Residential Excavation

Residential Excavation Costs

Most excavation work requires heavy machinery, which means that it’s challenging for property owners to take a DIY approach for land excavation and grading. Residential excavation costs are affected by many factors, such as the type of equipment required, the amount of work that needs to be completed, and which contractor you choose to hire.

As you are looking at the expenses for grading and excavating, remember that these costs aren’t optional. Your lot needs to be carefully prepared before undertaking any project. Working on the property and the land ensures that you have a solid base for the foundation of a building or other landscaping needs that will be followed.

Type of Equipment for Residential Excavation

What type of equipment will your contractor bring for residential excavation? Typically, heavy machinery is transported to the site, giving the crew access to tools that improve the project's efficiency and quality.

Digging often requires the use of an excavator or backhoe loader. For small and medium-sized projects, a backhoe loader can be a great solution because it includes both a front shovel-bucket as well as a rear-mounted digging bucket (often designed with a two-part hinged arm). Excavators are designed with a cab, boom, and bucket -- all mounted on a platform that rotates. This platform is attached to tracks with wheels that move similar to a tank.

A good contractor owns their own equipment. So, residential excavation costs help cover the man hours, cost of purchasing the equipment, and transportation and maintenance. These large machines can be quite expensive, which is why the excavation team needs to charge appropriately to cover the expenses. 

On the other hand, some excavation contractors don’t own their equipment. Instead, they must rent out the heavy equipment for each project. The rental costs are passed on to the clients, with the ability to customize the rental depending on each project's specific needs.

Land Excavation Costs

It’s a good idea to talk to a local contractor if you need more information about residential excavation costs. We offer support for a variety of construction projects, including both small and large sites.

With land excavation, this category can include everything from preparing a site before construction to digging a hole for a swimming pool installation. Here are a few examples of how pricing might be affected, depending on the type of project and the lot conditions:

• In-Ground Swimming Pool: If you are excavating to dig an in-ground pool, then it might be as cheap as $1,500 if the soil is soft and without obstructions or boulders. On the other hand, this price can be as high as $15,000 - $20,000 when there are significant challenges on the job site, such as boulders, hardpan, or rocks.
• New House Construction: The cost of foundation excavation depends on the size of the foundation and the depth needed. For example, if the property only has a crawl space instead of a full basement with 10’ ceilings, then excavation costs will be cheaper. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the size of the foundation that is needed. 
• Excavating Around an Existing House: Sometimes excavation is required near an existing house, such as digging to create footer drains and a waterproof barrier outside the current basement. Expert skills are needed to complete this project without damaging the foundation of the existing structure. For example, this type of excavation can run anywhere from $5,000 - $15,000 to get the job done right.

One crucial factor is the way the dirt is moved, with the goal of meeting the future needs of the project. If excavation is done for new construction, then it requires much more than digging a hole where the foundation will be laid. Often, the excavators also need to be proactive about setting aside the topsoil so it can be used for backfilling again later. When the construction work is complete, the excavation often needs to be refilled. Or, the topsoil can be essential for landscaping grading that will be done when construction is finished.

Yard Grading Costs

While some yard grading can be done with DIY equipment, it often makes sense to bring in an experienced excavation team to clear the property. Yard grading can be completed in just a day or two with the right equipment. On the other hand, not having the right tools requires many more working hours, often resulting in DIY that requires multiple days of work.

A backhoe loader might be used for yard grading. Or sometimes it’s better to use skid steer loaders or compact track loaders. The terrain of the property and size of the project will determine the type of equipment we bring to the site. 

Other factors that can affect these yard grading costs include current conditions that need to be cleared, as well as your goals for the finished landscaping. For example, the cost of removing brush and trees with the excavation increases the prices. Not only do we need to take the time to pull out the trees and brush, but we’ll also need to haul everything away, so you have a clear lot for the new placement of landscaping features.

Excavation Cost Factors

Keep in mind that most excavation companies determine residential excavation costs by charging on an hourly basis, which can run anywhere from $40 - $150 depending on the type of equipment used. Even though this hourly billing is available for a wide variety of projects, the simplest solution is to bid on the project based on the number of cubic yards of dirt that you will be moving. So, you will receive a flat-fee proposal for residential excavation costs.  Cubic yard costs can run anywhere from $200 - $1,200 or more, based on a variety of site factors that will affect the overall project.

Here’s an overview of some of the cost factors that are considered for residential excavation costs:

• Accessibility of the Job Site: Where is the job site located? The accessibility is a factor that will affect residential excavation costs. For example, heavy machinery needs to be transported to a distant location. The prices will then go up to cover the gas and time required to get the equipment to the right site. If you are looking for ways to reduce your costs, choose a local team to reduce the needed transportation time.
• Type of Project: Your goals for the excavation will affect the amount of money you will pay for the services. We’ll talk to you about the kind of project and determine a specific scope of work needed. 
• Type of Equipment: As mentioned above, different kinds of equipment might be required, depending on the specific needs that should be addressed on the job site. Heavy machinery comes with various sizes and features, including smaller, maneuverable equipment if the team is working in tight conditions.
• Size of the Project: How big is the lot? How much dirt needs to be moved? The size of the project matters because it affects how much time is necessary. Additionally, the lot size influences the decision regarding the type of equipment brought to the location. 
• Site Geology: There are drastic differences in the work required, depending on the type of dirt you are dealing with on each job site. For example, extra care is needed for soft soil vs. large boulders or hardpan. We always take a thorough approach to evaluate the site before providing a proposal. This investigation gives us valuable information to dial in the request accurately. 
• Site Cleanup: One factor that can increase the residential excavation costs is if soil remediation is required. Property owners can hire a team to test the soil for potential contaminants. When these issues are identified, then it’s essential to hire an experienced remediation team to improve the site before the project begins. Handling soil remediation right now is a cheaper solution than working through potential issues in the future.
• Special Features: What is the purpose of the excavation project? Moving a little dirt around to prepare for landscaping will likely cost less than a significant foundation digging project. You also need to discuss other factors that could increase the price. For example, if you are digging out an old swimming pool, the materials need to be removed and transported to a disposal site.
• Plans for the Dirt: Will the dirt just be moved around on the property, or is it necessary to haul the dirt away? Anytime dirt transportation is required, you can expect residential excavation costs to go up. For example, our proposal process factors in the price of the hauling of topsoil to the site and the removal of unneeded soil from the property.
• Underground Obstructions: This project's cost will also be affected by any underground obstructions that need to be addressed. When the digging hits a rock shelf, different strategies need to be used to complete it. Not only will it require more time, but it’s common for us to need other equipment, depending on the circumstances. 
• Site Considerations: Is there an existing structure or other site features that the excavators will need to work around? Moving dirt on a wide-open, empty lot is quite different than working near other facilities. When buildings are nearby, the excavation team needs to use extreme caution to avoid disrupting the dirt and causing issues with the foundation. As a result, tight spaces sometimes require specialized equipment and a highly skilled excavation team. 

Each excavation project is unique, which is why there isn’t a simple answer for residential excavation costs. The best way to learn more about a project's pricing is to talk to an experienced contractor for more information. As we learn more about your site and the excavation requirements, then we can offer personalized advice for each customer. We’ll put together a proposal for the work, giving you full-service information so you know about the equipment we are using and the estimated time to completion.

Why Do You Need an Excavating Contractor?

Do you need to hire an experienced contractor for excavation work? Or, is this project something you can do on your own? If you need to clear a site, you won’t regret the decision to bring in an experienced team for assistance. These professionals do the work that prepares the ground so that foundations are correctly completed. 

First, the site is cleared, including the removal of old buildings, boulders, trees, or anything else that might get in the way of construction. Once everything is removed, then it is time to start digging the foundation. Each site plan has specifications for the trenches that will be required for foundation placement. Your excavation team will match the ground to ensure quality results when the foundation is poured. 

The job isn’t done when the site is ready for foundation placement. After construction is underway, then it’s also crucial for the excavation contractor to backfill topsoil around the new foundation. Rest assured knowing that these backfilling and follow-up steps are typically included in residential excavation costs. We work hard to give you a full-service proposal that encompasses everything required from start to finish.

Also, consider the safety of handling heavy machinery. Most people aren’t trained to drive heavy equipment, which could cause serious safety issues if you attempt a DIY project. Hiring an excavation contractor gives you more than a professional team – you also have access to the right equipment needed for the job.  You can have confidence knowing that these team members hold the proper certifications and training to operate the machinery required for excavation.

What questions do you have about residential excavation costs? If you’d like to talk to an industry expert about commercial or residential excavation, then Mikula Contracting is here to help. We provide a full range of excavation services, including foundation digging, swimming pool preparation, land clearing, and more. Talk to us to learn about available services, and we’ll gladly put together a proposal for your project. We want to work together to make your project a success.

---

by Dennis Mikula Jr.

How It's Done: Home Demolition

Home demolition in NJ seems like it should be an uncomplicated, straightforward project. But there's a lot that goes into the process to ensure a safe, efficient demo. Not only do you need the right equipment, but it's also important to design a plan that covers everything from demolition permits to waste disposal.

It doesn't matter if you need residential or commercial demolition, the most effective method is to hire services from a demolition company in NJ. DIY demolition can be both dangerous and complicated, especially when taking down a large structure such as a home or garage.

Here's an overview of the essential steps that need to be followed for your demolition project:

Plan Your Demo Project

The first step of demolition is to determine the work that you want to be done. What is the purpose of the demolition? Does the entire structure need to be removed, or only interior materials for a renovation? The planning process is critical to managing your budget and ensuring that everything turns out as desired. It's important to check and re-check your plans before moving forward with the project.

Talk to a professional demolition company for guidance. Together, you can create a running list of everything that needs to be done. Then, compare the cost of service for this scope of work. Typically, labor accounts for between 15 – 30% of your budget. Plus, you need to add in costs for machinery use, materials, debris removal, and more. It's smart to build in a 10 – 20% contingency to cover unexpected costs that might come up.

Select a Demolition Method

The demolition method is selected based on the type of project you are completing. The simplest way to determine the proper demolition services for your needs is by talking to an industry expert for recommendations. In the demolition industry, it is common to use either traditional mechanical demolition, deconstruction, or a combination of both of these methods.

Traditional Mechanical Demolition

Traditional demolition is the most commonly used method. Heavy machinery, such as hydraulic excavators, are used to rip down the building. As the materials come down, the area is cleared by moving the debris off-site in a dumpster or trailer.

Deconstruction

Deconstruction is another option, also known as "demolition by hand." This process involves manpower to take the house apart piece-by-piece. The benefit of deconstruction is that many of the materials can be salvaged. Deconstruction is a green method for demolition, but it is a slower method of taking down a structure.

A general demolition company in NJ will be ready to handle common projects, such as tearing out concrete slabs or full house demo. In some cases, specialized demolition services are required if the building has asbestos or other hazardous conditions that need to be handled.

Hire a Demolition Company in NJ

While a DIY approach might seem like a cost-effective solution, it's usually best to hire a demolition company if you don't have experience in the construction industry. Demolition is more than tearing out sheetrock with a hammer in hand. You need to be aware of the wiring, building safety, construction regulations, and more.

Before you start the project, consider these four reasons to hire fully licensed general contractors:

1. Safety: Demolition can be a dangerous task due to falling debris, plumbing systems, electrical wires, and hazardous materials. When a team of experts is hired for home demolition in NJ, it gives you the peace of mind to know that the work will be done according to code. A knowledgeable construction crew reduces the risks by using the right safety gear and ensuring that all crew members are highly trained.
2. Efficiency: How long will it take to complete the demolition if you only have time to work on the project during the evenings or weekends? Hiring a professional demolition contractor ensures that the demo will be completed quickly and efficiently. Remember that demolition is just the first stage of the construction process. If you encounter delays with the demo, then it will push back your entire schedule.
3. Quality: The best way to ensure professional results is by hiring a professional team. Choosing the right demolition contractor ensures that the job is done right the first time. Additionally, you will be able to avoid hazardous conditions and expensive mistakes.
4. Full Service: A demolition company handles every detail of the project from start to finish. You can sit back and relax, knowing that the project is in good hands.

When hiring a demolition crew, ask the right questions to know if they offer both residential and commercial services. You should also find out about the crew's licensing, certification, and insurance.

Complete the Inspection

Not only will the demolition company in NJ meet you on-site to design a plan for the project, but you also need to hire the services of a professional inspector. The inspection requirements vary depending on the state and city where the property is located. When you choose Mikula Contracting Inc., rest assured to know that our team handles all the details for inspections and permits.

The demolition of older buildings and homes requires special inspection services to check for the presence of lead paint, asbestos, mold, rotting wood, and other potential hazards. If the inspector discovers any of these issues, then the demolition team will follow specific safety protocols. In some cases, a portion of the work might need to be subcontracted to an environmental specialist.

Obtain the Permits

You've hired a demolition contractor and completed the inspection, but there are a few more things that need to be done before the work gets underway. In most situations, a permit needs to be in place before the heavy machinery is brought on side.

The construction crew usually obtains these demolition permits, with applications submitted through the local city or county government. The exact permits required depend on the size of the project, type of work, and the local laws and regulations.

Not only will your demolition team obtain the necessary permits, but they also hold the responsibility of abiding by rules for home demolition NJ, such as noise, debris disposal, house of demolition, etc. It's essential that you hire an experienced demolition company that is familiar with the local regulations.

Prep Before Demolition Day

A few last-minute details need to be coordinated before the actual demolition begins. Even though the demolition crew can handle most of the planning and equipment needs, a few preparatory steps need to be managed by the property owner.

Recover Salvage Items

Are there any reusable items in the home that should be saved before the full demolition? Your home demolition company in NJ can provide recommendations for recyclable or reusable materials in the building. Not only does salvage recovery keep items out of the landfill, but it could potentially save both money and time when done right.

One option is to contact local charities and organizations. For example, Habitat for Humanity offers deconstruction services, and the recovered materials are reused or sold for charity purposes.

Disconnect Services

Active gas and electricity can pose a serious risk during demolition. All services and utilities must be disconnected before the work commences. Talk to your utility providers to disconnect water, electricity, gas, and sewage. In most cases, service termination should be done at least two weeks before the demolition date. Many utility companies require the request in writing.

Failing to skip this step could be dangerous to the work crew. Additionally, demolition could result in utility services being lost in neighboring homes. If the drainage infrastructure is damaged, you might be facing an expensive bill to clean up the mess.

Ensure Safety on the Work Site

Not only do you need to turn off the utilities to reduce the danger on the worksite, but other safety measures should be considered as well. For example, temporary barriers can be used to contain debris and keep unwanted guests off the property. Precautionary measures need to be in place to protect nearby buildings, streets, and people.

Talk to the Neighbors

Demolition can be loud, so it's smart to talk to your neighbors before the project begins. Giving the surrounding homes a warning about the demolition days and times can be a gesture of good faith. Show your respect for other people in the area by being open with your plans. Consider taking a small token of gratitude, such as a treat or bottle of wine, when talking to the neighbors about the upcoming demolition.

Book a Place to Stay

Even the smallest demolition jobs can be loud and messy. The moment the sheetrock starts coming down, you can expect a large amount of dust to settle in your home. Don't assume that you can live in a section of the home while the work is completed in other rooms. You're better off to plan another place to stay during the demolition. Talk to family or look for a local Airbnb or hotel.

Demolition Day

The actual demolition can be done in a day (for smaller projects) or might take a few days (for larger projects). When the work commences, the materials will be pulled off the house then moved into a dumpster or back of a truck.

A variety of demolition equipment will be used on-site to efficiently knock down the property while maintaining the safety of the site. If deconstruction is needed for a small area, then handheld tools can be used to pull out the equipment. Larger projects require the use of big machines, such as bulldozers or excavators. Commercial demolition might be done using wrecking balls or high reach excavators if needed.

The heavy equipment can be multi-purpose with built-in attachments, including shear attachments on the excavators or hydraulic hammers to remove reinforcement in the building.

Our crew members are highly trained to ensure safety at all times. We maintain strict standards for equipment quality and maintenance, and the drivers are licensed and certified to operate heavy machinery.

Debris Removal

Sometimes the debris removal can require just as much work as the demolition itself. Dumpster rental is a simple solution for debris removal. It is essential to consider the number of materials that will be removed to ensure you have enough space to haul away the debris.

Professional removal services can be used to haul the debris to the landfill. If you hire a demolition company NJ, then talk to the contractor about the strategy for debris removal. In most cases, your contractor will include demolition debris removal in the scope of work.

The final result after demolition and debris removal: stripping the worksite "down to the dirt." Everything will be taken off-site, including the framing, plumbing, and even house foundation.

Cleanup and Site Prep

The final cleanup includes removing any remaining debris that needs to be cleared away from the job site, as well as packing up the heavy equipment and hauling everything away. In many situations, the project is just beginning when the demolition is finished. If you are moving forward with the same contractor to build a new structure on the property, then the same heavy equipment might remain on site to be used for excavation.

The cleared land provides a blank slate where a new foundation can be placed. But there are often site prep tasks that need to be handled as the construction team moves from home demolition in NJ to the construction phase.

Customized Demolition Services

What are your reasons for hiring a contractor to help with home demolition NJ? You might be clearing the property to rebuild a better building. Or, the lot can be repurposed for other functions, such as green space or a parking area. As you evaluate your long-term goal for the property, it's easy to see that quality demolition services are the first step to improving the site.

At Mikula Contracting, Inc, our experienced team offers more than 70 years of experience in the industry. We offer both residential and commercial demolition services, as well as excavation, drainage services, and more. Whatever your reason for demolishing an existing building, we will serve your needs efficiently and effectively. Reach out to our team to schedule a consultation.

 

 

---

by Dennis Mikula Jr.

How Much Does that Boulder on My Property Weigh?

This guide will help you figure it out

When a business owner wants to improve his or her property, it is generally not too hard. There are quite a few landscaping or hardscaping ideas that can transform a property’s exterior, and improvements can attract more customers, convey a brand’s message, and offer several other benefits. And while planting trees and flowers and shaping topiary takes some work, sometimes Mother Nature makes things extremely difficult. If there is a boulder on your property and you would love to get rid of it, the first thing you need to do is get a good estimate of how much it weighs, and you can do this by following these steps:

Determining boulder type

Most rocks may look pretty much the same, but there many different types, and to calculate the weight of your boulder, it is important to know what you are dealing with. To do this, you can consult a local expert (perhaps there’s a college nearby with an earth science program you can ask for help) or you may be able to determine what type of rock it is on your own with this guide.  

Start measuring

Unless you’re lucky, your boulder is probably not a perfect geometric shape, so getting precise measurements will be tricky. The first thing to do is to grab your measuring tape and measure its length. If it is very long, this could be a two-person job. Then measure its width and height. If the rock is tall, instead of climbing it, which could be dangerous, just make a good estimate. 

Get out your calculator (or phone)

Once you have the length, width, and height in feet (you can round to the nearest foot for each), multiply them. If, for example, these measurements were 5X3X4, the total cubic feet of your boulder is 60 ft. You will then take that number and multiply it by the weight per cubic foot of the rock type. Let’s say you are dealing with basalt, which is pretty common in New Jersey. According to this chart, solid basalt weighs 188 lbs. per cubic feet. So, taking 60 and multiplying it by 188, you get 11,280. In order to calculate tons, you will then take that and divide by 2,000. Using the above example, you have a boulder that is about 5.6 tons. 

Okay, you have the weight, now what?

While it is nice knowing how much that big rock weighs, that information is not going to help you move it. However, it will come in handy when determining what you will have to do to get rid of it. This should give you good insight into the kind of equipment and tools you will need, in addition to the costs involved. If you plan on hiring an excavation company to take care of it, giving them these details ahead of time may be able to expedite the process of removing the boulder. 

If a huge rock is preventing you from enhancing your property’s landscaping, causing other issues, or it is just unsightly and you want it gone, get in touch with the excavation pros at Mikula Contracting. In addition to removing the boulder and perhaps some trees or other debris, we can also level out the land while preventing the loss of topsoil, reducing erosion. Our excavation services also address other areas, including:

• Drainage – When puddles develop on a lawn every time it rains, installing a seepage pit can help the problem.
• Foundation support – For a new structure or an addition to a current building, it is important to make sure the land can support the weight.
• Soil cleansing – When the soil around a foundation becomes contaminated due to something like a septic tank, it becomes a health risk to the community and needs to be removed.
• Pipe repair or installation – If water pipes aren’t working or need to be installed, precise excavation is paramount.

In addition to excavation, we also offer demolition services, and with everything we do, we make safety our number one priority. For over 70 years, when businesses in New Jersey have needed something dug up or torn down, they have relied on Mikula Contracting. If you are dealing with a troublesome boulder or any other issues that we can help you with, please get in touch. You can give us a call at 973-772-1684 or fill out our online contact form.

---

by Dennis Mikula Jr.