Why you should let the professionals handle your residential demolition project
Often, demolition is necessary for construction. Sometimes, demolitions are actually renovations in disguise. And then there are times when you just need to demolish something for your own sanity and peace of mind. Whatever your reasons for a residential demolition project, only trust professionals to handle it.
Beginnings and endings are an essential part of life. How you handle them determines whether they are orderly and calm or a colossal mess. This is true whether you are talking about relationships, rivers or residential demolition projects. By letting professionals handle your project, you can ensure that all will go smoothly. There are many other reasons why it’s important to choose your contractor wisely.
Types of residential demolition projects
Whole house demolition – there are times when an entire house must go. This could be due to age and deterioration, infestation or local laws. If extensive repairs are necessary and the cost of repairs exceeds the value of the house, starting over is a smart option. You could also elect to remove a structure because all you really want is the land it sits on. It’s also possible that you’ve found the perfect location for your family to live but the house itself is ugly.
Disaster cleanup – weather can wreak havoc on even the strongest homes and structures. When a roof is severely damaged or there is significant flooding after a tornado, hurricane or snow storm, this is no longer a safe place to live. When a home has become unsafe or unfixable, it’s best to remove this threat altogether for community welfare or potential liability issues. If your home has been rendered structurally unsound, you may need to demolish all or parts of it and start over.
Making room for renovations – as they say, out with the old and in with the new. A kitchen renovation might require knocking out the back wall. That upscale bathroom you want could produce tons of debris from the old one.
Swimming pool removal – contrary to what every kid might think, swimming pools are not for everyone. Additionally, you may have purchased property with a swimming pool that is broken or in disrepair. This could also be a safety hazard if you have small children.
Top reasons why you shouldn’t take on residential demolition projects by yourself
Home improvement reality shows on television are filled with do it yourselfers who make residential demolition look so easy. Even when they experience problems or setbacks, this is shown as no big deal and it’s all handled within an hour long episode. The finished product is always pristine with no lingering issues.
While you may be tempted to follow their lead, this is a far cry from the reality you can expect. In real life, these situations lead to headaches, arguments and wasted time and money. Some projects are fine for the do it yourselfer, such as landscaping or repairs. Residential demolition is not one of them.
Reason 1: Residential demolition takes skill and experience
To do it right, you need to actually know what you are doing. A professional will have the proper tools and equipment, as well as the knowledge to handle any situation that may arise.
Reason 2: You may think that doing it yourself saves time and money, but it doesn’t
By the time you are done purchasing all the materials, renting dumpsters and troubleshooting problems, you could have just hired a professional. This is not including the time you may have to take off from work, manual hours put in from friends and relatives and the days or weeks spent looking at the unfinished project before it’s completed. If anything does not go according to plan, you will have to invest additional dollars to fix it. In the end, you will likely spend a lot more money and time trying to save money and time.
Reason 3: Your own safety
Studies show that more than 4,000 people are injured each year attempting do it yourself projects. Hundreds of deaths are linked to ladder falls alone. Attempting demolition projects on your own puts both your person and your property at risk for injury and damage.
Reason 4: Unforeseen issues
You may not be aware of all the potential problems connected with a do it yourself project. For example, you could unwittingly release toxins into the air or ground, encounter asbestos, knock down trees or disrupt underground power lines. This could create environmental or public safety issues and get you into trouble with the city or your gas or electric company.
Reason 5: Liability and insurance issues
Most insurance companies will not cover damages and injuries that result from do it yourself projects. You will also be liable from damages that may occur on neighboring or surrounding property as a byproduct of your demolition project. On the contrary, a qualified contractor will already have the necessary insurance and licenses required to tackle any residential demolition job.
Reason 6: To stay ahead of local laws and ordinances.
When you are planning any type of renovation or demolition, there are numerous rules and regulations you must follow. Failure to do so will result in fines and legal complications. These rules can change at any time and ignorance is no excuse for lack of compliance. There are various laws regarding things like harmful materials and debris, disposal of lead based materials, and open burning regulations. You may also be subject to state or local inspections that are either routine or the result of a complaint.
Reason 7: There is more to residential demolition than just digging and destruction
In addition to laws and regulations, there is more involved on your residential property than meets the eye. For example, you must deal with the utility company before you dig. Things like water, gas and electricity may need to be disconnected before you begin. A licensed professional will be aware of these types of issues and can steer you in the right direction.
At Mikula Contracting, we are residential demolition experts. We will evaluate your demolition needs and create a customized plan that is right for you. We service Essex, Passaic, Hudson, Bergen, Union and Morris counties. Call today for a fast quote.
10 Important Things to be Aware of Before you Buy a Home
So you are ready to purchase a new home. Congratulations. Whether you are a first time buyer or have been around the block a few times, there are several key facts you need to consider before signing on that dotted line.
When you purchase a new home, you probably think hard about things like whether it has enough space for your entertaining needs or what the neighbors are like. However, there are also bigger issues that must be included in your decision making process.
1. The pros and cons of buying versus renting in your area.
There are numerous benefits and headaches with each choice. Sometimes, based on the market and the economy, it’s better to wait. You also need to think about the return on investment and how much home you can afford. Also, if your potential mortgage would be more expensive than what you pay in rent, you may want to recalculate your finances and save for a while longer. The area where you live can also be a factor, as home prices might be vastly different from one area to the next. How long you plan to stay in the home could also contribute to your decision.
2. How the mortgage process works.
Where will you get funding? How will the amount of your down payment affect your mortgage? Buying a home can feel like you are signing your life away, especially if you’ve never done it before. Many different terms are thrown at you and lots of people with various titles will come along and offer to help you. This is on top of all the legal and real estate issues you must contend with. Know your rights and get the best advice before embarking on this confusing process.
3. Learn as much as possible about the home and don’t be afraid to walk away.
In the search for your dream home, you may find a house that you really love. When that happens, you might feel like you will do anything to get it. Even in a house that seems perfect on the surface, there could be issues lurking underneath. Basements, foundations and drainage issues must be thoroughly checked. If possible, get an inspection after it rains so you can really see what’s going on. Among other questions you may want to ask include how long the home has been on the market, typical cost of utilities and whether there is a homeowner’s association. You don’t want to purchase someone else’s headaches so if you find something that’s not right, walk away.
4. You might have to make some difficult choices.
If you are selling your current home and buying another, one may happen faster than the other. This could mean finding temporary housing to make room for the new owner or settling on a home that is less than ideal. Also, there might be repairs that have to be made on your new home. For example, you could face issues with sewer lines or it may require an oil tank or pool removal. These might be items thatthe seller won’t pay for. Therefore, you would have to decide if it’s a project you want to take on as a DIY or to hire a professional contracting service.
5. Keep all money matters in mind at all times.
The decision to buy a new home is exciting. However, don’t get so caught up in the thrill that you forget to get your finances in order. Down payments, credit scores and closing costs are all factors that will affect what you pay and how much you need to save. Experts recommend buying less house than you can afford to avoid becoming house poor. Also, it’s best to get pre-approved before you go house shopping.
6. Beware of money pits.
You may remember the 1980s Tom Hanks/Shelley Long film called The Money Pit, where a couple purchases a huge home for a ridiculously low price and then discover why it was so cheap. Everything that can go wrong with a house does, in hilarious fashion. While the movie was funny, it’s no laughing matter when this happens to you in real life. Some of the items you should look out for include a roof that needs replacement, an old electrical system, cracks in the foundation and water stains on the ceiling.
7. Don’t rush your decision.
Your home is likely the most expensive purchase you will ever make. It’s vital to take your time. Shop around for the best mortgage rates and homeowner’s insurance. Don’t let anyone pressure you into making an immediate decision.
8. Use an agent.
Some people believe that real estate agents are not worth the money and they can handle everything on their own. The truth is that agents understand the process better than you. Make sure you choose an agent accustomed to dealing with clients in your area and income bracket. A buyer’s agent will answer only to you so he will negotiate to get you the best deal.
9. Overlook the small stuff.
Don’t let little things like paint colors in the bathroom or light fixtures in the kitchen sway your decision. It’s unlikely that the seller will match your exact tastes and choose the same cosmetic features that you would. Instead, look at things like the flow of the house, the size of the rooms and that it has enough outdoor space to fit your lifestyle.
10. Think long term.
Everything about your new home will not always be picture-perfect. Whether it’s something that goes wrong or remodeling projects to make it better fit your current lifestyle, eventually, all homes require some amount of work. This is easier when you have the right contractors already lined up. Look for companies with extensive experience and the proper certifications and licenses.
For demolition, disposal, drainage, excavation and trucking and material delivery, you can trust Mikula Contracting. We handle ground, land and backyard drainage as well as rainwater and standing water drainage and surface drainage systems. We service Essex, Passaic, Hudson, Bergen, Union and Morris counties. Call today for a fast quote.