What is the Average Cost of an Excavation Project? 

What is the Average Cost of an Excavation Project? 

Excavation projects come in different shapes and sizes, and there are many factors that go into the average excavation cost of a project.

The average excavation cost for a commercial excavation will depend on the type of project, the extent of the project, and if it is a residential or commercial property. Whether your company is going through a major development or expansion or if an environmental cleanup is necessary, there are various factors that go into determining cost.

Certain projects are similar for commercial and residential projects, like pipe repair or drainage issues.

If the water line to your building or home stopped working, it could require excavation services to repair it. This ensures that workers can access the affected line without causing further damage.

Perhaps the water line burst and has caused excess water. This can damage your foundation and create health and safety issues.

With so many plumbing, electrical, and septic systems located underground, excavation services are usually necessary to fix problems in these areas.

You may also need excavation services like:

• trench shoring
• underground utility installation
• oil tank removal

The average excavation cost for residential projects is typically less than a commercial project. However, the cost breakdown is similar.

The Average Cost of an Excavation Project

As mentioned above, there are several factors that can affect excavation costs. With that, it is hard to determine the exact cost without getting a quote directly from an experienced residential and commercial excavation company. However, typically, the average cost ranges from $50 to $200 per cubic yard. However, again, the average cost can vary depending on other factors.

Breakdown of Costs

The type of excavation is going to determine the cost factors, but some costs are a given no matter the type of project.

Permits are a standard cost. Permits are generally required before undertaking an excavation project that could disturb the surrounding environment. Most excavation projects require permits from the city or county to ensure the project is being completed safely and up to standard. Part of the permit cost may also include a site survey to ensure there are not any electrical or plumbing lines that will be impacted by the project.

The excavation of the soil is a standard cost usually per cubic foot or cubic yard. If the project is removing topsoil, the cost may be calculated in square feet or square yards instead of cubic.

Depending on your project, you may have the same company doing grading and other prep work that may add money to the cost of the project, but save money by having the same company do the work. Additionally, the work might get done faster by not having multiple companies doing different parts of the project.

Soil remediation may be a cost or it may be the basis of your project. Soil remediation is the process of removing or replacing the soil to get rid of contamination. Soil contamination occurs when toxins get mixed with the natural compounds of the soil.

If you have had a spill or discovered improper waste flow on your property, you may need soil remediation to restore the safety of your land.

Some common soil remediation strategies include bioremediation, soil washing, and thermal desorption. Some of these soil remediation technologies are used to separate out the chemicals.

Sometimes it may be necessary to remove the contaminated soil and replace it with clean fill, especially if you do not have the time to deal with bioremediation.

Another standard cost for excavation is dirt removal. Both commercial and residential excavations have the option of reusing the dirt on-site. However, if there is not enough space for the amount of dirt being removed, or you cannot use all of it on your property, there is a cost for hauling and disposal.

There are a number of factors that can drive up costs that may be unexpected. Besides soil remediation for unexpected contamination, you may end up finding unexpected challenges during excavation.

Having to move large boulders, rocky soil, or running into potentially long-buried things can complicate your excavation project and increase the cost.

Prices Depending on Size of Project

Regardless of whether your project is commercial or residential, it is the size of the project that is going to determine the price. Clearing a large piece of land or digging deep into the ground is much more expensive than topsoil clearing and leveling for the installation of a pool.

Pool removal is a prime example of variables based on the size of the project.

1. Before the removal of any inground pool, whether residential or commercial, it must be drained.
2. The bottom of the pool, as well as the sides, will be broken up into small pieces and transported off your property. Properly disposing of the waste from the pool involves recycling concrete, treating the water for reuse or disposal, and disposing of or recycling other equipment connected to the pool.
3. Of course, a commercial pool is going to have more water, more chemicals, and more waste than a residential pool. Either way, junk removal is a lengthy process and should be included in the cost of your pool removal.
4. After that element is completed, you will have a hole in your property. A variable cost factor is how much backfill material is required to fill the hole. Compacting and leveling is a standard service that should not fluctuate too much based on size.

One cost factor that may be impacted by the size of the project is labor. Larger projects take longer and require more manpower on-site. This is another increase in the cost of the project.

Equipment is a variable factor. The larger the project, the more heavy equipment is needed. However, larger equipment is needed to complete the project quickly and safely. Larger equipment can also increase costs due to additional safety measures and the need to have specially trained operators.

When considering an excavation project, you may want to consider a company that has a wide range of expertise in different types of excavation and offers a variety of services so that you do not have to outsource multiple parts of your project.

Get multiple estimates from different companies. Ask for recommendations from local hardware and home improvement stores. Talk to your neighbors, check your local social media pages or groups, and access websites that provide ratings for companies.

Once you’ve selected a company, ask detailed questions about their experience and equipment. Verify their certifications, insurance, and licensure. Request a contract or agreement that specifies the work to be done and the rates to be charged. Make sure you have agreed upon estimates for unexpected hiccups in the project.

Get a Quote From an Experienced Excavation Company

At Mikula, we specialize in providing exceptional professional and residential excavation services. Call us today to get a quote for your project today.

by Dennis Mikula Jr.

How Much Does It Cost To Excavate Land?

How Much Does It Cost To Excavate Land?

There are many different reasons that you may need land excavation done. Anything from simply digging a hole to see if you can find a leak in one of your underground pipes to larger projects that entail heavy machinery and a full team can be considered land excavation. Depending on the size of the project, you could end up paying a large amount of money for a project to get done.

If you have never had land excavated before, you may still be researching what a land excavation project entails and how much does it cost to excavate land?

We’ve got the answers you need so that you can make sure you’re getting the right work done for the right price.

Types of Excavation Projects

The cost of your land excavation is going to depend primarily on what type of excavation you need to be done. This guide is a great indicator for the scope of the project which will affect what types of machinery, price per square foot, and, ultimately, the total cost of your land excavation project.

One way that experts classify the different types of land excavation is by the types of materials that are being excavated. The main land materials that are commonly excavated are:

• Topsoil- Topsoil is the outermost layer of soil or dirt. This layer supports and includes vegetation, meaning that the material being excavated here is moister than other types of material. This is important to remove as quickly as possible, making it the first step in any land excavation project.
• Earth- Earth is classified as the layer underneath the topsoil. This is generally removed using a scarper but may include rock and boulder materials that require the use of a drill for removal.
• Muck- Muck is any earth material (topsoil or earth) that has a high concentration of water. As the name suggests, this includes things like mud and undesirable soil. Since it is so unstable, it’s often spread out over a larger area, allowing it to dry before it can be used for anything.

Here are a few of the most common types of excavation that both residential homes and commercial properties alike may need to be done at some point or another.

• Securing Foundation- This type of land excavation is necessary for any building, whether it be a home, a small business, or even a huge office building. If you’re building a new home, the most important part of it is the foundation. In order to build a solid foundation, a large amount of soil must be removed to make space for pouring concrete, ensuring a level surface for the rest of the construction.
• Drainage Solution- To avoid things like flooding that could cause damage, it’s recommended to have some sort of drainage solution that leads rainwater away from the property. In order to do this, however, land excavation is necessary to make way for a pipe or seepage pit installation.
• Pipe Damage- One of homeowners’ and businesses’ biggest fears when it comes to their home is a pipe leak or break. When this happens, it can lead to flooding and severe water damage to your property. If your pipes are damaged, you will need professional land excavation to get to those underground pipes so that they can be repaired.
• Environmental Cleansing- For a variety of reasons, the soil surrounding your business may become contaminated with things like sewage or improperly disposed waste. When this occurs, the soil must be removed to prevent the contaminated land from causing environmental or even health problems and also needs a team of general contractors to ensure the land is removed and disposed of properly.

As you can see, on top of the square footage and equipment used, issues like toxic materials and types of soil affect the overall cost of any particular land excavation project. 

What also factors into total cost here is how the contractors or company you hire choose to charge for each project. It’s generally up to them, based on the scale of the project, cost of labor, and equipment used, to decide by what metric they will charge.

• In general, the hourly price of land excavation will run from $100-$180. 
• If you’re being charged per cubic yard, your costs could be anywhere between $50 and $200. 
• Yard grading typically starts at about $1,000 per project but could cost up to $6,000 and beyond.
• Equipment charges can cost from $100 to $150 per hour depending on how much heavy equipment is needed.

Of course, these charges also vary depending on the type of project that needs to be done. The price for something like a residential swimming pool excavation, for example, can vary greatly depending on whether your land is mostly soil or rock, making it a much larger investment for some than for others.

How to Know if You’re Being Overcharged

Keep in mind when asking yourself, "how much does it cost to excavate land" that the price of land excavation is not only dependent on the quality of the team - it is also dependent on the quality of land they are working with and the scope of the project. 

Ultimately, the best way to know if you’re being overcharged is to compare the cost with other local top-rated contractors and read through each company’s reviews. You can always get multiple bids on your project and hire the contractor that seems like the best fit based on your research, their portfolio of work and quality of customer service. 

Contact a Trusted Contractor for Your Land Excavation Project

At Mikula Contracting, we’ve successfully completed countless commercial and residential land excavations across New Jersey. When you work with our team, we’ll not only take care of all permits and inspections, but we’ll also make sure your excavation project is completed on time and within budget. Contact us for a quote today.

by Dennis Mikula Jr.

What is Test Pit Excavation?

When you are ready to start new construction, you may already be aware that the site must first be inspected and evaluated. But where do you start? One of the best ways to gain a sampling of the soil is through test pits and trenches. What is a test pit? The short answer to what is a test pit is when an excavation team digs multiple holes or trenches on the property to collect samples of the soil. 

Let’s explore this further. 

What is Test Pit Excavation?

A big part of site investigation before building on the land is test pit excavation. When you ask, what is test pit excavation, you will find out why you need it. 

An excavation team will carefully take samples of the soil, digging a few feet below the projected construction dig. And then, the soil will be evaluated for rock ratio, the softness of the soil, and contamination. 

Here are some things that a test pit excavation can discover: 

• Layer of Shallow Rock: Some areas of the country have layers of rock right under the shallow surface of the soil. When a contracting team knows about the rock that will need to be dug out, it can prepare by using different equipment and altering the timeline for the project. 

• Water Table Location: The water table is a layer of water underneath ground soil. It is when soil is considered compact without oxygen flowing through it. The water table can change with the seasons, but it is always an asset to know where it starts on your construction site. 

• Soil Contamination: If there were an oil spill or hazardous chemicals in the soil from a previous time, you would want to know about it before building a residential or commercial building. Contaminated soil can be detrimental to the public and is not a suitable growing area for plants and vegetation to grow. Imagine finding out about contaminated soil at the end of your construction project. It would be damaging financially. 

• Potential for Growth: Contaminated soil is not the only earth that plants will not thrive on. There are types of soil that are very dry and rocky that will not grow greenery easily. You can find that out through test pit excavation. And then you can bring in your own clean fill to fix the problem. 

When you find out, what is a test pit, you can discover so many things. It is vital to conduct test pitting services before a big construction project to avoid a setback when so much money has been invested. 

Why Choose Test Pitting Services?

Say you were to find out what is a test pit after you started on construction? If you start without knowing what is a test pit, then you may have invested a lot of money in a land that is filled with contaminated soil and required soil remediation. Or you may find that the earth is susceptible to landslides or sinking and will not offer a solid ground for a building. 

When you hire a geotechnical engineer to show you what is a test pit, you will learn about the soil before starting the project. Then you don’t have to put the timeline on hold when you discover setbacks with the ground late in the construction process. 

Is a Test Pit Always Needed?

Is it widely known what is a test pit in the construction business? Many contractors have learned their lessons when finding out late in a project about a problem with the soil. Test pit excavations are needed on any project that you would like to avoid surprises. 

The more you know about the land before starting construction, the less money your project will cost. Also, because you are prepared on what is a test pit and how it will teach you more about the soil, you won’t have any surprises come your way during construction. 

Who Benefits From Test Pit Excavation?

What is a test pit, and who benefits from it? If you are a contractor, homeowner, or commercial landowner, you will benefit from test pit excavation. 

Mikula Contracting has been in business for over 70 years serving the Northern New Jersey communities. We have built a reputation of trust, expertise, and care over the years. You can enlist our team for help in your test pit excavation. 

We also offer other excavation services: 

• Removal of Large Equipment or Structures: Whether you have a garage or swimming pool to be removed, our team can take care of it. Large structures like underground oil tanks or playgrounds are part of our excavation services. 

• Addition of Clean Fill to a New Construction: Leveling land includes filling in parts of land that are lower than the rest of the area. Our certified clean fill is exactly what you need to get your land up to grade for your new construction. 

• Removal of Dirt for Leveling Land: When you think of excavation services, you may picture a large excavator moving dirt around. Your childhood fantasies can come to life when you discover that’s what we offer at Mikula Contracting. We move dirt. Let us take large amounts of dirt off your hands so that you can start on your contracting project. 

Our team is happy to meet your excavation needs in New Jersey. You can count on us to prepare your land for new construction by knowing what is a test pit, building test pits and trenches, testing the soil, and soil remediation and removal. If you need new earth brought in for a project, you can rely on us for certified clean fill.  

NJ Test Pit Excavation Contractors

At Mikula Contracting, you can find trusted test pit excavation contractors. Our team is experienced in test pits and trenches and can work to get you the results you need before starting new construction. Contact us today to ask all of your questions. We want to help you understand what is a test pit and use it to your benefit. 

by Dennis Mikula Jr.

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. 

by Dennis Mikula Jr.

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. 

1. 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. 

1. 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. 

1. 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.  

1. 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. 

1. 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. 

1. 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. 

1. 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.  

1. 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. 

1. 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. 

1. 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. 

1. 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. 

by Dennis Mikula Jr.

Winter Excavation: What You Need to Know

Are excavation projects happening in the winter? Are excavation services available in the winter? For breaking through frozen ground, is the cost higher? You may have several questions about winter excavation. While winter sounds like a great time to hire a construction team for a project that you’d like done by the spring, you want to be sure of the feasibility. 

Is Winter a Good Time for Beginning an Excavation Project?

Many excavation companies can experience a slow time in the winter months. People assume that the ground is too frozen to start on winter construction projects. This may be true for parts of the country, but at Mikula Contracting, winter excavation is readily available. Our team is able to focus on your excavation project and, with the use of frozen ground tools and soil warming, can get the job done even quicker in some cases. 

With countless deadlines approaching for construction projects in the spring, why not start on excavation work now? When you have an experienced team that is ready to work, there is no reason to delay. Leave it up to the experts to find the best methods for winter excavation NJ. 

How Cold Weather Affects Construction Projects

Temperatures must be below freezing for weeks in order for the top layer of earth to be frozen ground. If you are digging for the foundation of a home, then it is possible that the land is not frozen most of the winter. A winter excavation project can be done throughout most of the year. For the times that temperatures are below freezing and ice and snow come into the picture, then excavation work can be affected. 

• Snow and Ice: Dangers are possible when you mix snow and ice with an excavation project. The team is more susceptible to injuries on the job if they slip and fall. Mixing water with electrical equipment can also be worrisome. But with an experienced team, there are ways to work around it by using tarps to cover the construction area during a snowstorm. And each company has procedures for getting a job done right during a winter storm in New Jersey.  

• Consistent Below-Freezing Temperatures: With freezing temperatures, the ground can become rock hard and seemingly challenging to dig out. It isn’t often that temperatures stay below freezing at all hours of the day for weeks at a time. The ground can be soft and pliable if the sun is coming out and warming it.

Of course, cold temperatures do change the way things are done for a winter excavation project. But with an experienced team, tweaking a project to accommodate cold weather is just a regular day on the job. With a trusted team, you don’t have to worry about how they are going to execute the project. You can just enjoy the full attention of a winter excavation NJ team. 

Pros and Cons of Breaking Ground in the Winter

As with any excavation project, there are pros and cons to breaking ground during the winter. Depending on the project, the pros can outweigh the cons, and you can reap many benefits. If you have questions on a specific idea, contact Mikula Contracting to determine if their team is up for the job. 

Pros of Winter Excavation

It can seem impossible to be able to take on a commercial building project during the winter. Leave it up to the experts to determine if winter excavation is impossible or not. Here are some great things about breaking ground in the winter: 

• Not the busy period: Many construction companies experience a lull in business during the winter. When you hire a team for winter excavation, they will be able to give their undivided attention to your project. Rather than balancing multiple projects at once, your project will be the top priority. 

• More workforce: Often, more workers are available for one specific project during the winter months. Because construction companies are not being bombarded with contracts through the winter, they will be able to send more workers to your site. This will minimize the timeline of the project. 

• No waiting: Winter is a long time to wait out an urgent construction project. Time is money, and if you own the property and it is just sitting there without movement, all that money is lost. Construction projects during the winter may come with some extra costs, but it can be worth it when you look at the big picture. 

Suppose you finally just sold your house, and now you have to wait until Spring to get started on the construction of your new home? Those months of waiting can be excruciating, elongating the time between houses that your family is uprooted. Winter excavation can be of great value to those waiting to start a new construction project. 

Cons of Winter Excavation

There is a reason why you don’t see construction workers lining the highway throughout the winter. Winter construction can be challenging, especially with snow and ice. Here is what you need to know regarding the challenging parts of winter excavation: 

• Frozen ground: If it is a frigid winter with freezing temperatures for weeks on end, then even shallow excavation projects can be challenging to break ground. The frozen ground poses a big problem, requiring special tools. And many times, the soft soil can feel like solid concrete when it is frozen all the way through.  

• Discomfort of employees: Working in frigid conditions is not ideal for the workers. But neither is 100-degree weather. With the proper outerwear, this disadvantage can be quickly addressed. And with a trailer or warming tent on-site, the workers will have a chance to warm up between tasks and stay relatively comfortable. 

It is essential to know the downside of starting a winter excavation project before beginning the project. Speak to an excavation contractor NJ about how they work around the cons and if starting your construction in the winter is worth it. These disadvantages are not deal-breakers. It can take some creativity to begin a construction project during the winter. 

Winter Weather Digging and Excavation Advice

For excavation contracting advice, it is essential to know that the soil is not as hard as a rock most of the winter. Even if the temperatures are dipping through each night, the sun comes out during the day and warms the top layer of soil. Do not just assume that the project will be too challenging to take on during the winter. 

Another item of advice is to use water to warm and dig through the soil. High pressured water can be an effective way to dig through the frozen ground. And it’s not as expensive as some of the other tools or warming-soil methods. 

And lastly, if you are losing money waiting to start a construction project, pay the additional cost to start your winter excavation today. You will have your project completed earlier than usual and put the money you’re losing toward getting the job done. 

Tips for Winter Commercial Excavation Projects

With the real estate market booming right now, there isn’t time to wait for winter to be over to start on a commercial excavation project. You want to maximize your investment and get started on the project right away. 

If the extra cost is what’s keeping you from diving into a winter excavation project, then find ways to cut costs along the way. The project is waiting for you. All you have to do is contact Mikula Contracting and receive a consultation on your project. Our team of experts is ready to tackle your winter project. 

Tips for Winter Residential Excavation Projects

Winter is a great time to break ground on a new swimming pool. Imagine waiting for a pool construction project while it’s 100 degrees outside, dying for the project to be over. When you hire excavation contracting in the winter, you can guarantee your new pool will be ready when you need it. Take a look at some tips for winter residential excavation: 

• Be prepared to warm the ground: If your project can’t wait, then be ready to pay the costs to warm the earth. Ground heaters, insulation blankets, and clearing the area of any obstructed shade will prepare your site for excavation in cold weather. 

• Take advantage of warm-weather days: Do not waste one minute during the warmer days where the sun is shining bright and warming the ground. Get the full crew out there on those days and pile in as much work as possible. 

• Take advantage of inside work discounts: If it is possible to wait on an excavation project, look for deals from construction companies during the winter for interior jobs. Basement, kitchen, and bathroom remodels are very popular during the wintertime. These construction projects eliminate any issues with working on construction projects during the cold months of the year. 

Your residential excavation project can feasibly be done during the winter months. It is vital not to sit on a residential property, waiting to break ground because you assume the negatives outweigh the positives for a winter excavation project. Contact the professionals before you assume anything. 

Expert Excavation Services in NJ

All of your winter excavation questions can be answered in just one phone call. If you are feeling stressed about delaying a construction project due to the winter, take action today. Do not take your friend’s word for it about what they did when they built on their property. Seek advice from professionals in the business with 75 years of experience in New Jersey. 

You may face some obstacles for your winter excavation project, but that doesn’t mean it is impossible. Whether it means receiving a higher quote than it may be in the spring, that number can be negated by saving money on time. The project can get completed quicker with a full team devoted to your assignment. And you can save money on holding a property without building on it throughout the winter. 

For your next winter excavation project, Mikula Contracting is the place to call. Our experts are prepared with the knowledge and equipment to get the job efficiently. There is no ground too frozen for our projects. And by taking advantage of the less-busy time, deadlines can be shortened, and your job can be the focus of the team. Call today for your consultation with the best excavation company in New Jersey.

by Dennis Mikula Jr.