I'm planning to replace a large retaining wall this spring because it's rotting and collapsing. The wall is really long and about 7 feet tall at its highest point. I want to start reaching out for bids to figure out the cost and secure financing, but I have no clue what kind of businesses I should contact. I did reach out to a local landscaping company, but they referred me to an engineering firm due to the wall's size. What's the best path forward here? Any tips on who to call or how to get started?
3 Answers
I highly recommend hiring a landscape designer first. You really need some solid plans to give contractors; otherwise, it’s tough to compare different bids. A good designer can help you potentially redesign the wall to lower heights, which might save you money. Plus, they can provide details that contractors can use to give you accurate quotes.
Any decent landscaping company usually has an engineer they work with. Just keep in mind that materials like concrete and steel can get pricey, while wood generally needs replacing every 20 years. I'd suggest replacing it with something more durable like concrete, stone, or blocks, so you won't face this issue again anytime soon.
Definitely contact a landscape architect or designer. They can help you draft your ideas, and then you can search for contractors to bid based on those specs. It's wise to keep design and construction separate to avoid conflicts of interest. Ensure you ask to see previous wall designs they've completed before you commit!