Parking pad or just plant grass?

Question

I'm looking for all the opinions I can get from the BP community regarding the below.....

I recently had an inspection done on a duplex in NJ and one of the several things that is required is to

"remove concrete from rear of rear yard and install macadam or concrete or level and plant grass(if grass is planted it cannot be used as parking area)"

The size of the area is 35 x 20.

A few questions:

How much should something like this cost roughly in either scenario and how long should it take?

If I decided to go the macadam or concrete way...will the fact that the weather is getting colder affect either material negatively and would it be a better idea to wait till Spring to get it done?  (keep in mind that I have to do 1 or the other prior to the town issuing a cert of habitability permit)

Thank you everyone!!!

Michael M. · Answer

John D. I'd recommend adding the concrete pad, then look into an outdoor storage or additional parking to potentially rent out to tenants for additional monthly income if possible.

Like others have stated, demo is going to be a hefty cost, and it sounds like (assuming you go with a 4 inch thick slab), you'd be looking at about 9 CY of concrete which should be around the $1,000 range if you want to get the big concrete trucks to pour it out quickly.

Also if you do decide to go down the concrete route, don't forget to look into steel mesh (remesh) for reinforcement to prevent cracks and longevity of the pad.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/42-in-x-84-in-Sheared-W...

Hope this helps!

Michael Karl · Answer

John D. the cost of removal is going to be very location specific,  seeing that you are in PA and the property is in NJ I would assume it is something you are not going to tackle yourself, even though you are posting in the DIY forum.  If I was doing the work myself in my area you can get a dumpster for concrete waste for $250-$300  and rent a Bobcat or mini excavator for a weekend for $500-$1000.  but that is only for the removal.

your best option would be to contact a few concrete and request pricing for the new work with removal included.  as for pricing it is also very location specific and I cant help you with guessing on that.  But you are also correct to assume that this project gets more difficult as the weather gets colder,  if you can put it off till spring do that.  But if it need to addressed now they concrete companies do have additives that can be added to the concrete for working in colder weather, I don't know much about it because I have not needed to use it before but I do know it is an option.

As for the option of just removing it and planting grass, if I was in your shoes I would stay away from this option for a few reasons.  First if your current tenants are accustom to having this space for parking, this could be a negative in their opinion and they could decide not to renew when that time comes.  Second thing to consider is if you plant grass in this area its that much more green space you will need to account for during the summer months possible increasing your lawn maintenance costs.

Jim Adrian · Answer

I like the concrete idea.  That sounds like a good price for concrete.  You can pour concrete almost all year round now days.   If you have no "on-site" parking then provide some and now you have an amenity.

Jeff B. · Answer

If it's not visible from the street, it doesn't matter, but if it is, grass will soon be destroyed by the cars and spoil your curb appeal.

I would prioritize my efforts:

• get the Cert of Occupancy asap - - meaning get the grass installed
• come back later and deal with a better choice as needed.

Jacob Pischer · Answer

the removal is going to be probably your biggest expense.  Planting grass afterwords I doubt would really save any significant money in the project versas new concrete.  If the tenants are used to parking back there I would repave it but if they don't use it I am sure that the green lawn will do better for the properties look.

Don Meinke · Answer

The contracting company can still pour concrete yet but they better hurry.  Make some calls and get some bids

John D. · Answer

@Jacob Pischer , @Michael Karl

Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for the replies.

The units are vacant now but parking is hit or miss on the street.   I'm leaning toward doing the concrete if the costs end up being between $1400-$1900.

My primary issue is the town inspector will not issue a certificate of habitability until it's paved or grass is planted.  🤔🤔🤔

Parking pad or just plant grass?

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