22 April 2014

Seeking recommendation for someone to build a retaining wall

| Genie
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Hi Riotact Minds,

I have just built a new property and now need to get someone in to build my retaining walls. I would like my fences to be installed ASAP but this can’t be done until my walls are completed as one of them runs along the property line.

Can anyone recommend anyone they have used recently ?

Additionally cost wise, what should I be paying ? I was told I shouldn’t be paying more than $200 sq/m however rough quotes I have received are more than double this (5 minute phone calls over the phone).

Unfortunately the way my block was cut breaches regulations as it is as high as 2 metres, so I feel like those I’ve contacted just aren’t interested in the work. My block slopes from about 60cm to 2m in height I was hoping to level it out at 1.6m and have some stairs put in. I will need retaining walls on 2 sides of the block.

Any recommendations would be great.

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Leo61 said :

We used StoneMad. They did a great job and on time. Our sandstone wall was about $260 sq/m with all material included.

Hi guys,
Thanks for the StoneMad recommendation. I’m looking to get a sandstone retaining wall too. StoneMad says all stone walls in Canberra do not need any footings, can anyone confirm? (I’m just looking to go 650mm high)
I also got a quote for a brick retaining wall from Geoff Wallace, and he says brick walls need footings.
I’m not sure why a brick wall would need a footing but not stone, can any RiotAct experts shed some light?
Many thanks…

Elf said :

If your retaining wall us over 1.2 metres it needs approval. This adds to the mucking around so a lot of landscapers (including myself) avoid these jobs.

Great! My understanding is it was 1.6m… Hopefully I’ll eventually find someone willing to do it at a reasonable price

If your retaining wall us over 1.2 metres it needs approval. This adds to the mucking around so a lot of landscapers (including myself) avoid these jobs.

Hi Genie, he actaully started out as a landscape designer before specialising in carpentary – he’s all about the wholistic approach. Give him a shout on facebook and ask, i’ve had him do a fair bit of work for me and loved it.
(i know i sound very salesman-y about him, but i was really just genuinely very impressed)

Kdowgg said :

These guys do everything, and they do it all magnificently and extremely competitively:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/CarpentryCanberra

They dont appear the build retaining walls, but their wood work is amazing. I’ll be calling them once I can afford to extend my outdoor area.

Very Busy – while I would love to build it myself to save cash.. I don’t know the first thing about building a retaining wall and I don’t think watching youtube videos would cut it. I’d rather a professional build it so i dont flood my house either. I only need someone to do my retaining walls, i plan on completing the rest of the landscaping work myself.

As mentioned the current height that my block has been cut breaches regulations – hence why i would also prefer to pay someone, they actual understand all the rules around what the wall needs so it’s not illegal or unsafe.

I had a brick retaining wall built last year. I managed the whole project myself. My wall is 750mm high (seven courses off the footing plus a capping course on top). With me doing all of the organizing the cost came in at about $190 per metre (750mm high). This includes the site cut, footing dig (300mm X 200mm), concrete, mesh etc for footings, bricks, sand, lime, cement and all labour.

You will save big bucks by managing the job yourself. You will never get a builder to do the lot for $200 per square metre. If you are unsure about how to get started you could consult with a good bobcat/excavator operator as they may be able to get the job started for you and provide advice to get you up to the footing stage.

A brickie will charge around $1 per brick (labour only) plus extra for capping the top.

These guys do everything, and they do it all magnificently and extremely competitively:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/CarpentryCanberra

Try ACT Property Services – Michael’s done plenty of similar work for me and I found him to be reliable and able to deal with difficult situations. He’s not expensive. (0417) 063536 will get him. Cheers

We used StoneMad. They did a great job and on time. Our sandstone wall was about $260 sq/m with all material included.

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