Begin with dimensions, site access, what is being retained, nearby loads, drainage, demolition and the likely professional pathway. A site visit should convert those facts into an itemised scope with assumptions, exclusions and commercial terms.
Before the site visit
Record the wall length, average retained height, visible failure symptoms and what sits above or close to the wall. Photograph access routes, boundaries, drainage outlets and the full wall rather than only the damaged area.
- State whether the work is new, replacement, repair or still at planning stage.
- Identify known services, neighbouring land, buildings, driveways, pools and fences.
- Share any drawings, approvals or prior reports without presenting them as current design advice.
What the provider should establish
A contractor may need to confirm access, excavation and spoil handling, material system, drainage, finish, programme and whether professional design or approvals sit inside or outside their scope. The answer can change after excavation or professional assessment, so a quote should explain how variations are handled.
How a quote becomes comparable
Do not normalise only the total. Normalise the work. One proposal may include demolition, spoil, drainage and engineering while another excludes them.
| Scope field | What to compare |
|---|---|
| Wall | System, dimensions, finish and stated design basis |
| Groundwork | Excavation, founding assumptions, spoil and temporary works |
| Water | Drainage materials, outlets and connections |
| Professional | Engineering, certification, approvals and fees |
| Commercial | GST, programme, payment, variations and warranty |
What to record before seeking quotes
- Dimensions
Length, average retained height and how the dimensions were measured. - Earthworks
Excavation, spoil quantity, disposal, temporary support and site protection. - Drainage
Aggregate, geotextile, pipe, outlets and stormwater connections stated separately. - Professional scope
Engineering, geotechnical input, certification and approvals included or clearly excluded. - Commercial scope
GST, payment stages, variations, programme, warranty and exclusions.
If a wall is moving, cracking, rotating or affecting nearby property, seek suitably qualified advice rather than relying on a price visit to diagnose safety.
Common questions
Can a retaining wall be quoted from photos?
Photos can support early scoping, but access, ground conditions, dimensions, loads, drainage and boundaries may require a site visit or professional input before the scope is dependable.
Should every quote include engineering?
Not automatically. The need and responsibility depend on the wall, property and jurisdiction. Each quote should state whether engineering, certification and approval work are included, allowed for or excluded.