Home Renovations Company
Hiring A Contractor
To Build A
Retaining Wall
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Hiring A Contractor To Build A Retaining Wall
Hiring a contractor to build a retaining wall for your home can provide both functional and aesthetic benefits. Whether you are looking to prevent soil erosion, level a sloped yard, protect your home and landscape against harsh winds, or just to enhance your home’s curb appeal, hiring the right contractor to build a retaining wall for your home.
This article will outline the key steps and considerations for hiring a contractor to build a retaining wall for your home.
Why Build A Retaining Wall?
There can be a few reasons to have a retaining wall built for your home. Some of these include:
- Retaining walls stabilize sloped areas. This prevents soil from washing away during heavy rains.
- A well-designed and well-built wall can enhance the appearance of your home's landscape.
- A retaining wall that is built by a professional contractor can increase the value of your home.
- In areas with harsh winters, such as Michigan, a retaining wall can lessen the effects of some of those winds against your home and landscape.
Building a retaining wall requires expertise in engineering, drainage and construction. Hiring a professional contractor that has experience in building retaining walls, can ensure that the retaining wall that is built is structurally sound and complies with local regulations.
Steps To Hiring A Contractor To Build A Retaining Wall
1. Define Why You Want A Retaining Wall
At this point you know that you want a retaining wall, but why do you want that retaining wall? Is it for aesthetics? Is it to prevent soil erosion? Is it to lessen the effects of winds in cold climates, like Michigan? Maybe it is for more than one
of these or other reasons?
You will also want to determine the approximate height, length and total dimensions of the retaining wall that you want built. This will help determine the amount of materials that will be required to build it. of these or other reasons?
Decide what materials that you want to be used to build the retaining wall, for example, will you want concrete, natural stone, brick or timber, or a combination of these materials used to build it.
Taking everything into consideration, you should establish a budget. Keep in mind that it typically costs between $20-$60 per square foot, depending on materials, labor and site conditions.
Decide what style you would like the retaining wall to have, for example, would you like it to have a modern or rustic or a tiered styles? What about any additional features that you may want, like seating or lighting.
Having a clear vision of what you want in a retaining wall will help contractors deliver exactly what you are looking for.
2. Gather A Shortlist Of Contractors
Find an experienced contractor that you are comfortable with.
- Ask for recommendations from your friends or neighbors with retaining walls similar to what you would like. Local online landscaping forums can also be a good source to look for recommendations for contractors.
- Look for contractors with the specifice experience and skills of having built several retaining walls. Also, verify that they are licensed, insured and bonded to protect your property against liability for accidents or damages.
- Ask to see examples of some of their previous work, preferably by going to locations where existing retaining that they have built are located so that you can see their work.
- You will want to choose contractors that are familiar with the local soil conditions, climate and building codes. These factors signicantly impact the construction of the retaining wall.
You should narrow down the list to 3-5 contractors.
3. Request Detailed Quotes
Contact the contractors on your list and request detailed, written estimates. Be sure to give them the following information:
- The dimensions of the retaining wall, and also what the inteneded purpose for it is.
- Some of the material that you would prefer to be used, for example, stone, concrete or brick.
- Mention details such as landscape or drainage concerns.
A good contractor will provide you a quote that includes:
- A breakdown of the cost of materials, including the costs for either the concrete, stones or bricks as well as gravel, drainage systems and other materials.
- A breakdown of the cost of labor, including excavation and installation.
- Permits and engineering should also be included, since many counties and municipalities require permits for retaining walls over 4 feet tall or in certain conditions.
- They should provide a timeline for starting and completion dates.
- They should also provide a warranty and guarantee for materials and labor.
Compare quotes, but do not choose a contractor based only on costs.
4. Verify Qualifications And References
Once you have narrowed down your options of contractors, you should start to do a little more research into each contractor’s background.
- Confirm that their license is valid throug your state's licensing board and request proof of general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage.
- Ask for references and the contact information of previous customers if they are willing to verify their work.
- Ask for any membership in local or national organizations, such as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
5. Understanding The Construction Process
Any professional contractor should be happy to explain the key steps to building the retaining wall that you are looking to have built. This will include:
- Assessing and evaluating the soil conditions, slope and drainage needs.
- The design of the retaining wall, especially walls that will be over 4 feet tall or that are to be built in more challenging conditions.
- The excavation and foundation requirements, such as digging the trench and laying the gravel base to support the wall.
- The reason and process of installing a drainage system for the retaining wall should also be explained, including gravel backfill, perforated pipes or weep holes to prevent water buildup behind the wall.
- The process of building the retaining wall itself should be explained as well as any finishing touches, such as adding capstones or incorporating landscaping elements.
Ask potential contractors to walk you through this process so that you are familiar with any best practices.
6. Reviewing The Contract
Once you have selected a contractor, request a detailed written contract. It should include:
- A clear scope of work, which should include the materials and the design specifications.
- The total cost and payment schedule. A standard practice is 30% upfront, with the rest paid in stages as the project moves along.
- The contract should include a timeline and milestones.
- A process for handling unexpected changes.
- The warranty and guarantee details for both materials and labor.
- Proof of permits and compliance with local building codes, as well as proof of insurance.
Be sure to go over and read the contract carefully, and then ask for any clarification if needed.
7. Monitor The Progress
It is important to stay engaged during the construction of the retaining wall.
- Be sure to communicate regularly with the contractor to make sure that the project stays on track.
- Visit the site where the retaining wall is being built to verify for yourselft that the work is being done.
- Address any issues immediately if any concerns come up.
8. Final Inspection And Payment
You should inspect the retaining wall once is it finally constructed, as well as the surrounding area to make sure that no
everything is as it should be.
- Inspect the wall for quality, stability and that it was constructed as you and the contractor agreed upon.
- Make sure that there is proper drainage, since poor drainage is a leading cause of retaining wall failure.
- Confirm that all of the permits have been closed out by the local building authority.
- Be sure to request and receive a written warranty and maintenance instructions.
Once you have inspected the retaining wall and the surrounding area and you are fully satisfied, that is when it a recommended good time to release the payment.
Conclusion
Hiring a contractor to build a retaining wall for your home requires careful planning and due diligence. Start off by deciding why you want a retaining wall built, followed by what you want in a retaining wall. Your goals will influence the contractor that you hire and the outcome of the work that is done. All of this will lead to an addition to your home that improves the aesthetics and value of your home.