How Damaging Can An Oil Leak Be To My Property
It was common to heat the home using an underground oil tank in the backyard four decades ago. While this method has been widely abandoned, underground oil tanks remain on residential properties. They are a liability in that they may cause an oil leak on property, which leads to health problems and toxicity to the soil.
You can imagine why the method was short-lived. A repair to an underground oil tank was costly. If there was one oil leak on property, the surrounding soil was soaked, seeping oil into the pipes and causing health issues. Soil remediation is the process of cleansing the soil from the oil leak on property and is costly.
While there are several options for soil remediation, many of the options include removing the soil to treat it and return it back to its home. Unfortunately, oil spreads quickly, and this process can take weeks of hard work and money to remediate the soil from the oil leak. Detecting and underground oil tank and removing it immediately is the best way to get in front of this problem.
Detecting an Oil Tank Leak
The first step to detecting an oil leak is finding out if you have an underground oil tank on your land. Some clues include:
- An oil valve coming up out of the ground
- Copper lines going into your basement
- An oil breather pipe on the outside of your home
- An oil tank scan done by a contractor
An underground oil tank also has to be listed on the official survey of your land. Ask for a copy from your real estate agent or dig it up in your house files. If you discover you have an underground oil tank, look for signs of an oil spill.
An oil leak on property could manifest itself with a failure to grow grass or plants, a distinct oil smell when you dig around the oil tank, stained spots on your property, and an oil sheen in your water. Take immediate action once you suspect an oil leak on property. The longer it goes on, the more it will cost you to fix.
Financial Risks of a Damaged Oil Tank
When you find an oil leak coming from old, underground oil tanks, you may not know how long the oil leak has gone on. If the tanks were used for heating oil 40 years ago, the leak could be extensive.
When you buy a home with an underground oil tank, you will likely pay a higher premium to your insurance company until the oil tank is removed. There is a significant financial risk in keeping an underground oil tank on your property.
- Oil remediation costs going into the thousands of dollars that are not covered by insurance
- Health risks to you and your neighbors
- Lawsuits from neighbors
- Oil spreading to groundwater, deeming it unusable for irrigation
An oil leak on property could be detrimental financially. You want to do everything it takes to avoid these consequences. If you see signs that an underground oil tank once heated your house, do not assume it has been decommissioned. Instead, find the proper paperwork proving that it was, or hire a team to check out your property for an underground oil tank immediately.
Health Risks of a Damaged Oil Tank
Along with the devastating damage to the soil and environment from an oil leak on property, there are health implications as well. Of course, your household’s health is a priority, but these health effects can spread to the neighbors and the community if you don’t act on your oil spill as soon as possible.
Here are some health consequences of an oil leak on property:
- Harmful fumes inside homes: If you can smell oil, you’re ingesting toxic fumes. Do not ignore the smell of oil inside your house.
- Contaminated drinking water: Oil can seep into the drinking water and lead to the ingestion of the harmful substance. No one should be drinking water contaminated with oil.
- Dying plants: Vegetation cannot grow from soil that has an oil leak on property. The oil leak will cause the plants to die and bring down property values. All of the soil affected by the leak will need to be remediated before plants can grow again.
- Spread through drains: The oil can leak through drains and affect the sewage system.
- Spread to neighbor’s soil: Oil seeps through the soil at a fast rate, extending all the way over to the neighbor’s soil and killing their vegetation. Catch an oil spill early to avoid a lawsuit from neighbors who have contaminated soil because of your oil leak on property.
- Pollutes rivers and groundwater: And eventually, oil can travel into streams and rivers. It can fall deep into the groundwater and contaminate the water used for irrigation. The whole community can be affected by your oil leak on property if you fail to take action to fix the problem.
Do what it takes to research your property and remove an underground oil tank. It is a liability sitting on your property, ready to cost you a lot of money. It’s best to remove the oil tank before further complications occur. Call trusted contractors today for oil tank removal services.
Oil Tank Removal Contractor in NJ
At Mikula Contracting, you can count on our team to take care of your oil tank. If you suspect an oil leak on property, be sure to call us today to get started on soil remediation and oil cleanup. Do not delay taking care of your oil tank, as you can prevent a catastrophic oil spill on your property.
Let us come by and take a look at how we can assist you. If you want to look into oil tank removal or to fill your oil tank with dirt, we can present the pros and cons of both options. When you choose Mikula, you are choosing a family-owned company that has been in the industry for over 70 years. Our team is invested in New Jersey and its residents. Call today to get started.
Excavating Your Basement: What You Need to Know
If you are looking into a home improvement project that will add square footage to your existing house, you may consider digging out a basement. How long to excavate a basement and other questions may come up in your mind before deciding on this option. Let’s explore it together.
Benefits of Excavating Your Basement
A basement excavation is a significant undertaking but can be worth the additional costs to dig a basement when you consider all of the extra living space you’ll provide to your home. It doesn’t matter how long to excavate a basement when you can sometimes double your square footage by adding a basement.
Here are some benefits to adding a basement to your existing home:
- Don’t Have to Move: When no options are available for building out or building up, you can still stay in your home with your schools, neighborhood friends, and a convenient location when you find out how long to excavate a basement.
- Add on Bedrooms, a Bathroom, and Gathering Room: The amount of space that can be added to your home is invaluable in a basement remodel project. Imagine having an extra bathroom, a couple of bedrooms, and an additional family room added to the house. The possibilities are endless on what you can do with those rooms!
- More Storage: When you build out a basement, you can add a storage room for all the miscellaneous things in your home: camping supplies, food storage, luggage, and Christmas decorations.
- Cooler Space in the Summer: Basements are great for the summer months as they stay cooler than the rest of the house. On those hot summer days, when all you want to do is escape the beating sun and 100-degree temperatures, escape to your cool and dark basement to take the break you need.
- In-Law Suite: When you research how long to excavate a basement, do not forget to consider adding an exterior entrance to your basement. You can create an in-law suite in the basement with a bathroom and small kitchen if you’d like. Then, when you have a place for guests to stay long-term, it can offer all of you the conveniences and space you need.
- Home Office: While many people are working from home, an office tucked away from the chaos and noise is essential. A home office in the basement can be just what you need to take calls and concentrate from a quiet spot in the home.
- Game Room or Theater Room: Bring the entertainment to you by creating a theater or game room in your basement. The teenagers will gather in your home where you can get to know your kids’ friends and make sure they are safe.
- Increased Home Value: Consider the basement cost and keep in mind your increased resale value when looking into how long to excavate a basement. This cost-effective investment will give you a return as you expand the area in your home. Also, think about all of the new bedrooms, bathroom, and family room you can add to your home’s listing when it’s time to sell.
Make no mistake – a basement excavation is a massive home improvement project that can take several weeks to complete. But when you get it done right with all of the finishes and details completed by an expert team, you will find the undertaking to be well worth it.
How Much Does Basement Excavation Cost?
While you are looking into how long to excavate a basement and the excavation costs, consider all of the factors. The average cost will depend on several elements of the project, including:
- How many cubic yards of dirt needs to be removed? The cost to dig a basement depends on how much dirt needs to be dug out and hauled away. The process is meticulous, ensuring that no damage is done to your existing home.
- Is there an existing crawl space? If you already have a crawl space, then building out a basement is a great possibility.
- What material needs to be dug out? In some geographic locations, you don’t only have dirt below your house. Large sheets of rock can be below your home, making excavation projects more lengthy and complex.
- How many square feet will be basement be? The cost of basement excavation depends on the square footage of the area to be cleared. The average cost of excavating a basement is $47 per square foot.
- How deep do you want the basement to be? Most people like their basement to be 8 feet deep, with about 30 inches of that being above ground to allow for windows. Of course, you can dig even deeper, but that will increase the cost.
- Are basements standard in your geographic area? In some areas of the country, basements are not offered. If you live in an area that has rock underneath the soil surface, the stone can shift and damage the basements. Also, adding a basement will not add to your home’s value if a liability comes with it.
Calculating the cost of excavating a basement is a lengthy process. Meet with Mikula Contracting to find out the cost estimation for your basement excavation. If you can’t build out or up, then basement excavation is your next best option. Find out how much a project like this will set you back by contacting a trusted contractor.
How Long Does it Take To Excavate a Basement?
So how long to excavate a basement? If you are looking to add a full basement underneath your house, you can expect at least several weeks of construction.
- The team digs out cubic yards of dirt. Calculate this by multiplying the square footage of the basement space by the depth. For example, if you choose to dig down 8 feet and want to build a 1,000 square foot basement, you will have to work on removing 8,000 cubic feet of dirt.
- The home’s foundation is reinforced, and the basement is poured to create the blueprint for the project.
- Finishing touches are put in place, including framework, insulation, drywall, flooring, electrical, plumbing, appliances, and furniture.
When the project is done, you can enjoy the vast amount of extended square footage you have right in your very home. You won’t know what to do with all of the extra space when you choose to add a basement to your home. Be creative, make a space that is yours for relaxing and entertaining, and enjoy your new home.
Basement Excavation Contractors in NJ
You will find working with expert contractors like our team at Mikula Contracting is essential when looking into how long to excavate a basement. Ensure that your home’s foundation is in safe hands when you choose our contractors for your basement excavation. We will present the timeline from the beginning, keeping you from entering a never-ending construction contract.
A basement excavation is an enormous project and is best for experienced excavation contractors. We at Mikula Contracting have been in business for over 70 years and take pride in building our reputation in our family-owned business. When you work with our team, you will know that the job gets done correctly and efficiently. So contact us today to get started.
Contaminated Soil Cleaning Methods
When you suspect an oil spill or other type of contaminant has seeped into your soil, it is imperative that you remedy the situation as quickly as possible. While you are considering several approaches to cleaning contaminated soil, work with an expert team to find out the best soil remediation process for your situation.
Can you leave contaminated soil untreated? Unfortunately, toxic soil has adverse effects on the environment and human health. Therefore, it is irresponsible and illegal to let known contamination go untreated. This article will help you explore approaches to cleaning contaminated soil so you can get started on the remediation process.
Harmful Effects of Soil Contamination
The hazardous materials that have seeped into the soil can be harmful to any person or animal that comes in contact with the earth. You do not want to be responsible for the ailments of people in your community due to neglecting your contaminated soil problem. So, take a look at some of the detrimental effects of soil contamination:
- Leaks into groundwater: The hazardous waste in the soil can spread through the ground and into the groundwater layer under the soil. This soil is used for irrigation throughout the community.
- Gets into household water: When there is an oil spill in the surrounding areas, the contaminant can leak into the pipes and into drinking water. Detecting an oil sheen in household water is a sign of contaminated soil in the area and a cue to research approaches to cleaning contaminated soil.
- Creates gas that people breathe in their homes: Toxic substances release a gas that can leak into homes and businesses. If you smell oil, gasoline, or other hazardous smells, do not ignore them. The gases are poisonous when not well-ventilated.
- Spread to neighboring soil: If you have knowledge of soil contamination that then spreads to other properties, you have a liability on your hands. Get the problem solved as soon as possible so that you’re not looking at lawsuits on top of the remediation costs.
- Hurts animals: When animals interact with the toxic soil, they can become sick and die. Compare and contrast approaches to cleaning contaminated soil so that you can get started on soil remediation.
- Kills plant life: Another sign that your soil is contaminated is dying plants or the inability to grow vegetation on your property. Plants will not thrive when the ground has a toxic substance running through it. When you see how powerful the contaminant is that it will not grow any viable vegetation, you will realize how quickly you need to take care of the problem.
You have a responsibility to the environment and humanity to take care of contaminated soil the moment you learn about the problem. If you are unsure where to start, meet with Mikula Contracting to get the soil tested and learn about approaches to cleaning contaminated soil.
Different Cleaning Methods for Contaminated Soil
As you are researching approaches to cleaning contaminated soil, weigh the options of disposal vs. site treatment. You do not have to dispose of the soil and backfill it with all new soil. Some options for cleaning contaminated soil include:
Soil Remediation
With soil remediation, the soil is cleansed with a liquid wash solution. These basic approaches to cleaning include washing away the fine sediments within the soil that are more likely to have toxic substances attached to them.
This fine soil is separated from sands and gravel, and then the larger pieces are clean and can be safely reused. This treatment is usually done at a facility where the soil is transported and placed back when the remediation is complete.
Chemical Oxidation
The soil can stay in place with this process as chemical oxidants are infused into the dirt, destroying the contaminants. This is done by activated carbon, air stripping/aeration, and chemical precipitation. The chemicals engulf the toxin, destroying it and making the soil clean again.
You can also use chemical oxidation to change the chemical makeup of the toxin so that it’s ready for other approaches to cleaning contaminated soil. For example, some remediation processes require multiple steps to clean the soil properly.
Bioremediation
One of the many approaches to cleaning contaminated soil includes bioremediation. This method can treat the soil in place. With this method, bacteria are released into the soil, and they consume hazardous substances. Once the bacteria have done their job, they die off.
One thing to keep in mind with bioremediation is you need optimal conditions for the method to work. For example, minimal rain and a continuous temperature of 70 degrees are required for the bacteria to work most efficiently. You can cover the ground and try to create these conditions, but the process will take longer if these criteria are not met.
With this list of approaches to cleaning contaminated soil, you have a starting point for your soil remediation project. You may not know where to start, and that’s okay. You can seek advice from soil remediation experts before choosing which process is best for your contaminated soil.
Soil remediation is constantly changing with several approaches to cleaning contaminated soil that are convenient and affordable. But, most importantly, the job has to get done. It is vital to clear your soil of contaminants and prevent the spread of environmental toxins.
Soil Remediation in NJ
When you choose Mikula Contracting for soil remediation, you are going with professionals in the business for over 70 years. Our family-owned business has built a solid reputation throughout the years. We work to develop life-long relationships with the people we serve so that you can always have a trusted contractor in mind for whatever life throws at you.
Our team at Mikula Contracting is ready to present our approaches to cleaning contaminated soil so we can find the best solution for you. There is no time to waste when it comes to toxic soil on your property. Contact us today to get started on remediation efforts.
Most Common Environmental Cleanup Methods
When are environmental cleanup methods needed? If you are alarmed by a chemical spill on your land or improper waste disposal, then it is time for environmental remediation efforts. There are several reasons why you would need to call on remediation technologies.
If you have an underground oil tank with a leak, you need to clean up your oil spill. For example, a gasoline leak would lead to hiring soil remediation services. Choose from several environmental cleanup methods and decide which is best for your situation.
6 Environmental Cleanup Methods
While a toxic spill is a reason for alarm, several technologies for soil make it so the soil can still be cleaned and ready for reuse. It is vital to know that the soil does not have to be removed and thrown away all together. Taking quick remedial actions with one of these environmental cleanup methods is sure to solve the problem.
Leaving an environmental spill untreated can lead to several environmental and health issues like:
- Poisonous gas released into the air
- Toxic spills leaking into drinking water
- Hydrocarbons seeping down into groundwater
- Pollution of oceans and waterways
- Stunted growth of plant life on contaminated soil
Enlist a trusted contracting company to take care of your environmental cleanup project by using one of these helpful environmental cleanup methods:
1. Ground Water Pumping and Treatment
When a hydrocarbon spill gets down into the groundwater, there are ways of fixing the problem. So how does the groundwater get contaminated, leading to environmental cleanup methods?
An oil spill that happens from a leaky oil tank can seep all the way through the soil and leak into the contaminating groundwater that lies under the layer of soil. This water is used for irrigation throughout the community and has the potential to harm the health of many people.
Groundwater pumping consists of a vacuum pump that draws out the contaminated water and sends it to a treatment plant. The water is treated by a few environmental cleanup methods, separating the contaminants from the clean water.
The methods include:
- Carbon Absorption: This method involves trapping the carbon and releasing it in a place where it cannot hurt the environment or any human. When the poisonous gas is absorbed out of the groundwater, the water can be tested and deemed worthy to return to its place.
- Biological Treatment: Microorganisms are added to the water in order to consume the hazardous materials and turn the water into clean water again. This treatment can be used while the water is still in the ground, lowering the cost and increasing the convenience of this treatment.
- Air Stripping: This process of circulating air through the groundwater is effective because the toxic chemicals quickly evaporate. When they change from a liquid to a vapor, they are released into the air and no longer remain in the water.
When you use one of these environmental cleaning methods, you can return the clean water back where it can be used to irrigate the land safely. These proven methods can be taken care of by a trusted contracting team like Mikula Contracting.
2. Wastewater Treatment
The treatment technologies used to remediate wastewater are similar to those for groundwater. Wastewater treatment plants turn the water into clean water that can be repurposed. By using physical separation, biological treatments, and chemical remediation, wastewater can be cleansed.
3. Soil Remediation
When petroleum hydrocarbons spill into the soil, environmental cleanup methods are required to cleanse the soil so that it can healthily grow plants and contribute to the environment again. Contaminated soil can harm the environment, plant life, and human health.
It is imperative to treat the soil with one of the environmental cleanup methods immediately after finding out about the problem. It is a health hazard to ignore contaminated soil and allow it to pollute the surrounding areas. In addition, the responsible parties are susceptible to litigation if contaminated soil goes untreated.
The Superfund Program was created to ensure that required environmental cleanup methods are implemented to remedy soil and water after toxic spills. You can contact the program to find answers to your problem and learn about remediation efforts.
4. Incineration
Incineration uses an extremely high temperature to the contaminated sites to burn away the toxic substance in the soil. Then, the soil is taken to a treatment center where the heat is applied. The hauling out of the soil and replacement of the soil is a lengthy step in the process.
Incineration has proven to be an effective method for soil remediation. It can also be applied there at the site, but it is more common for the soil to be hauled away to a treatment center.
5. Thermal Desorption
The removal of contaminated elements in the soil can also be treated with thermal desorption. These high heats are used to burn away toxins like mercury and active hydrocarbons. The liquids are turned into vapors that are contained and properly disposed of.
The vapors can also be removed through the process of afterburning, which burns away the poisonous vapors as well. Thermal desorption is an excellent way to remove contaminants in a treatment center. With a trusted team like Mikula Contracting, you can find out if this is the best method for your remediation issues.
6. Removal and Disposal
The last option of energy cleanup methods is the removal of contaminated substances. And instead of removing the soil or water to take it to a treatment plant, the substance is thrown away. While this method is wasteful and does not promote the reuse of the soil or water, sometimes it is the last resort option.
Disposal requires a few steps. You cannot just throw contaminated soil into your dumpster and hope all is well. Some things to consider are:
- Safety Gear: When loading away contaminated soil, the team must wear the proper safety gear. You cannot hire an ordinary junk removal team. You will need a team that is well-versed in the handling of toxic substances. A contracting team like Mikula Contracting will know how to remove your soil safely.
- Landfills that Accept Hazardous Waste: You will need to research which landfills accept contaminated soil and water. There can be dangers of mixing hydrocarbon-infused soil into an ordinary dump. Follow the proper protocol to ensure your soil is dumped into the right place.
- Disposal for Reuse: Even if you don’t have needs for the soil yourself, you can dispose of the soil to a place that will treat the soil for its own purposes. This way, you can count on the soil getting recycled without having to take part in the process yourself if you do not have a need for reuse.
As with other instances, it is always wise to look into environmental cleanup methods before considering disposal. However, even if you feel like you’ve exhausted all your options, you can call on a team to help you with finding the right environmental cleanup methods.
Consulting with a professional team is the responsible thing today before disposing of the toxic substance altogether. With ongoing cleanup technologies, you can be sure to find the right remediation method for your needs.
In Summary
As you are sifting through environmental cleanup methods, you will find several available options for groundwater, soil, wastewater, and other contaminated substances. While you may not be familiar with which way is best for you, you can be sure to ask your expert contractor about the methods that they have preferred over the years.
Remember to consider these options:
- Groundwater Pumping
- Wastewater Treatment
- Soil Remediation
- Incineration
- Thermal Desorption
- Disposal
You can also look for clues in a great contractor so that you know you can trust them. Look for these aspects in potential contractors for environmental cleanup:
- Experience in remediation: Does the team have ample knowledge of the remediation methods we’ve discussed? Ask challenging questions and test their ability to be sure that they know what they’re talking about before hiring a team for your project.
- Positive reviews: Look up reviews on the company and search for keywords about remediation so you can discover how other customers feel about the company’s remediation efforts. Be careful in weeding out low-star reviews about unrelated issues that won’t affect your project.
- Referrals from friends and family: Ask around friends and family to find out who they’ve used for remediation in the past. You can hear personal accounts of their experiences and decide if you want to go with their suggestions.
- Safety protocols: Does the contracting team take safety seriously? Do they show up with the proper equipment and safety attire? Make sure they are serious about safety.
- Confidence in Answering Questions: If you are meeting with a contracting team, they should prove that they can answer all of your questions confidently. Do not go with a team that skirts around questions or avoids specific topics.
Now you are armed with knowledge and ready to start on your soil remediation. With this information needed to compare and contrast environmental cleanup methods, you are prepared to understand the options that the contractors present.
Environmental Cleanup Contractor in NJ
You can count on Mikula Contracting for various environmental cleanup methods. Do not delay in contacting our trusted company to take care of your toxic waste. The longer you wait, the more damage that can occur. Our team is ready to answer any questions you may have and give a consultation on your project.
Our family-owned company has over 70 years in the business. Our current team has over 200 years of combined experience. You don’t have to worry about common construction mishaps when choosing a trusted company like Mikula Contracting. Contact us today to set up your consultation.
Best Ways to Remediate Contaminated Soil
If you are watering your plants, exposing them to ample sunlight, and not seeing the plant growth you expect, it’s possible you are dealing with contaminated soil. You may wonder how to remediate salty soil? First, you need a soil test to determine what kind of remediation would work best.
You can see some signs of salty soil and the need to find out how to remediate salty soil if there is a white crust on the soil when it is dry. Other contaminated soil may be from an oil spill and would require environmental cleanup services.
Soil Remediation Types
In order to find out the salt content in your soil, you need to have it tested. There are three types of salt-affected soils: saline, saline-sodic, and sodic soils. Saline soils are the easiest to correct, while sodic soils take more extensive remediation.
- Saline: With saline soils, you will see a white or light brown crust on the soil surface. This is a sign that it’s time to find out how to remediate salty soil. In addition to sodium salt, saline soil contains magnesium and calcium salts that offset the adverse effects of the sodium salt. This is why the salinity problem is the easiest type to remediate.
- Saline-Sodic: This kind of soil has a significantly higher amount of sodium salts in it. Soils with high sodium salt are more difficult to remediate. It can take a combination of methods to first chemically treat the soil, then use water to leach the salt and remove it. That’s why you need to find a trusted contractor who knows how to remediate salty soil thoroughly.
- Sodic: Sodic soil contains a high amount of sodium salts and a low amount of soluble salts. This results in the soil clays being sticky when wet but hard and crusty when dry. In addition, salts accumulate in the soil, making it a terrible environment for the plant roots.
When there is a high salt level in the soil, the water is pulled away from the roots and back into the soil. So no matter how much you water your plants, they will not get the water they need to grow. Then it’s time to learn how to remediate salty soil and take action.
Thermal Soil Remediation
One method of how to remediate soil is through the use of heat. When you apply the heat to the soil, it turns the contaminant into a gas, releasing the gas into the air. This is most often done with oil remediation. The soil is placed into an oven, where the heat is turned way up. The oil turns into gas and floats away. Then the soil is replaced when clean to be used again.
Thermal soil remediation can be used when the contaminates are well below ground. When the heat is applied underground, excavation wells are built for the gas to escape. That way, the contaminant can be removed below the root zone and not be a problem in the future. Thermal remediation is a widespread method for clearing contaminated soil.
You can use this method to cleanse the soil of contaminants both above and below the water table. In addition to using thermal remediation for how to remediate salty soil, it is also used to clean pesticides, chlorinated solvents, naphthalene, and petroleum hydrocarbons.
Encapsulation
Encapsulation does not remediate the soil but instead creates a barrier so that the contaminant does not spread further. Think of it as placing an invisible shield around all the contaminated soil. As the water circulates through the soil, the contaminants will not leak through.
The most common form of encapsulation is mixing the bad soil with lime, cement, and concrete. Then, the soil cannot be combined with any other soil. But keep in mind that it is only helpful on soil that is never to be used again for growing.
While this method is effective in its purpose, it does not recover the soil. Stopping the spread of contaminants can be helpful, but the ground will be warranted unsafe for growing or planting.
Air Sparging
This method is mainly used when toxic gas or vapors have contaminated the soil. The process involves highly pressurized air being blown into the soil to remove any gaseous contaminants.
Air sparging does not involve the removal of the soil for treatment. The large volumes of pressurized air flow through the soil, replacing the toxic gas with new, clean air.
Air sparging is mostly used for hydrocarbons and is a proven method for soil remediation. Because the soil does not have to be removed for treatment, it saves a few steps in the process.
Bioremediation
Instead of using a mechanical method to remove the soil contaminants, bioremediation involves engineered bacterium that feeds on the contaminant. The bacterium is released into the soil, consumes the contaminant, and dies off on its own.
This effective soil remediation process does not require the removal of dirt. But it does require very specific conditions. For example, the soil must be 70 degrees F with little rain. Of course, you can cover the soil and try to create the ideal condition. But in order for the engineered bacterium to do its thing, it will need to be in an optimal environment to work in a timely manner.
Proper Drainage
One way of how to remediate salty soil is first by tilling the soil, breaking up the large blocks of clay—then increasing the irrigation water to flush out the salty soil. The amount of water that flows through your soil will affect the soil’s health.
You can till deep into the ground and water the soil continually to see improvements in the salt concentrations over time.
Leaching
When it comes to removing salts in the soil, leaching is an excellent answer to how to remediate salty soil. Leaching is the process of adding salt-free water to the soil to flush out the salty soil. If you are working with saline soil with proper drainage, you will be able to remediate the soil through leaching.
In some cases, you will have to apply 48-acre inches of water to result in thorough results. First, test the water you are pouring in to be sure it contains no salt content. A 1-acre inch of water is enough water to cover a whole acre an inch deep. 48-acre inches can be necessary to flush the water out down past the root level.
When you get your oil tested by the laboratory, they will tell you if leaching can be an effective method. They can also determine how much water will be needed to clear the soil of the salt content.
Leaching can be performed a few times to ensure that your soil is cleansed from the saline and ready to grow plants. However, leaching is effective on saline soil only. Saline-sodic and sodic soil will need to undergo a preliminary step before leaching works to cleanse the soil.
Evaporation Reduction
Another method for how to remediate salty soil is to reduce evaporation. When you add mulch to the soil, it reduces the amount of evaporation and, therefore, reduces the salt level in the soil. Healthy, thriving soil includes adding mulch to the soil periodically.
Chemical Treatments
Saline-sodic and sodic soil need to experience chemical treatments before leaching is applied. This is because these soils contain too much exchangeable sodium content. When you add calcium in a soluble form, it will change the salt to soluble salts.
Gypsum is the most common calcium treatment when it comes to treating sodic soil. Altering the soils to be susceptible to leaching is a great way to remediate salty soils. Of course, it is an extra step to treat the soil chemically. But it beats removing the soil and replacing it altogether.
Combination of Remediation Methods
You will often find that you need to use a combination of methods to remove salt from your soil. Meet with a contracting team to get started on your project. They can work hand-in-hand with a testing facility to determine which processes are needed to get your soil back to best growing conditions.
Whether you are looking to build on unknown property or have a suspicion that your plants aren’t growing because of salty soil, you can take action. Soil remediation is necessary to reinvent the ground that you own and make it suitable for growth.
Not only is it safe and necessary to look into the state of the soil on your property, but you don’t want to be limited to not being able to grow grass, plants, and shrubbery. Salty soil can be remediated, and the process can be simple in many cases. Do not hesitate to contact a trusted soil remediation contractor today.
Soil Remediation Contractors in NJ
At Mikula Contracting, we can assist in the process of soil remediation. We excel at digging proper test pits then we work with our trusted environmental firm partners for proper environmental testing and remediation, you can count on our team to get the job done right.
Our team at Mikula Contracting is trusted in the industry. We specialize in excavation, remediation, and demolition. We are trained in safety practices and have the proper equipment to perform your soil remediation project with ease. When you call, you can ask any questions, and our team will confidently answer.
It is important to Mikula Contracting to build relationships with the customers they serve so that you can rely on them for future projects as well. There is nothing better than knowing you can rely on your soil remediation contractor.
Recruiting and Retaining Talented Women in Construction
While it may be a common belief that men are typically interested in the construction business, there has been a rise of women in construction positions. At Mikula Contracting, women contribute significantly to our team and we take proactive measures to find talented women to hire in our business.
It’s easy enough to make a goal to increase the number of women in construction. But what can we do to ensure that number increases? Action is more important than words. Let’s take a look at some measures that all construction businesses can take to make women feel more welcome in the construction industry.
Current Situation of Women in Construction
Women make up 47% of the total workforce in America, but only 10% of the construction industry. The National Association of Women In Construction is organized to be a networking group for all women in construction and help them break into the male-dominated industry.
Women do face obstacles when trying to work in construction. There are tangible reasons that deter women from applying for a construction job and certainly keep them from staying in a construction position. Some of these setbacks include:
- No Women Role Models: If you expect a slew of women applicants but don’t have any existing women in your company, you may have a tough start. Every company has to start somewhere, so it’s crucial to take responsibility for your past negligence in hiring women and spell out your future goals.
- Being Passed Up for Promotions: From a recent survey, 73% of women in construction feel that they have been passed up for promotions based on gender rather than their skill set. This shows that it is an industry problem that needs to show a change in order to expect more women to enter into construction careers.
- Gender Pay Gaps: If a company isn’t monitoring gender pay gaps, then there is a problem. Every construction business should measure each person’s pay regardless of gender and make sure that the numbers are fair.
- Feeling Left Out of Social Situations: 8 out of 10 women in construction feel left out of social conversations and events. A company needs to proactively work to plan events that are inclusive to all genders.
- Higher Risk of Injury Due to Poorly-Fitted Equipment: Women are at a higher risk of injury because the safety equipment isn’t fit for their bodies. The construction company has a huge responsibility to protect all of their employees by offering proper safety equipment catered to all body types.
While the leadership of women in construction has been rising, the representation is still not substantial. 43% of companies do not even monitor gender pay gaps in their organizations. If they are not aware of what is happening, how will change come about? Our team at Mikula acknowledges how vital women are to the construction industry and are taking action to increase women in construction.
How Mikula Recruits & Retains Top Women Talent
We have a goal to increase women working in construction. We can start by eliminating the obstacles that women face. When we work toward including women in project management and building up women in leadership positions, we produce role models for new women in construction.
We believe that we can increase the percentage of women in the construction industry one company at a time - starting with our company. Our family-owned company knows how valuable it is to have women involved in leadership decisions. Women have proven time after time to be valuable construction employees. “Kim Meano, our Office Manager/Project Coordinator, plays an essential role within our company’s leadership team. Kim’ s extensive knowledge of the construction industry and our services not only provides value to our organization but to our clients as well in her role as Project Coordinator. For many years, Kim continues to impress our clients with her vast knowledge, organization and outstanding client service.” - Dennis Mikula, Jr., Executive Vice President
Kim Meano took some time to share her thoughts on what makes Mikula a great place to work in this brief interview:
How many years (total) have you worked for Mikula Contracting?
Kim: I’ve worked for Mikula Contracting almost 18 years, taking 4 off in between to raise my daughter and returning to the office.
Why did you join Mikula Contracting?
Kim: I was previously a restaurant manager. Mikula Contracting was an opportunity that was recommended to me since I was looking for more consistent working hours. Having grown up in Clifton, I was aware of how long they were in business. Coming from my previous career, this presented more stability.
What is your primary role at Mikula Contracting?
Kim: Customer service is number one. As the Office Manager and Project Coordinator, I gather project information, provide estimates, prepare permit applications, obtain utility mark outs, schedule projects and bill our clients.
What keeps you interested in working at Mikula Contracting?
Kim: I’ve felt right at “home” from day one. They’re a very close family, and we’re like an extension of that family. In the office, we’re constantly evolving. Trying to keep up with the pace of increasing work. Being here as long as I have, seeing the increasing work is something all of us should be proud of. I think this speaks volumes for the company and all our employees.
Our Recruiting Process
As we look to hire women in the industry, we have to adjust our process to make it clear that women employees are sought after in our company. A prospective female hire will see our company goals and culture and know that they will be safe and valued when choosing Mikula Contracting. Some of our recruiting strategies include:
- Women in the Hiring Process: If you have a networking event and have a woman there to represent your construction company, you can show that your company values women in construction. This is proof that there is action behind your promises when you have a woman involved in hiring other women in your construction business.
- Inclusive Job Postings: The wording in job postings can make a big difference on who responds. Be sure to seek out quality men or women and do not default to a male pronoun in your job description.
- Reaching Out to Women: Women are unlikely to apply for a construction position, feeling under-qualified or unsure of breaking into the male-dominated industry. When you reach out to women and ask them to apply, it will arm them with the confidence that your company will have their back.
- Networking Opportunities: Offer a variety of networking opportunities for women to come into your office and take an interest in your company. You can start young with a bring-your-daughter-to-work day. Or you can offer open invitations for “coffee with managers” where anyone can come and ask questions and get to know the leadership of your company.
- Create Diverse Teams: The most valuable teams are made up of people from diverse backgrounds and personalities. When you have a team of multiple genders, races, and socio-economic backgrounds, you can glean all perspectives in order to understand your demographics better.
- Resist Stereotypes: Create a workplace culture where negative stereotypes are not tolerated. Build team relationships where you know they will stick up for each other if a client or co-worker says something offensive.
When women feel valued in the hiring process, they will feel safer as they move forward with your company. Clearly communicating your goals for hiring more women in construction will gravitate more quality applicants toward your business.
How to Encourage Women to Pursue Careers in Construction
As time goes on and the construction industry moves toward male and female contracting teams, more women will be willing to have career paths in construction. All of the obstacles that we mentioned above have remedies if they are closely monitored in a company.
Change the Perspective
You can welcome more female workers when you show them that they aren’t taking a risk to be constantly passed over in your company. Monitor your gender pay gaps, alternate between genders when promoting project managers, and provide the appropriate safety equipment for both genders. Be transparent about your goals and monitoring in these categories.
If your company has grown to be male-dominated and, in turn, disrespectful to outsiders over the years, then do something to make a change. You can change company culture by setting expectations and cracking down on disrespectful behavior. It is never too late to create a safe company atmosphere.
Learn to Embrace Diversity and Equality
One of the reasons that Mikula Contracting was named New Jersey Family Business of the Year is because of our inclusivity and innovation. When we spot a hole in our business, we do what it takes by encouraging more women in construction to contribute to our company’s evolution.
Equality and diversity only improve your company as multiple perspectives go into the decision-making processes. If you have a company with a one-track mind, you will never learn how to reach various customer bases and grow your business.
Inclusive Job Descriptions
Those looking at a career in construction can tell what types of companies embrace diversity and equality through their job description. Ensure your company makes your values clear in posting an inclusive job description that steers away from gender-specific pronouns and masculine adjectives.
You can explicitly state in a job description that women applicants are welcome! This will set you apart from other construction job postings and help you find valuable female applicants looking to work in the construction industry.
Mentorship Programs
Offering mentorship opportunities with other women in construction will increase the number of women interested. Whether they find a networking group in The National Association of Women in Construction or join a mentorship program through college, women's representation is vital.
Learning directly from a woman in the industry is important because women can build relationships with someone to ask genuine questions. It’s rare to ask about discrimination or pay gap experiences in a quick interview without getting short answers. When a connection is developed, women can ask the heavy questions that are weighing on their minds.
Mikula Welcomes you to Apply Today!
Our construction company has built an excellent reputation in the community throughout the years. We offer excavation and demolition services for both residential and commercial properties. It is vital to partner with a company that is trustworthy and hard-working.
Mikula Contracting is a great family business that is ready to expand and grow in all ways. We are committed to supporting women in construction and evolving our team to reflect that. If you are interested in joining an inclusive and welcoming team, apply with us today! You can always contact us and let us know of your interest before applying.
Is it Time to Remove Your Pool?
Having your very own pool in your backyard can sound desirable and ideal. But time goes on, and the pool maintenance fees stack up as the pool usage goes down. It may be time for pool removal services in NJ. A nice-sized pool can be pricey to remove, but the investment can cost much less than prolonged pool ownership.
Signs that Your Pool Needs to Be Removed or Replaced
If you have an above-ground pool, then the cost to remove it is significantly less than an inground pool removal. Inground pool removal in New Jersey is more complex, with a variety of price points and options. Some signs you want to watch for to decide whether it is time to remove your pool are:
- No one uses the pool anymore.
- Maintenance costs are no longer worth it.
- You are looking to sell, and buyers aren’t interested in the pool.
- You are looking to rent out your home, and the liability isn’t worth it.
- The repair cost is too high if you need to resurface the pool or fix leaks.
As contractors in the pool industry, we know how costly it is to maintain a pool. If those costs are no longer worth it for your family, it could be time to look into pool removal in NJ. An expert team will help you decide the best options for partial removal, complete removal, or a pool replacement.
Should I Replace My Inground Pool?
If you have decided that your current pool is not worth fixing or maintaining, you’re left with the option to remove the pool. If you are thinking about potential buyers, it may be better to replace the pool with a new pool that requires less maintenance.
An expert team like Mikula Contracting has the resources and equipment for removing a pool. It all just depends on what you ultimately want for your home. A pool replacement option is also an alternative to pool removal NJ. If you have to demo a pool, you already have the hole, and it can be ready for a new swimming structure with recent upgrades.
Pros and Cons of Replacing a Pool
If you would like to replace an old, cracked, mildewy swimming pool with a new, updated structure, there are some pros and cons to doing so. A new pool eliminates many worries and maintenance issues that come with your old pool. Take a look at some of the positives and negatives of a pool replacement project:
Pros of Replacing a Pool
Even if a buyer isn’t necessarily looking for a home with a swimming pool, they can be allured into choosing your home if the pool is new. The idea of a private swimming area and new technology in their pool that won’t need updating or huge repairs for years to come can change a buyer’s mind when you sell your house.
If the existing pool isn’t what it once was and is too old to make any of the repairs worth it, then replacing the pool can have many benefits:
- New pool, fewer maintenance issues
- New technology and building materials
- Inground space already burrowed out
- New pool brings in potential buyers
A new pool will always have its benefits and will eliminate any stress that an old pool was causing. A pool replacement can be a great alternative to pool removal NJ.
Cons of Replacing a Pool
Replacing a pool can come with negative points too. It may not be in your best interest to spend the money to put in a new pool. Some negatives of replacing a pool are:
- Cost for a pool that may not get used
- Potential buyers may not want a pool
- Pool can be dangerous for young kids
Depending on your lifestyle, a pool may not be conducive to your family with young kids. Or maybe you are recent empty-nesters, and it would make more sense to remove the pool altogether. If you are selling your home in the near future, examine the neighborhood norm to determine whether a pool would add value or be a deterrent to potential buyers.
Planning to Remove Your Pool? Hire a Professional
There are many decisions to make when choosing the best option for your pool removal in New Jersey. Whether you decide to completely remove the pool or replace it with a shiny new structure, finding an expert team is the priority. Mikula can get the job done right the first time, leaving you with nothing to worry about as you enjoy your new pool or expanded yard space.
For the best contractors regarding your pool removal, our team at Mikula Contracting is the team for you. Our experienced contractors can free you of any hassle or stress. Contact us today to get your questions answered and get the backyard of your dreams.
The Demolition Process: How it Works
Before hiring a residential or commercial demolition contractor for your next project, it may be beneficial to know how the demolition process works. When you understand the aspects of your demolition project, you will be able to ask the right questions and know what to expect. Then you can have the knowledge to hire the best team for your job.
How Long Does a Demolition Project Take?
Each demolition project varies depending on the size of the building. For a commercial demolition, the method involves various steps to ensure safety. Demolishing a building is not as simple as hooking up the wrecking balls and going for it. The building is surveyed, and every bit of valuable equipment is taken out and salvaged, piece by piece.
A residential demolition can take several days. Similar to commercial demolition, the structure needs to be surveyed, and any salvageable materials are removed. And then the demolition method is determined and performed. The debris removal can take a few days on its own.
How Do Contractors Know Which Demolition Method to Use?
When it comes to drawing up the demolition plan, several methods are appropriate for each building. For urban areas where other buildings surround tall buildings, the process of dismantling can vary.
Wrecking balls are also used in commercial demolition. This heavy equipment includes up to a 12,000 lb ball that gains momentum and crashes into the building, breaking it apart. This method is relatively inexpensive, but it causes a lot of dust and debris, causing many resources to be reallocated to cleanup.
Excavator demolition is a type of commercial or residential demolition used on smaller buildings like homes or office buildings. The breakdown of the structure is done primarily through the attachments on the excavator. The excavators are then used to remove the large pieces of the building as it is broken down.
Are Different Methods Used for Residential vs. Commercial Demolitions?
Demolition projects can have different methods depending on the size of the building. In both residential and commercial demolitions, hazardous materials are permanently removed first. This can include asbestos or any dangerous chemicals that are stored in the building.
While excavator demolitions are common in homes, they are also typical for commercial demolitions. Some high-reach excavators can be used for commercial buildings. Each building, whether residential or commercial, is surveyed carefully. A demolition method is then determined that is specific to the building.
Professional Demolition Planning and Execution Steps
The demolition process is carefully carried out through several steps to ensure the project's safety. There are no shortcuts with a demolition project, and it’s never as simple as it seems from an outside perspective. It’s essential to know these steps and be sure to hire a team that knows about each safety measure to take before demolishing a building.
1. Conduct a Survey of the Building
A building survey is conducted to answer any questions needed before deciding on a demolition method:
- Construction materials used to build
- Safety hazards present, including asbestos, chemicals, and flammable materials
- Drainage conditions
- Adjoining facilities
- Pedestrian walkways and roadways near the building
- Neighborhood overview regarding noise, dust, and vibration disruptions
All of these items on the survey will help the team determine the best way to conduct the demolition project. A quiet neighborhood may require notices of noise disruptions or special permits.
2. Perform a Structural Survey of the Building
A structural survey of the building will focus more on the current state of the facility. The survey will cover how the building was constructed and if there are basements or underground tanks present. Any structural issues of the building will be considered before determining the demolition method.
3. Remove Any Hazardous Materials
Once the hazardous materials have been identified, removing them can add extra time and money to the demolition process. Complete asbestos removal is required before demolition. If there is wastewater due to poor drainage, that will be addressed. Any chemicals or flammable materials are removed in this step as well.
4. Craft a Demolition Plan
A thorough demolition plan will be presented that will include clear illustrations with to-scale measurements. These illustrations should give a clear view of the plausibility of each demolition method. A demolition plan includes:
- Location of the building and all surrounding structures
- Measured space around the building that could allow for an excavator or a wrecking ball
- Structural support of the building, including weight-bearing walls and beams
- Safety plan for public protection, including covered walkways and catch platforms
- Debris cleanup plan
- Time estimation
The presentation of this plan is vital in deciding the right team to hire for the job. If safety measures are not included in this plan, ask about their safety plan. If there is no clear strategy on safety, that is a red flag. Both residential and commercial demolition projects can be very dangerous if not conducted with detailed plans and safety practices.
5. Determine the Best Demolition Method
Depending on the building size, height, how it was built, and the open space surrounding the structure, the best demolition method will be chosen. Here are some of the methods used:
- Excavation Demolition
- Wrecking Balls
- Combination Demolition
The building and structure survey will help to determine the correct method for your demolition project. Most importantly, the safety of the public and the workers are the priority. Maybe a few of the methods will be combined to carry out the project in the safest way.
6. Secure Necessary Demolition Permits
Part of the pre-planning process includes getting the proper permits to take on a project of this size. Experts in the industry will be well-versed in this process and can provide an accurate timeline of when the project can begin. Permits are a common reason why some projects get delayed, so industry knowledge is vital for this part of the process.
7. Take Appropriate Safety Measures
Safety is vital during a demolition project. Do not hesitate to ask every question that comes to mind regarding safety during your project. The team should have comprehensive answers and show their experience and caution when answering safety questions.
8. Perform Demolition
Once all of the pre-planning is laid out and permits are obtained, it is time to execute the plan. The actual demolition can be the shortest part of the process. With all of the safety procedures in place and the plans drawn out, the team will be ready with the proper equipment to get the job done right.
9. Dispose of Demolition Debris
A significant portion of the waste materials from a demolition gets reused, and industry experts will know how to transport and carry away those materials for salvaging. Having the right equipment to load up and dispose of the debris is vital to the process of demolition. This lengthy portion of the project requires hiring a commercial or residential demolition team to dispose of the rubble responsibly.
How to Start a Demolition Project in NJ
A demolition project is not something that can be done without industry knowledge and equipment. Leave it to the experts to carry out your project from the plumbing and electrical disconnections all the way to the rubble cleanup. Mikula Contracting can handle all the stress and hard work.
If you are looking to hire a demolition contractor in New Jersey, look no further than Mikula Contracting. Our experienced team will have the safety procedures in place to make sure your residential or commercial demolition goes down without a hitch. We have all the necessary equipment and expertise to do the job efficiently and at an affordable price. Please contact us today to receive a consultation on your specific project.
Common Excavation Types Used in Construction
A lot of times, a project is delayed in getting started because of the excavation work that needs to be done. Many home-owners think the project can be done without professionals. How hard is it to take a sledgehammer to a pool? It’s much more challenging and dangerous than you think. And if you are in the market for commercial excavation, the longer you sit on that project, the more money it will cost you. Take some time to understand these excavation types to help you hire the right team for your job.
How is Excavation Carried Out?
Whether you need commercial excavation or residential excavation, both require different excavation methods based on the specific project. Once you decide which type of material is specific to your project, you will be able to select the excavation method needed.
Task-Based Excavation Types
These excavation methods are commonly used in residential and commercial excavation. Meet with an excavation team and dazzle them with your knowledge when you ask whether they’ll be using cut and fill or borrow excavation for your next project.
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Drainage
An example of drainage excavation is when water is not correctly draining in your backyard or a parking lot. Storm drains can be built using trenches or ditches for runoff.
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Cut and Fill
Cut and fill excavation is also known as stripping, and it consists of clearing a large plot of land to make it ready for building. This may also include removing elevated sections to make sure the ground is level before construction begins.
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Dredging
Dredging happens underwater when sediment deposits build up and block waterways intended for boat traffic. It involves the removal of underwater debris in rivers, canals, or shallow ocean passages.
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Basement
When digging out for a basement, this requires basement excavation. Breaking through each layer of soil and digging through rocky surfaces is necessary to build out the basement of a home or building.
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Channel
An existing channel may be blocked and require channel excavation to drain properly again. The clearing of the debris and sediment is necessary to get the water flowing again. The excavation team always provides the equipment needed to work underwater.
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Trench
Trench excavation is used when digging pipelines or burying service lines. The digging length far exceeds the depth in this type of project. If you need a sprinkler system for your commercial building or home, trench excavation will be used to install the system.
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Borrow
Borrow excavation involves saving all the materials excavated from one area of the project and using them in a different aspect of the project. This can include using the soil and rocks cleared from a construction site when leveling and using those same materials to fill or grade another area.
If you have a residential project regarding outdoor flooding, you can learn exactly how an experienced team plans to solve it through drainage excavation. Dredging and channel excavation may be more specific to commercial excavation projects. No matter what your project, Mikula Contracting can take care of it for you.
Material-Based Excavation Types
There are a variety of materials that an expert excavation team may work with when completing your project. Let’s go through the materials and examples of projects requiring the excavation of each one.
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Topsoil
With topsoil excavation, the team will remove just the top layer of soil. Sometimes this needs to be done to clear out and start again with planting and growing healthy grass. The removal of this vegetation and dirt can also be done before building a structure to make the area sound and level. The excavated areas will then be ready for construction.
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Muck
Muck is the mix of soil and water that makes it challenging to build on. Muck excavation removes the mushy substance so that a sturdy foundation can be used to build upon. Sometimes the muck is relocated to dry out and be used in a later project.
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Earth
If a project requires digging a little deeper to create a building or bridge foundation, earth excavation comes into play. The topsoil is removed, and the layer below the topsoil is also removed so that the foundation can be laid.
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Rock
Sometimes there is a layer of rock below the topsoil. A common purpose for rock excavation is when a team is hired for residential excavation for a pool, and they hit a layer of rock. The project gets more complicated as heavy machinery is used to break up the rock and transport it out.
These 4 types of materials are standard for excavation. When you choose the right team, they will be experienced with all material removals and know exactly what is needed for your project.
Can These Methods Be Used For Residential and Commercial Excavation Jobs?
These methods are used for both residential and commercial excavation. A team that is experienced in commercial excavation work can easily work with residential excavation and vice versa. When working with the earth and digging to remove different types of land, residential and commercial projects require the same methods.
If you are looking to dig for plumbing for your residential or commercial building, they would both use trench excavation. If you would like to even out bumpy land to build on top of it, earth excavation would be used to level the ground and lay the foundation.
Excavation contractors will encounter the same types of excavation among residential and commercial excavation. Muck can be present at a home building site just as often as it is found at a commercial site. Topsoil excavation can be important when trying to get grass to grow in a rundown, garbage-filled field that can be found in a neglected residential or commercial area. And rock excavation is often encountered when digging for a swimming pool or basement in residential or commercial buildings.
All types of excavation are used across residential and commercial projects, so many contractors specialize in both. When you choose an experienced contractor, they will explain your project's plans and know which excavation methods will be needed.
Experienced Excavation Contractors in NJ
An excavation obstacle can be what is holding you back from starting your construction project. Do not procrastinate any longer, and take the steps toward getting the job done today. Hiring a team will leave the heavy lifting to the experts while you can relax.
The most important part of your excavation project is hiring the right team. With Mikula Contracting, you know that the project will be done safely and professionally. The expert team can answer any questions you have specific to your commercial or residential excavation project. Call today to set up your first appointment.
Pool Removal: What you Need to Know
You may think that a pool removal process is simple. You just drain the pool and fill it with dirt. Sounds easy enough, right? There are many factors to pool removal and in this blog we’ll answer some frequently asked questions.
We can take a look at all of the options for pool removal, including the cost, the removal method, and potential problems that may come up with future buyers of your home.
How much does it cost for pool removal?
An average inground swimming pool removal can cost around $6,000-15,000. This depends on accessibility to the pool, the size, the material, the city permits, and the type of removal.
There are a few different options for removing a pool. Because of this, costs can vary. In general, an inground swimming pool costs 3x more than removing an above ground pool.
For an inground swimming pool, some people look into the costs of filling in a pool and find it to be much more affordable than a full swimming pool removal. There are positives and negatives to both options:
Full Removal Pros
If you want to have a yard that has no limitations and can be landscaped as if there was never a pool there at all, then a full pool removal may be the right option for you.
- Pro: You can build and plant landscaping over the space. Have the freedom to make your backyard the oasis of your dreams.
- Pro: Your home value will remain the same. You will not have to disclose to potential buyers that a pre-existing structure exists under the grass in the backyard.
If a future owner wants to build a pool in the backyard, they would be able to do so with a full pool removal. A new owner doesn’t want limitations on what they can do in their own yard.
Can you remove a pool yourself?
If you are tempted to tackle a pool removal project on your own, be sure you know what that means. Not only is it challenging to get there the right equipment for the job, but it is extremely dangerous to operate it.
- Swimming pool demolition requires heavy machinery that you likely would need to rent. Because you’re not an expert, you can run into delays and problems that would increase the cost. And then you would be required to remove all the rubble.
- Debris or junk removal after you demolish your pool is an enormous task on its own. If you rent a dumpster, you may run out of room or miss a deadline when the dumpster needs to be picked up. And if you haul away all the rubble, load by load, this process can be long without the proper equipment.
- You will need the right equipment to poke holes in the bottom of the pool to allow for proper drainage. An expert team will know exactly how large the holes need to be and have the equipment to make it happen.
- When it comes to filling in the hole with dirt to finish off the removal process, any dirt that is being offered for free is usually filled with garbage. Be choosy about the earth you select to fill in your hole. You want it to drain correctly and not compact too much. You want it to nourish the grass and plants that you lay on top.
The pool removal process is not as easy as it may seem. It is always best to hire excavation contractors that have the correct equipment and safety procedures in place.
Does removing a pool decrease home value?
When it comes to inground pool removal, full removal will not change the value of your home whatsoever. The new owners will be able to build a new pool in the same space if they so choose. When you select full pool removal, the yard is left as if there was never a pool there in the first place.
What's the best season for pool removal?
Something you might want to consider is the time of year to remove your pool. Digging in the frozen ground can be a factor that may add extra cost. It is possible to remove the pool during any season, but you may want to wait until the ground isn’t frozen.
- Spring: Once the ground has not been frozen for weeks, Spring opens up an excellent time for pool removal. Wait for a couple of weeks where the temperatures are above freezing during the day, and the sun is shining. Then you can get started on your pool removal.
- Summer: Summer is a great time of year for pool removal. Most contractors are busy during the summer months, so schedule ahead of time for your pool removal project. Within a week, you can have your yard back to a blank slate, ready to implement and work on new ideas all Summer long.
- Fall: A full inground pool removal can take about a week. As the days start getting cooler, jump on your chance to get your pool removal project in before the freeze begins. Having that project out of the way will set you up for some fun new projects to work on in your “new” backyard once Spring hits.
- Winter: Surprisingly, winter is the best time for pool removals. When the ground is solid, there is less damage done to the property.
It will be easier to dig when it’s not at the peak of the Winter. Then you can have your yard space back by the time the great weather hits in the Spring and Summer. Fall can also be a great time to remove your pool after you get in one last summer swim.
Why would you want to remove your pool?
A common reason why people seek pool removal in NJ is that a pool is not accessible year-round. The cold winter months leave the pool dreary and empty. The cost to revive the pool and get it in working condition after a long winter can be overwhelming each year. Here is a list of why people may choose ground pool removal:
- Pool Maintenance Cost: The cost of keeping up a pool can really add up quickly. There are chemicals to buy and a pump that works here and there. If you have a heated pool, the heating mechanism can often need repairing. You need a cover for the winter months. It all adds up and feels overwhelming.
- Pool Maintenance Time: The amount of time you spend clearing out leaves and emptying your pool filters may be better spent elsewhere. If you find yourself wanting to have more enjoyment in your backyard with a hammock in the shady trees and an open grass area to play sports, then pool removal may be right for you. Your backyard is your domain, and you want it to serve you in the best way possible.
- More Yard Space: You may find that your pool doesn’t get used all that often. The work of getting everyone in their swimming suits and the constant vigilance of the young children can be stressful. Maybe you want to send your kids out to play in the backyard without the worry of what might happen. A big, open area for football and frisbee can be appealing - or a space to put up a volleyball net. There are so many options for a big backyard that aren’t there if a pool is taking up most of the space.
- Danger for Young Families: One big reason for pool removal is the danger that is posed for small children. Unfortunately, many accidents occur at homes each year, with toddlers finding their way out to the pool when adults are unaware. These tragic cases are enough for some families to eradicate the danger by choosing pool removal.
- Better Landscaping: You have options for better landscaping when the pool isn’t taking up the bulk of your backyard. If you would like to put in blackberry bushes or a large shade tree, you have more freedom to do that. A walkway to a fire pit in the backyard and a vegetable garden where you grow your own food may be better suited to your personality.
- Home-Buying Appeal for People Not Interested in Pools: Some potential buyers are not interested in buying a home with a pool. Whether they have young children or are an older couple without kids and not interested in swimming, your home can be a clean slate for all families. If you have a swimming pool, potential buyers may quickly throw the house into their “no” pile. After embarking on full pool removal, your home will no longer have a deal-breaker for those types of buyers.
If you are bogged down with the task of maintaining your pool that barely gets used, then it will grow tiresome over time. Maybe you were sure you’d be back there swimming every day, and it just didn’t work out that way. And now there is bacteria growing and concrete cracking, and the work outweighs the benefits of owning a pool.
Your Pool Removal Contractor in NJ
Deciding on pool removal can require a lot of back and forth. If you choose it is ultimately the right choice for your home, you can ease a lot of your worry by choosing the right excavation team. Our team of experts at Mikula Contracting is experienced in pool removals of all types. You don’t have to worry about inexperienced setbacks or hidden costs when you use our services.
If you have a pool removal project, contact Mikula Contracting to get the job done. It can be a big undertaking, but if your pool is old and stagnant and taking up space in your yard, it’s time to do something about that. Make an appointment today to get an estimate on your pool removal plan.