New Home Build - Boundary Retaining Wall replacement advice

Falcon81 · Oct 18, 2023 12:31 pm

Hi All

I am looking for advice for my knockdown rebuild, which is in the early stages. I have signed the home building contract and now going through the process of organising the following...

Pool Builder - (contract signed)
Demolition company - (4 quotes received)
Landscaper for front and back yards
Pergola and Deck Builder
Boundary retaining wall rebuild

I am a bit unsure how to approach the last three points. It's clear that the boundary retaining wall on one side of the house needs to be replaced as it's quite old, no longer level, and damaged in one area due to a neighbouring gum tree. That retaining wall has a Colourbond fence being supported which I would like to preserve. Given this is a complete knockdown rebuild, when would be the best time to replace the retaining wall and who is best suited to do this part of the project? Some questions that come to mind are..

-Do I get the demolition company to knock down the retaining wall and if so, how would the existing Colourbond fence be preserved and supported?
-When should I get it rebuilt? Before the demolition or after?
-Who is best suited to build the new retaining wall? Do I get the Landscaper to do this or should I get a builder or some other tradesperson?

I have no idea how to best approach this bit so I want to make sure I get the timing right and use an approach that is cost-effective.

See attached for photos of the detailing wall. Thanks!

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Ashington Homes · Oct 19, 2023 10:38 am

Falcon81

Hi All

I am looking for advice for my knockdown rebuild, which is in the early stages. I have signed the home building contract and now going through the process of organising the following...

Pool Builder - (contract signed)
Demolition company - (4 quotes received)
Landscaper for front and back yards
Pergola and Deck Builder
Boundary retaining wall rebuild

I am a bit unsure how to approach the last three points. It's clear that the boundary retaining wall on one side of the house needs to be replaced as it's quite old, no longer level, and damaged in one area due to a neighbouring gum tree. That retaining wall has a Colourbond fence being supported which I would like to preserve. Given this is a complete knockdown rebuild, when would be the best time to replace the retaining wall and who is best suited to do this part of the project? Some questions that come to mind are..

-Do I get the demolition company to knock down the retaining wall and if so, how would the existing Colourbond fence be preserved and supported?
-When should I get it rebuilt? Before the demolition or after?
-Who is best suited to build the new retaining wall? Do I get the Landscaper to do this or should I get a builder or some other tradesperson?

I have no idea how to best approach this bit so I want to make sure I get the timing right and use an approach that is cost-effective.

See attached for photos of the detailing wall. Thanks!

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Falcon81

That retaining wall actually looks like it is pretty good condition.

Is there anyway you can keep it and just tidy it up with paint and render etc?

The other alternative is to leave it now and have the landscaper pull it out then use timber or concrete sleepers under your new fence.

If you want to do it now, pull the whole fence down and get the new fence and retaining wall in before you build the house.

Good luck

Simeon

gommeqld · Oct 19, 2023 6:49 pm

The retaining wall looks fine to me apart from (maybe?) the lower end which seems to be only 3 or so courses high and leaning a little. Just get that repaired by the landscaper.
Those bushes (trees?) growing between the retaining wall and the fence will likely cause problems with their expansion and pressure on the wall. I'd remove those and replace with something that is guaranteed not to add pressure to the wall.
I also suggest speaking with the neighbor to let them know what you're planning. They may have some good ideas regarding the retaining wall and fence. Sure, you could argue it is none of their business but no harm in being polite and informative. You never know who has good ideas to help you along.

Falcon81 · Oct 20, 2023 3:01 pm

gommeqld

The retaining wall looks fine to me apart from (maybe?) the lower end which seems to be only 3 or so courses high and leaning a little. Just get that repaired by the landscaper.
Those bushes (trees?) growing between the retaining wall and the fence will likely cause problems with their expansion and pressure on the wall. I'd remove those and replace with something that is guaranteed not to add pressure to the wall.
I also suggest speaking with the neighbor to let them know what you're planning. They may have some good ideas regarding the retaining wall and fence. Sure, you could argue it is none of their business but no harm in being polite and informative. You never know who has good ideas to help you along.

Really? I thought it looked bad. It is totally collapsed at the rear of the block and leaning about 5 degrees into my property. Should this job be done before the build or is it just as easy to do post-build when the landscaping work will be done?

Ardo · Oct 21, 2023 4:56 pm

Whoops

jagberg · Mar 23, 2024 6:27 am

For the retaining wall, it might be wise to have it removed during the demolition phase but discuss with the demolition company how they can temporarily support or protect the Colourbond fence. Usually, it's rebuilt after demolition to ensure it fits with the new landscape design, and a specialist retaining wall builder or landscaper is best suited for this task due to their expertise in both construction and aesthetic considerations. As for timing and ensuring everything ties together nicely, consider how elements like door number plates will integrate into your new design, adding a personalized touch to the overall aesthetics of your rebuild.

jagberg · Mar 29, 2024 4:36 pm

Falcon81

jagberg

For the retaining wall, it might be wise to have it removed during the demolition phase but discuss with the demolition company how they can temporarily support or protect the Colourbond fence. Usually, it's rebuilt after demolition to ensure it fits with the new landscape design, and a specialist retaining wall builder or landscaper is best suited for this task due to their expertise in both construction and aesthetic considerations.

The plan is to demolisgh the home, earthworks to prepare for slab, and then removal of existing wall for a new one.

Requires a DA unfortunatley as the new wall will be 600+mm in one section

Getting the permit for your wall because it's going to be pretty tall in some places isn't too hard, but it does mean you have to do a bit more work. If all these steps and rules feel like too much, you might want to think about hiring a company that builds stuff. They know how to handle all this and can make sure everything goes smoothly without you having to worry too much.

Falcon81 · Mar 30, 2024 9:39 am

jagberg

Falcon81

jagberg

For the retaining wall, it might be wise to have it removed during the demolition phase but discuss with the demolition company how they can temporarily support or protect the Colourbond fence. Usually, it's rebuilt after demolition to ensure it fits with the new landscape design, and a specialist retaining wall builder or landscaper is best suited for this task due to their expertise in both construction and aesthetic considerations.

The plan is to demolisgh the home, earthworks to prepare for slab, and then removal of existing wall for a new one.

Requires a DA unfortunatley as the new wall will be 600+mm in one section

Getting the permit for your wall because it's going to be pretty tall in some places isn't too hard, but it does mean you have to do a bit more work. If all these steps and rules feel like too much, you might want to think about hiring a company that builds stuff. They know how to handle all this and can make sure everything goes smoothly without you having to worry too much.

Thankyou. Yes I have hired a guy who is helping me with the inital draft designs and approvals. All I have to do is get a permission letter signed from my neighbour and arborist report. He does all the rest.

Falcon81 · Apr 04, 2024 9:25 am

Can anyone recommend a good/affordable retaining wall and fence builder that I can get a quote from located in Sydney?