Excavation work inevitably means retaining walls. Depending on the location of the wall, its height and whether it’s in a highly visible location, there are different materials you can use: precast concrete, concrete block and timber are the most common but stone is becoming more common.
Consider the style and feel you’re after, or whether this matters at all.
Remember, retaining walls must be included in the building consent and signed off.
Are the materials consistent with the look and feel of the design you want to achieve?
Think about using masonry as a design feature. Mix and match with alternative cladding products that may feature elsewhere around your home.
The higher your wall, the greater the need for engineering input. Speak with your designer or builder to find out if your wall requires an engineer’s design.
You must ensure there is a suitable foundation, drainage and appropriate backfill material is used.
As local requirements vary, check with your council for local design, resource consent and building consent requirements
