DIY VS Professional Excavators; Mistakes to Avoid When Digging Footings & Excavating Foundations in Poulsbo, WA

The very first step in building any structure or addition is digging foundations. Footings and foundations are arguably the most vital part of that construction. Without a strong and stable foundation, the building or addition will soon show cracks, water leaks, and other costly damage. Excavation work of any size and type needs to be not only more precise than you may realize, but it is also extremely dangerous. Straight Up Remodeling outlines below why foundation excavation and digging for footings is definitely not a do it yourself job!


DIY VS Hiring an Excavation Contractor


A professional excavator like Straight Up Remodeling should always be called to dig the trenches needed for a foundation of any structure. To convince you of the importance of leaving this work to us, we outline some of the common mistakes you will avoid by doing so!
– Many local building codes will dictate several details of your excavation and jobsite, such as the distance between your structure and any nearby fences, overhead power lines and easements. Even a minor mistake in these codes can halt work on the jobsite and/or lead to significant repair bills down the road, often much more expensive than just hiring us the first time.
– A professional excavating contractor will ensure you’ve removed tree roots from the site where a foundation will be poured. If the tree roots are not properly removed, they can continue to grow and wrap around a foundation’s concrete which can cause cracks, splits and other damage.
– Do you have the right equipment? Many a homeowner has rented a hydraulic digger, bobcat, or other such equipment that is too wide or heavy to access the jobsite. Renting heavy equipment also involves knowing how to use it. For example, moving a bobcat or other equipment too close to the side of trenches can be dangerous, as the edge can collapse under you and cause severe injury. Also, if you don’t know what you’re doing, lifting the bucket of a bobcat can result in hitting overhead power lines and suffering an electrical shock.
– A plan for the soil will need to be in place. You cannot pile the displaced dirt next to a trench as this can lead to a collapsed wall or landslide which can be extremely dangerous.


Digging Footings & Excavation Foundations & More in Bremerton, Bainbridge Island, Silverdale, Port Orchard, Shelton, Belfair & Allyn, WA | Kitsap County, Mason County & Gig Harbor, Washington


Apart from safety, there are many other reasons to hire professionals to dig footings and excavate foundations as well as hire pros like Straight Up Remodeling for excavating maintenance. Call us today!

Luxury Bathroom Remodeling Features in Bainbridge Island, WA; Tub with Custom Onyx Deck, Walk in Shower & More

By Doug Straight • June 5, 2023
Many people use their kitchens but there some who don’t use it daily. Family rooms or living rooms are not rooms that are always used on a daily basis either. There is however, one room that even a person living alone will use daily, and that is the bathroom. Since everyone uses the bathroom on a daily basis, that room is often the room picked first to have remodeled. Since it is the most frequently used, why not add features that can make the daily rituals a more enjoyable experience? We at Straight Up Remodeling would like to offer some indulgent features you can add to your bathroom remodel.

How to Choose Kitchen Cabinet Hardware in Poulsbo, WA; Pulls or Knobs, Finishes, Trends & More

By Doug Straight • June 5, 2023
Remodeling projects often allow homeowners to be excited to get the kitchen of their dreams, including customized features, upgraded materials and appliances, colors, textures, storage options and overall design. Unfortunately, the hardware for your kitchen is often overlooked and homeowners settle for hardware that is often regrettable. Hardware comes in all sizes, colors and styles, whether you prefer pull or knob, and color options include silver, gold, bronze, copper, black and other finishes. With this in mind, we at Straight Up Remodeling would offer some in sight while selecting the right hardware for your kitchen remodel.

Bathroom Remodel Trends in Silverdale, WA; Minimalist Design, Frameless Shower Door, Wood & More

By Doug Straight • June 5, 2023
Your bathroom remodel can present overwhelming options for you. Designs and other attributes can invade your thoughts where there many certain features already planned for your luxury bathroom. Turn to online research for design ideas when you know the bathroom remodel is inevitable. Today, we at Straight Up Remodeling would like to share them today to help your creativity flow since there are some trends homeowners are loving when getting their bathroom remodeled.

Kitchen Island VS Perpendicular Peninsula Attached to Wall in Port Orchard, WA; Design Layout, Storage & More

By Doug Straight • June 5, 2023
There are many features that can be incorporated into your kitchen remodel. For many homeowners, choosing between an island or peninsula is a consideration. Prior to choosing one to incorporate into your kitchen remodel, these are some of the aspects of an island or peninsula to be considered. Today, we at Straight Up Remodeling would like to elaborate on islands versus peninsulas.

Bathroom Remodel Design Ideas in Bremerton, WA; Farmhouse, Modern, French Parisian Style & More

By Doug Straight • June 5, 2023
Do you want to redefine your bathroom? When you want change, remodeling the bathroom a new style may be just what you need. There are many styles of bathrooms that can bring a new look and feel to any bathroom. If you are looking for a unique style of bathroom and are not sure where to start, Straight Up Remodeling will go over the elements of the different style of bathrooms to choose from.

Pros & Cons to Hardwood Floors in Key Peninsula, WA Kitchens; Water Resistant Wood Flooring & More

By Doug Straight • June 5, 2023
If you are getting ready to take on a kitchen remodel, you are likely choosing cabinets, countertops, backsplashes, appliances and flooring. Choosing the right flooring is a big decision for the overall style and beauty of your kitchen. Many people are turning to hardwood flooring as their flooring of choice in the kitchen. There are still many people that are on the fence about the whole thing. Straight Up Remodeling is here to talk about the pros and cons to choosing hardwood in your kitchen.

Shower Wall Material Remodel Options in Allyn, WA; Fiberglass, Acrylic, Ceramic, Porcelain Glass, Stone & More

By Doug Straight • June 5, 2023
Your home is your castle, and what homeowner doesn’t want to hear the words “you have a lovely house”? If you are considering an upgrade, what better place to begin than your bathroom? Not only will you be able to create a beautiful space, but you will also be adding additional value to your home. An attractive bathroom is not just about appearance. It’s also about functionality and durability. Deciding on the materials, and the products you select for your shower wall, significantly impacts your whole bathroom’s look and feel. It also makes a difference in how comfortable and relaxing your bath and shower will be. Several materials are available for your consideration, including fiberglass and acrylic, ceramic & porcelain tile, glass, and stone. Your Straight Up Remodeling expert will guide you on the best option for your home.

Kitchen Backsplash Remodeling Ideas in Bethel, WA; Subway Glass Tile, Modern White Stone, Rustic Wood & More

By Doug Straight • June 5, 2023
Is it time to remodel your home’s kitchen? When remodeling a kitchen there are a number of elements you may want to add to make your kitchen look better. For those who want a better kitchen, many will focus on kitchen islands or appliances. However, what about backsplashes? There are many benefits of having a good backsplash added to the kitchen. A backsplash can help protect the walls by the countertops from spills and splashes. They are easily cleaned and make the kitchen look far more interesting. Today Straight Up Remodeling would like to share some of the best types of backsplashes you can add to your kitchen remodel.

Newest Kitchen Remodel Trends in Parkwood, WA; Smart Technology, Cabinet Colors, Mixing Metals & More

By Doug Straight • June 5, 2023
If you live in a home that has a kitchen that just simply isn’t working for you, you may decide it’s time to take on a kitchen remodel. This is one of the wisest remodeling projects you can do in your home because there is such a high ROI. When your kitchen isn’t functional, it can throw off the rest of your home as well. Transforming your kitchen into a place that you enjoy spending your time, can be a game changer. Straight Up Remodeling is here to share some of the top trends in kitchen remodeling this year.

Onxy Collection Bathroom Remodeling in Manchester, WA; Pros of Onyx Shower Walls, Tub Surrounds & More

By Doug Straight • June 5, 2023
One of the most overused and underappreciated rooms in the home is the bathroom. The bathroom is used by everyone on the family in addition to any visitors. Though you can limit traffic in a few places around the house, the bathroom simply is not one of them. Whether you are looking to remodel the bathroom or simply provide a refresh of a few surfaces and fixtures, you need to decide which materials and financial support you want and have. Additionally, you need to consider the state the bathroom is in; if it is simply outdated, or heavily deteriorated. It is critical to pay close attention to the type of materials that you are choosing when it comes time to remodel your bathroom. Not only should it create an in-home spa that is aesthetically impressive it should also be durable enough to stand up to the test of time. The onyx bathroom collection provides this and so much more, and today, we at Straight Up Remodeling would like to elaborate on the benefits of using the onyx collection in your next remodel tod
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