 and $200.
- Yard grading typically starts at about $1,000 per project but could cost up to $6,000 and beyond.
- Equipment charges can cost from $100 to $150 per hour depending on how much heavy equipment is needed.
Of course, these charges also vary depending on the type of project that needs to be done. The price for something like a residential swimming pool excavation, for example, can vary greatly depending on whether your land is mostly soil or rock, making it a much larger investment for some than for others.
How to Know if You’re Being Overcharged
Keep in mind when asking yourself, "how much does it cost to excavate land" that the price of land excavation is not only dependent on the quality of the team - it is also dependent on the quality of land they are working with and the scope of the project.
Ultimately, the best way to know if you’re being overcharged is to compare the cost with other local top-rated contractors and read through each company’s reviews. You can always get multiple bids on your project and hire the contractor that seems like the best fit based on your research, their portfolio of work and quality of customer service.
Contact a Trusted Contractor for Your Land Excavation Project
At Mikula Contracting, we’ve successfully completed countless commercial and residential land excavations across New Jersey. When you work with our team, we’ll not only take care of all permits and inspections, but we’ll also make sure your excavation project is completed on time and within budget. Contact us for a quote today.