Carrying Out Building Work Around Your Home

If you're planning to construct a retaining wall on your property, you may be looking for advice or tips which will help you to do a good job. This article explores some of the things you should consider when building a retaining wall. 

Construction Cost 

Cost is always a key consideration when choosing a retaining wall for your home. If you're building a wall, it may be necessary to move trees, dig a trench, form a cross-section, pour a concrete slab, and provide waterproofing.

Drainage 

You want your retaining wall to last for as long as possible, so you'll need to ensure that it drains properly. You'll need to dig drains into the ground around the retaining wall and maintain the drain to ensure water doesn't build up in the ground behind the wall. Failure to add drainage behind the wall could increase the load on the wall to a level which exceeds its design capabilities.

Location 

You'll need to ensure that you don't put your retaining wall too close to the house and that it doesn't interfere with the foundations or the roof. A construction contractor will be able to advise you on the best location for a retaining wall. 

Decorative Features 

Your wall won't be complete until you've added decorative elements which will improve its appearance. Be sure to think about the style you want to incorporate into your retaining wall and make sure that it complements your home. 

Construction Timescales 

When it comes to building a retaining wall, you'll need to plan accordingly. Make sure you plan for the removal of the topsoil and be sure to ask a contractor what they expect from the construction process. You'll also need to make sure that you budget enough time to ensure the wall is completed to your satisfaction. 

Strength 

Always remember that you want to build a retaining wall which is strong enough to handle the load it is asked to carry. Always consider the strength of the materials that you use. Reinforced concrete, concrete blocks or natural stone are all good options for retaining walls. You can use steel bars to reinforce your retaining wall, and this will help it to withstand heavy rain.

If you're interested in finding out more about building a retaining wall, you should get in touch with a local construction company today. A member of the team will be happy to help.