Team Balkan, professionals in the sewer, water main, and drain industry, recently expanded to add a new and additional commercial lot. Taking pride in our brand and our local community, we undertook to revamp the lot that was an eyesore for the neighborhood and turn it into something the entire neighborhood can be proud of. The team here at Balkan Sewer & Water Main didn’t just fix things up when we did this commercial yard renovation; we recreated and refreshed an entire space that had been neglected.
This was way more than just asphalt and fences; it was about pride, community, and what happens when an expert shows up and does what they do.
The Eyesore: What We Started With
The entire site was in distress. Cracked asphalt, rusted chain link, graffiti, weeds, tree stumps, and an overall disheveled and neglected appearance to the yard. We didn’t enjoy passing by and wincing, and neither did the folks in the neighborhood. Neglect doesn’t happen overnight, and similarly, it doesn’t set in too fast either. This scenario can go unnoticed over time and specifically around an area that is not high profile.
The same idea goes for commercial lots too. Neglect turns into safety issues, and bad environments devoid of some very basic infrastructure, which ultimately create the look of neglect. Broken, missing, and graffiti-covered fencing does not match or create a “secure” impression, and no one wants to do business with an entity that is letting itself deteriorate. More significant than this, quarry landmarks convey all the wrong messages to a community that sees it, and to potential clients in showing a place where there are people working.
It was time for some change, a bunch of capital investment, and some creative branding. And with one of our trusty supervisors on the job, we were sure to transform this lot into something a bit more eye appealing.
Why Projects Like This Matter
When it comes to a project like this, it’s more than making something look nicer. It’s about making something usable and noteworthy – not just for the business, but for the entire neighborhood.
When a property is neglected and unkept, it affects more than the property owner. It detracts and negatively affects the vibe of the entire neighborhood. People notice. It stands out. But not in a good way! Until people (like the business owner, tenant, etc.) put forth effort to reclaim their property, you won’t see any positive change. Once they reclaim their space, the positive vibe left over is infectious. The neighborhoods feel more inviting, as if someone actually takes care of the property.
New asphalt means not worrying about tripping (or being liable for someone else tripping) because of cracked pavement. A well-built fence can provide security and safety for the property. For the business, it also meant expanding the reach of the Balkan brand. You don’t have to keep a tidy yard to be successful, but it shows you care about what you do, and you care about your community. And that matters- to your consumers, your staff, and the appearance and reputation of the surrounding community of Richmond Hill.
The Transformation: Step by Step
Before we could really get off the ground, we really had to evaluate what the yard needed. This wasn’t going to be a simple, quick patch up. We wanted the space to be usable, durable, and something we could be proud of.
First and foremost? Clearing the space. That meant getting rid of any junk and debris, pulling down the decaying fence, and prepping the lot for what was to come. Not super exciting stuff, but really, if you won’t do the dirty work, everything else is up in the air—quite literally and figuratively.
Installing the fence
Now that the space was clear, we were ready to build the fence. The old fence was rusty and weak and, to be honest, was pretty gross. So we tore that down and put up a fence that was actually solid, safe, and nice-looking.
Paving the Yard
With the fence construction complete, we were ready to work on the yard. The existing asphalt was cracked, uneven, and not safe to walk on, let alone drive on. So, we tore it all out and started new.
Putting in asphalt isn’t a fast process. First, you have to level and prep the ground to create an even base. Then, layer after layer, asphalt is poured out and then rolled. You are talking a good amount of skill and patience for the complete process, but you end up with a flat surface that can handle all that the yard has to dish out.
Adding the Finishing Touches
The Result of The Commercial Yard Renovation
The yard was a dangerous and ugly space that is now clean, safe, usable, and a neighborhood showpiece. The asphalt is new, smooth, and solid, and the new fence, even though functional, is solid and looks good and fits in with the entire property and neighborhood. The graphics applied to the fence (which acts as a canvas) are playful, colorful, and uplifting.
But more than that, now the yard fits in with the neighborhood instead of being an eyesore. Neglected spaces like that bring down the neighborhood and once restored increases the space around them. You can truly see the transformation in the whole community through this project showing the value a business can add in its surroundings.
The feedback to our commercial yard renovation has been great. Passersby have stopped dead in their tracks, neighbors have been coming in to express their appreciation, and the business is so proud of their new space. It is a nice reminder that even one project can improve the experience for people in the community.
How This Project Reflects Our Values
What we do is driven by integrity, honesty, and quality. These aren’t just words we say—these are our guiding principles.
This project demonstrates that well. Rather than cut corners / do the bare minimum, we went further to create something the business and community would be proud of. This is the difference. It’s not just doing a task, it’s about taking pride in doing it right.
This isn’t our first time in a situation like we mentioned above, and it definitely won’t be our last. Team Balkan is proud to be serving Queens and NYC for more than 70 years—ongoing, uninterrupted, and ongoing again. Whether we are replacing a water main pipe, digging out and rebuilding a commercial yard, or whatever you may find of us doing – we take pride in all.
