Dennis Mikula Jr.

What Are Some Potential Environmental Hazards of Excavation Projects?

A variety of projects require excavation in New Jersey, including swimming pool installation, foundation digging, surface leveling, and landscaping services. Learn about potential hazards associated with excavation in NJ so that you can plan for a safe and proactive approach. 

When you are aware of some common environmental hazards of excavation, you will have the knowledge to avoid these dangers. For professional excavation services in New Jersey, look no further than Mikula Contracting. With our expertise and commitment to safety, you can carefully execute your plan for your New Jersey excavation project. 

Here are some environmental hazards of excavation to keep in mind.

Soil Erosion

Soil erosion occurs during excavation when water runoff, rain, or wind erodes the soil and turns once stable areas into dangerous areas. For example, trenches can collapse, fertile topsoil can flush away, and injuries can happen. 

During excavation, plan for soil erosion control measures. This can include control blankets to protect the soil during a downpour, soil stabilizers, or packing down the soil to protect it from natural erosion. Protect the workers and increase safety on the job site by taking these soil erosion prevention steps.

Potential Underground Hazards

You don’t always know what you’re going to uncover during excavation. Finding contaminated or hazardous soil or even an underground oil tank is something all contractors should be prepared for. Be ready to test the soil when you notice a suspicious texture, smell, or structure that makes you suspicious of a chemical spill. 

Water is commonly used during any excavation project and can spread the contaminants, further magnifying the environmental impact. The moment you find hazardous soil or contaminants, take remediation measures very seriously to avoid danger to nearby occupants and future residents of the property. When encountering soil contamination, be sure all workers wear personal protective equipment (PPE), enlist multiple instances of soil testing, and renew the soil with fertile, healthy backfill.

Trench Collapses or Cave-Ins

Excavation requires digging deep holes and trenches to build foundations or install pipes. Contractors work in the trenches, making them vulnerable to accidents if the trench collapses. Severe injuries or fatalities could be the result. 

To prevent trench collapses, a comprehensive protective system must be implemented. This includes using trench boxes, shoring, or other protective structures to support trench walls and prevent cave-ins. Inspecting the trenches, evaluating the stability of the soil, and training contractors for safety protocols are essential to maintaining safe practices during excavation in New Jersey. 

Dust or Other Airborne Particles

Excavation projects can generate dust and airborne particles, presenting environmental hazards as well as potential health risks for workers and nearby communities. When working with dry and fine-grained soil, the wind can whip it into the air, leading to workers and nearby passersby breathing in contaminants or hazardous substances. These airborne dust particles can lead to human health issues that should be avoided at all costs. 

An excavation site should employ a dust control protocol to reduce the spread of dust into the air and to surrounding people. Many contractors spray the dry dirt with water to moisten it, making it less likely to become airborne during a strong gust of wind. A ventilator can be used to collect loose dust in the air. And workers can wear masks and PPE to protect themselves from inhaling hazardous substances. 

By effectively managing dust and airborne particles, excavation projects can minimize environmental impacts and protect the health of workers and the surrounding community.

Water-Related Hazards

Any construction site can be a place of water accumulation due to storms, groundwater seepage, or nearby bodies of water. Water runoff can lead to erosion on the site, impacting the soil stability. Water can also carry pollutants into nearby water sources. 

Standing water also attracts mosquitoes and other pests, making the work site uncomfortable and posing additional environmental and health risks. Mosquitoes not only bite but also spread disease. Rats and roaches make themselves at home, creating a germ-filled breeding ground for pests during construction. 

Water management is essential for excavation. This may involve installing silt fences or sediment basins to control runoff and sedimentation. You can also install temporary drains or runoff paths that make the area safe for the duration of the excavation project. By effectively managing water-related hazards, excavation projects can minimize soil erosion, maintain water quality, and protect the surrounding ecosystem.

Hitting Underground Utilities

One hazard of excavation is the risk of fires. Especially if you are digging close to a gas line, you need to be extra careful to eliminate the risk of hitting a pipe underground. If a contractor is ready to dig without surveying the ground and calling in a markout, it is time to find a new excavation contractor. 

Safeguard against these hazards by implementing proper safety protocols and adhering to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines. This may involve using trench boxes to provide protective shielding, conducting thorough gas detection and monitoring, and establishing clear evacuation procedures in the event of a hazardous situation. Reduce the risk of fire by doing your due diligence and researching before a dig occurs.

In addition to hitting a gas line, other utility lines also pose a danger to the excavation site. Hitting a live electricity wire can lead to electrocution. Cutting into plumbing systems can lead to leak and damage that requires expensive repairs.

Every excavation contractor should mark the land with the exact location of underground utility lines to avoid any damage to existing networks. While mistakes can happen, when working with an experienced contractor you should have peace of mind that you have hired professionals that will avoid mistakes and mitigate issues if they arise.

Mikula Contracting Is Your New Jersey Excavation Solution

Mikula Contracting has the experience you need for a successful excavation project in NJ. Our dedication to safety, customer communication, and state-of-the-art equipment is evident in every project we complete. 

We provide top-quality excavation services tailored to the unique needs of each customer. Our team at Mikula Contracting follows the most modern practices, adheres to regulatory requirements, and uses advanced techniques and equipment to ensure efficient excavation operations. Contact us today to find out how we can help. 

by Dennis Mikula Jr.

4 Important Safety Considerations that Separate Trusted Excavation Contractors from the Rest

Excavation projects can be complicated, and the foremost concern is always safety. Our team at Mikula Contracting works every day to protect workers and follow guidelines set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). 

If you are contemplating DIY excavation, think about all the training required to ensure safety during such projects. Our team is OSHA-30 certified. We have completed the 40-Hour Hazwoper training. We have Tank Closure certification. We have toolbox talks weekly where we discuss possible hazards and what we can do to prevent them. 

We are fully dedicated to learning and implementing essential safety practices– and it shows. In 2021 and 2022, we received the New Jersey Land Improvement Contractors of America Safety Award. Each time, we have been honored to represent a reputable name in the business that values safety above all else. Setting the industry standard for safety is paramount, and Mikula Contracting is happy to lead the cause. 

Excavation comes with many certifications in order to ensure the safest site possible. In this article, we want to focus on four important excavation safety certifications that you should look for in every excavation contractor. 

1. OSHA 30

OSHA 30 is an excavation safety certification focusing on safety guidelines specific to the construction industry. When the training is complete, many construction workers carry an official Department of Labor card, known as the OSHA 30 card. Some states even mandate that construction workers have a card showing their excavation safety certification. 

The OSHA 30 course topics include the following: 

• Fall Hazards: When working on excavation and trenching, you always risk falling in a deep trench that could seriously cause serious injury. Health Administration OSHA 30 details safety measures to protect against falling down holes, off roofs, or other common construction scenarios. 
• Struck-By Hazards: Working with heavy objects during construction, you risk being hit by falling or moving objects. The excavation safety certification will always ensure you know what to look out for. 
• Caught In-Between Hazards: A good percentage of construction accidents come from getting crushed or stuck between two heavy objects. What can you do to avoid such mishaps? Attending 30 hours of training for an excavation safety certification will teach you how to prevent major injuries from these kinds of hazards. 
• Electrocution Hazards: OSHA 30 will guide you through the process of de-powering nearby electrical sources before starting construction. 

With this certification, our employees are well-equipped to identify potential hazards and act as competent persons to ensure safety on the job site. You always want workers on your project with excavation safety certification like our team at Mikula Contracting. 

2. 40-Hour Hazwoper

“Hazwoper” stands for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response, and OSHA provides this training program. As excavation contractors, we understand that hazardous materials may be encountered on job sites. This safety training equips our employees with the knowledge and skills to handle hazardous materials safely.

When this protective system is in place, the team can safely navigate the excavation of toxic soil from a property. Or if a chemical spill occurs, our team has excavation safety certification that allows us to enter the site and safely clean up the spill unscathed. 

With the 40-Hour Hazwoper certification, we prioritize the well-being of our workers and ensure that potential hazards are avoided.

3. Tank Removal

When it comes to oil tank removal most towns require a permit to remove the tank. This is where your oil tank removal contractor such as Mikula Contracting comes into the picture. Our team will get any required permits for your tank removal so you don’t have to worry about it. From there, we remove your tank which entails a few different steps. First, we uncover the tank.  We then have a company come to pump out the tank and scrub it clean.  We then remove the tank from the ground completely.  We are on-site for the scheduled inspection.  If you pass inspection we will complete the project by backfilling the area.  If you do not pass inspection it is typically because there was some soil contamination found from a leak in the tank.  If that is the case you’ll need some soil testing done and possible remediation work, which is something Mikula Contracting can help with.

4. Experienced Excavation Equipment Operation

Powerful equipment is used for excavation projects, whether wrecking balls, excavators, or other heavy machinery. Therefore, each employee on the construction team should only be able to work once they have completed the necessary training courses to operate the heavy machinery. 

Obtaining an excavation safety certification is crucial when operating a diverse range of excavation equipment. Whether you're involved in leveling substantial building structures, clearing the soil by moving large rocks or excavating through layers of limestone, it's essential to prioritize safety. The equipment used in such tasks should be approached with seriousness.

Work with Mikula Contracting to Ensure Safety During Your Next Project

At Mikula Contracting, we prioritize safety at every stage of the construction process. In addition to our certifications, we conduct weekly toolbox talks, which allow our team to discuss safety-related topics, address concerns, and reinforce best practices. Consistent communication and continuous education are vital for maintaining a safe work environment.

As highlighted before, our dedication to safety has been recognized by the New Jersey Land Improvement Contractors of America Safety Award. We are proud to be two-time recipients of this esteemed award. When we put safety first by prioritizing excavation safety certification, our safety record shines. 

When you choose Mikula Contracting for your excavation needs, you can be confident that safety is our top priority. We continuously invest in the well-being and training of our team, ensuring that they are well-prepared to handle any safety challenges that may arise.

Work with Mikula Contracting to ensure safety during your next project. Contact us today to discuss your excavation requirements. 

by Dennis Mikula Jr.

A Guide to Construction Site Work

Site work is the foundational preparation of an area for construction. Whether the tasks involve leveling out the land, excavating trees or rocks, or building drainage systems, your construction project needs a trustworthy plot of land. 

Before the building even begins, construction site work is the initial step to ensure the project runs smoothly and safely. What do you know about construction site work? Let’s dive deeper into the topic to find out what you need before you start on your development project. 

What Is Site Work in Construction?

Construction site work includes the necessary steps before construction begins. For example, suppose you identify the possibility of erosion, shifting, or caving. In that case, you have the responsibility to ensure the stabilization of the soil and that it is ready to withhold a residential or commercial building. 

Do you have access to clean water on the site? Construction site work will set up clean water access to aid in the construction process. Water is needed for dust suppression and mixing concrete. In addition, once the building is complete, a water source is essential. These are just some examples of construction site work. 

Why Is Site Work Important?

What makes the site work important? If you were to skip construction site work on your next construction project, you could be in for a failed project. At the very least, without proper site work, you may face significant challenges and delays. Whether your project is being worked on a new or existing property, having a thorough understanding of the site and performing all the necessary preparatory steps will set you up for success.

If the soil is not cleared, leveled, and ready with drains and erosion control, then the soil could sink and lead to a building toppling over amid heavy rain or flooding. Is the land stable enough for the construction of a building? Construction site work will ensure your building is built on solid ground. 

Clearing and Grubbing

One essential step of construction site work is clearing and grubbing. This is the process of removing all trees, bushes, and stumps from the construction area. Grubbing is a term used to describe removing roots and vegetation that would cause uneven ground. 

Once the clearing and grubbing step is complete, the construction site should be a clean slate, free of any branches, roots, or obstacles.

Erosion Control and Shoring

The water systems used during construction could alter the construction site. In addition, construction site work takes into account rain and other elements that could cause erosion once the building is constructed. 

Erosion control is necessary to reinforce the land. This can be implemented by building retaining walls or laying erosion control blankets. If the building is on a slope, slope stabilization methods are implemented to make sure the construction project is level and secure. 

Shoring systems can be installed temporarily to protect construction workers during the project. It involves the installation of temporary support structures to prevent soil collapse and ensure worker safety during excavation or other activities. In addition, shoring systems provide structural reinforcement and stability, ensuring workers are not at risk of cave-ins or other related hazards. 

Subgrade Stabilization

Subgrade stabilization refers to the state of the ground that will be underneath the building. Several measures are taken to ensure the subgrade is stable. This can include soil compaction, chemical treatments, or blending the cement with a reclaiming agent to ensure there will be no cracks or shifting possible once the building is complete. 

Soil testing is part of the subgrade stabilization process. The moisture level of the soil will give the team an idea of what to do next in the construction site work process. 

Excavation

Excavation removes large rocks from the construction site. If you have to dig for a foundation, excavation helps dig out limestone and other rocks that are in the way. Large machinery is used to safely and skillfully clear the land of significant obstructions. 

Excavation is also the process of digging trenches to install pipes or gas lines for easy access to the building. All of this is part of the construction site work process. 

Water Systems and Drainage

Drainage systems are essential to prevent water accumulation. During and after the construction process, water should not pool on the site. If water surrounds the construction site, it could mean flooding of the building once it is built, as well as erosion risks. 

Construction site work will always include installing drainage systems to keep water moving through the site rather than stopping to break down the soil and cause further problems. 

Additionally, water and drainage systems help to prevent seepage, which is the slow movement of water through small openings and spaces in the surface of unsaturated soil into or out of a body of surface or subsurface water. Without proper structures in place, seepage can lead to serious structural issues, such as foundation sinking or settlement, and ultimately, its collapse altogether.

Contact Mikula Contracting for Your Construction Site Work Needs

Construction site work is pivotal in starting a successful construction project, whether your project is on a new or existing property. Each step is crucial in creating a safe and efficient construction environment, from stabilizing the soil to implementing erosion control measures. 

When it comes to construction site work, it is essential to rely on experienced and professional contractors. Mikula Contracting is a trusted name in the industry for excavation, drainage systems, and other construction site work. Contact us to learn more about what we can do for you.

by Dennis Mikula Jr.

Common Safety Concerns in Excavation Projects

Safety should always be your first concern when beginning any construction project. While drawing plans and scheduling crews is important, excavation safety should be a major part of your overall plan. The equipment and tools used during excavation are large and dangerous if not used properly, and we know the ways to go about it safely, with everyone involved educated and on the same page. 

Below are some general excavation safety guidelines to abide by:

1. Stay away from unprotected trench and excavation areas. Falls on excavation sites are extremely dangerous and possibly fatal.
2. Complete daily inspections of the site before any work begins. This includes inspecting the safety measures you’ve put in place to protect those working for you.
3. Be apprised of the weather conditions each day and what it could mean for what you have planned on the job. Be mindful of possible lightning storms coming and workers who could be on equipment that would be dangerous in such conditions.
4. Watch where you keep your heavy equipment and make sure they are not near trench edges. It only takes a minute for the ground to give way and for equipment to fall – possibly on people below.
5. Know where the utilities are on your land and avoid them, especially when using heavy machinery.
6. If there is a raised load, work somewhere else and avoid walking under it if possible. Make sure other workers on the job site do the same.
7. Conduct atmosphere tests. Beware of toxic gasses overtaking oxygen levels, making it very dangerous for workers and their respiratory systems. If levels are bad enough, serious and even fatal consequences can occur.
8. Take protective measures like shielding, benching, and sloping shoring to keep the hazardous movement of dirt to a minimum.
9. Appoint a competent person to take charge of safety checks and inspections. This employee should also have the authority to make immediate decisions to keep workers safe from present hazards, especially in emergency situations.

Understanding the Risks of Excavation Work

There are definite excavation hazards involved with moving earth around, especially for large commercial builds. Depending on the excavation sites, types of soil, and type of excavation you’re planning, the risks of excavation work will change. Some of the main risks you’ll most likely encounter (and should plan to avoid) with excavations include:

• Devastating falls involving workers and equipment
• Equipment (big or small) injuring workers 
• Excavation site collapsing or falling in
• Existing structures falling into the excavation site or falling in place because they have not been strengthened or thoroughly inspected before digging began. This one can end up costing you a lot of money and time, not to mention very unhappy clients.
• Damage to underground cables or lines, including power, gas, cable, and more. This kind of damage can be frustrating for many in the surrounding area but can also be deadly if workers hit the wrong line.

Pre-Excavation Safety Measures and Planning

You cannot underestimate the importance of planning ahead, especially when it comes to safety. “Plan your dig, then dig your plan,” many say. If you come upon something that has not been planned correctly or forgotten altogether during excavation or any other part of the construction project, stop what you’re doing and plan or replan. 

As you plan ahead, take note of the following pre-excavation safety measures:

1. Understanding the job site. Know your site inside and out (literally). Know the soil type you’re working with. Is it sandy, rocky, or predominantly made of clay? What existed at your excavation site before you? Was another building there, or was it an orchard? There are so many possibilities and potential impacts that the land has undergone that you should know about. Survey the area and gather all the information you can before digging.
2. Plan for erosion, just in case. This isn’t ideal, but it is very common. Do what you can to slow or stop erosion if at all possible. 
3. Ensure nearby structures are stable, and brace anything that might need extra stability. If needed, safely remove structures that could be a safety threat now or in the near future as you excavate and build around them.
4. Make a safety plan and educate all workers on protocol and safety measures that will be followed. Train all workers in OSHA standards and other protective measures you are taking.

The Importance of Protective Gear For Excavation Workers

OSHA has strict requirements about how to protect workers during excavation and other construction processes. Protective gear is one way to help provide another layer of protection for your workers. This gear must always be worn while on the job site, even on hot, sunny days. Some examples include:

• High-visibility vests (especially for those that are working around traffic)
• Hard hat
• Protective gloves
• Hearing protection for use around loud equipment
• Safety glasses
• Fall protection equipment like harnesses and ropes.
• Respiratory protection
• Job-specific protective clothing
• Sturdy boots or other shoes
• Long pants and shirts with sleeves

How to Identify and Mitigate Hazards During Excavation

Trenching and excavation work can be extremely hazardous, which is why it’s vital to always be looking out for dangers and mitigating them immediately. Some safety precautions you can take may consist of:

• Placing barriers around the excavation site to keep people from falling in.
• Using fencing to block off areas where people should not be walking or could possibly fall.
• Supporting sides of the excavation area to avoid collapsing and injuring workers or other bystanders.
• Keeping vehicles and large equipment away from the excavation area. Utilize barriers to help mitigate this hazard.
• Marking and protecting underground services by utilizing pipes or avoiding the space completely (or as much as possible).
• Keeping pumping equipment close in case water seeps into the excavation site and must be removed to a safe place. It’s a good idea to also have a plan for where this safe place is in advance!
• Placing warning signs for equipment operators to see. Such signs may be used to help warn drivers/operators of their proximity to excavations.
• Conducting regular, daily inspections of the excavation site to ensure safety for all involved.

Best Practices for Preventing Excavation-Related Accidents and Injuries

Creating an excavation safety work environment will save you, your workers, and other subcontractors from unnecessary hazards on the job. As an owner, general contractor, project manager, or foreman, it is up to you to ensure a safe place to work. 

Mikula Contracting has you covered when it comes to completing excavation projects for commercial or residential projects. Safety is a must in our line of work, and we are trained, equipped, and ready to act on all safety plans you may have, as well as our own. In our minds, there are no other options.

If you’re ready to take advantage of our best practices that are tried and true for quality and safety, give Mikula Contracting a call. We excel in our commitment to excavation safety and will deliver a job well done. Don’t risk an accident or injury. Hire a professional excavator company to take care of everything. 

by Dennis Mikula Jr.

Seven Strategies for Successful Excavation Projects in New Jersey

Like any construction project, an excavation requires planning and strategizing on how to make that plan happen in the best, most efficient way possible. Your excavation project is the very beginning of your new commercial or residential construction project and lays the foundation for your entire build. Check out some of our best strategies for putting together a successful plan for your next excavation project in New Jersey.

1. Go In with a Strong Game Plan

Mapping out the details of your project will ensure that all involved, including stakeholders, are apprised of each aspect of the project. Solidifying roles and responsibilities can help keep everyone moving in the same direction. 

Clearly identifying incremental benchmarks as a goal will keep your workers and project moving smoothly as well as motivate everyone to conquer the next goal you set as a stepping stone to the final goal of a completed home or commercial property.

Each project has unique factors you don’t want to miss when assembling a strong game plan. Don’t forget to touch on each of these points as you prepare for your successful construction project management job. Get your game plan together for your best chance of success. 

2. Manage Your Time

Numerous project delays can be separate from your construction or excavation project. Construction is known for finishing things behind schedule, but you can raise the bar and expect better. While you don’t have complete control over every aspect of the job as a construction project manager, planning as much as possible and good communication allows you and others to get a clear view of your vision and strategies to get there and helps when adjustments to the plan are necessary.

Knowing each step of the project and what they all entail will help you plan for workers, equipment, and material orders. Regularly meet with the experts over each important aspect of the job to stay up to date on what’s going on. Stay organized to keep your workers on task and able to keep busy because the proper tools and materials are on site and ready to go. There’s nothing worse than paying people to stand around because they are waiting for materials to be delivered!

If you’ve ever had the experience of jumping from one disaster to the next as a manager, you know how frustrating it can be. Instead of putting out fires, make a plan that you can effectively work through so that you can put your energy into the project in a more proactive way over the course of the project. Hopefully, as an experienced project manager, you will be able to plan well so that you finish on time and on budget, making your clients extremely happy.

3. Choose the Right Team

You know what having the right members on your team means for your project. Choosing incompetent, unreliable, or dishonest workers will make your managing efforts much more difficult and time-consuming. That doesn’t even begin to touch on the extra money you will have to fork out to make up the time lost for such workers. 

Take a moment to connect with your employees and subcontractors so they know you value their hard work and can communicate with you at any time. Choosing the right team for the project is a must!

4. Be in Constant Communication

Good communication is possibly the most important way to lead a team or even participate as a team member on any project. Communication with your workers and other contractors on the site will be mandatory for success. 

Problems interacting and collaborating can result in a loss of time and money – not what you want to have to happen on your job site! Communicating clearly all job duties and expectations with each role will help reduce confusion and misunderstandings throughout the project. Effective communication is one of the most effective tools at your disposal.

5. Keep an Eye on Your Budget

Just hoping to stay on budget will not get you to your budgeted end goal. Make sure your plans are covered under your given budget and know when certain cost aspects need to be discussed with the client. Understanding the various costs associated with your project will help you not only make better decisions throughout the coming months but keep you on track and on budget. It is critical that you as the construction project manager always keep an eye on the budget and any adjustments to the budget are handled through change orders and documented properly.

6. Take the Time to Understand Your Dig Site

The most successful projects start with understanding your dig site. Do you know about the area and specific spot that you are digging? Find out everything you possibly can about your site including things like what the soil is made up of, and where gas, water, power, and other cable lines are located. Knowing this information will not only keep you and your workers safe, and the environment protected, but also keep your project on track, avoiding delays. It takes extra time and effort to “do some digging” before you actually begin digging, but it will be well worth your time.

7. Be Mindful of Erosion

Any excavating project, big or small, requires thoughtful planning as you consider soil composition, how deep you’re planning to dig, and what measures you can put into place to slow or stop soil erosion. It’s not always possible to completely stop erosion from happening but being ready to do what you can to clear the aftermath of any erosion and prevent it from spreading further is important. 

Work with Mikula Contracting for Your New Jersey Excavation Project

Keeping track of all the details of a project takes a lot of time. Hiring Mikula Contracting for your New Jersey excavation needs will take the stress off the excavation portion of your project, leaving you to concentrate on other parts of the construction process.

Maintain your reliable construction project manager reputation by getting the job done on time, on budget, and with top-notch quality. Contact Mikula Contracting to learn more about how we can help in your construction job and excavation project today.

by Dennis Mikula Jr.

Six Signs Your Land Needs to Be Graded

Considering your land’s upkeep is one of the last things you want to think about, but neglecting it will prove more work than you are ready or willing to undertake. Every so often, you will probably need to do some land grading in order to preserve your landscaping and avoid any future property damage down the road.

Land grading helps adjust the slope of your property to make sure water flows where you want it to, including away from your foundation. Let’s look at some warning signs you may see, clueing you in that your land needs to be graded or re-graded soon.

1. The Ground Is Noticeably Uneven

One of the first signs you may notice when needing land grading done is the uneven ground that eventually develops. Small hills, valleys, or varying ground levels may even appear as the water from drainage problems washes away the dirt in different areas across your property. 

If your existing land grading is no longer looking nice and smooth, consider calling someone that offers professional grading services like Mikula Contracting.

2. You Find Pooling Water

Have you noticed standing water in several places around your yard? This pooling water can be a tell-tale sign that drainage problems are occurring and that the soil is extremely compact and not absorbing water effectively. 

Pooling water can make it so you can’t use your property the way you want, as well as bring an increase of mosquitoes and other bugs. A simple landscape grading or complete yard grading is in your near future.

3. The Grass Is Patchy

Unhealthy, patchy grass or even plants and trees around your land that are no longer flourishing like they used to can be evidence that your property is uneven and either forcing too much water or not enough water into certain areas. 

Even worse, completely bare patches can develop and make your landscaping look like it’s in rough shape! If you have spots that have been walked on or driven on and have become completely compacted so nothing can grow on them, proper grading is your first step to making things right.

4. Tree Roots Are Exposed

When trees are planted, their roots are obviously covered underground with soil. Over the years, soil erosion occurs, uncovering the roots that should still be hidden, leaving them exposed and at risk of being damaged or infested with bugs or other pests. You don’t want to lose the shrubs and trees that you’ve been growing for the last several years!

Besides the less-than-desirable appearance, exposed tree roots can become a dangerous tripping hazard for you and your family. Adding some additional soil and completing some land grading will allow water flows to absorb into the ground how they should. Then your roots will stay planted without pulling out of the ground due to the increased weight of the tree or shrub and depleted soil. 

5. Clogged Infrastructure

We put measures in place on our homes and include them in our landscaping to divert water and prevent damage from being done. When these drains, gutters, and more become clogged with leaves, grass, twigs, and dirt coming from the lawn, you have a big problem! All of these water-diverting infrastructures are built to take water away from your home or other buildings, but when your land is not graded properly, they become clogged and don’t protect your home any longer.

6. Cracks in Your Foundation

Water in the basement, or drainage issues that have resulted in pooling water up against the concrete foundation of your home (underground or above ground), could end up costing you big. Cracks in your foundation start small but can get worse quickly. If you have any of these warning signs happening, contact a professional contractor to take a look at your foundation to be sure of its structural integrity, as well as complete land grading immediately. 

Make Sure Your Land Is Properly Graded with Mikula Contracting

Varying weather conditions change your landscaping and overall property grading over time. As landowners, we do what we can to slow the process from happening, but we can’t stop Mother Nature from doing what she will. When your property needs some attention, Mikula Contracting can help with any land grading services you need and more. 

Maybe you don’t know if it’s grading that you need– could it be something else that’s amiss? If you’re unsure what issues you are dealing with, we can help with that too. You can be confident that we will investigate and not only find the problems but also resolve them in a timely manner, whether it has to do with land grading or not. Contact our team today for a quote and to learn about how we can revive your property.

by Dennis Mikula Jr.

Preparing Your Construction Site for Excavation

Any kind of construction work is a big deal. Preparing properly will help ensure minimal complications throughout the process. Before you can prepare your construction site for excavation, it’s important to have a good set of plans. Proper planning includes being in communication with your municipality to ensure everything is up to specifications and follows local regulations and guidelines. It’s also important to understand what your site needs are and to communicate with your utility providers in order to know who will be installing what, and what you will need to hire out yourself. 

Let’s look at some things you should think about before the work begins as well as some planning, testing, and more that should take place to do the job right.

What to Consider Before Work Begins

Quite a few tasks must be done before your construction project can begin. Each step is crucial and must be done to ensure you are choosing the best site and plan for construction. Read more to learn about details that are vital to planning for a construction project. 

Soil Testing

Testing the soil is critical to determine what your site land is made up of. Most importantly, soil testing allows you to test the land’s ability to absorb water as well as hold the structure you want to build on it. You may find your dirt contains mostly rocks and is relatively stable. You could find that your site is made up of clay material which can experience moderate ground movement. On the extreme end, you may find the soil is extremely soft and cannot be built on at all.  Soil testing is a must!

Survey the Site

Ensuring that your chosen site is right for your project is important. If your building doesn’t fit on your building site, you want to know sooner than later so that you can change plan designs or make other needed alterations. 

During the site survey, you decide where everything will be placed, including any structures, utilities, and other important features. Marking these things on your site is an important part of being sure that you’re building in the correct area as well as ensuring that you don’t damage any underground utilities that are already in place. You’ll learn more about the slope you’re working with, as well, and how it will affect how excavation is done, how your foundation will be poured, landscaping, and more. 

Site Investigation

A geotechnical site investigation is essential in determining what kinds of rocks, soil, and groundwater are underneath the site. During a site investigation, your site will be evaluated to plan your structure’s foundation. As site conditions are studied, findings can be used to ensure no surprises occur during construction. Groundwater will also be evaluated during this investigation. If the ground isn’t suitable for the type of construction project you’re planning, changes will have to be made in either the project plans or site location. 

Analyze Any Underground Infrastructure

Reducing or ideally eliminating damage to underground infrastructures is important as you prepare your site for excavation in New Jersey and the construction work that will follow. These underground infrastructures may include utilities like:

• Water
• Electricity
• Gas
• Phone lines
• Internet cables

Other types of underground infrastructures may be things like:

• Loose-fill
• Tree roots
• Other existing structures that are buried

Site Design Planning

Creating a site plan design can be exciting. You’ll collect data that you’ve received from your survey, geotechnical investigation, soil testing, and more to make your plan. This plan will include details such as septic tank placement, drainage systems, your planned structures, etc. 

You will want to get your site design plan reviewed by the county and/or city to ensure everything meets the zoning requirements and the area’s building codes. Once all your plans are approved, you can obtain the permits necessary for any needed demolition or other work that needs to be completed. Things are moving right along!

Mark the Boundaries of the Project

It’s important to know the proper boundaries of the land and the project you’re working on. Your neighbor may tell you what the boundary is, but that may be completely different from the actual boundary. Getting a precise boundary determination will help you avoid any unpleasant or bothersome conflicts down the road with neighbors. A boundary determination will establish your boundary through surveys, measurements, and marking. 

Clear the Site and Compact the Soil

When it’s finally time to clear the site and start grading the area, you are about ready to start the building process. It’s getting real now! 

If any trees or tree stumps need to be removed or structures need demolition, that will take place at this point using very heavy equipment. Any kind of added dirt fill and leveling out the ground is all part of the construction site preparation. Adding important site access roads or site prep areas for construction workers can also be prepared with the equipment on site while grading the land.

The final part of the land preparation is compacting the soil so that it can handle the weight of any structures or other things that will be placed on it. During soil compaction, the dirt is pressed together (usually mechanically) to get rid of any free space between each soil particle. This is all to reduce the amount of settling that occurs during and after the construction process. Sinking soil can affect the integrity of the whole structure. Other reasons soil compaction is necessary are:

• It reduces water from seeping into unwanted areas.
• It provides a stable work area.
• It increases how much weight the soil can hold.

Not all soil reacts the same way when using the same soil compaction methods. Therefore, soil test information can be very useful in determining the best and most efficient way to compact the soil on your site. Once the soil is compacted, excavation can officially begin!

Consult Our Excavation Experts for Your Construction Project

Mikula Contracting knows all about construction site preparation and excavation in New Jersey. All the small (and large) details are second nature to our fantastic crew. Mikula Contracting gets busy taking care of all the preparations mentioned above and more so you can reach your final goal – your finished construction project where you can make great things happen. 

Give our team at Mikula Contracting a call to learn more about our residential and commercial excavation services today.

by Dennis Mikula Jr.