Does Your Neighbors Retaining Wall Has Impact on Your Property?

• 

  pais on 03/06/2016 - 12:18

  +2

  You'll be responsible for the retaining wall within the bounds of your own property.

  We have a retaining wall down one side (~75cm from the edge of our margin). It's about 75cm in height, holds back dirt and consequently holds up the fence. If it fails, the fence will fail (though the fence would be both of our problem), but the retaining wall is mine.

  As far as storm water issues, is it just holding back soil? Usually, they'll dig it up, lay drainage, connect it to storm water, place screenings over it and then lay the soil back on top. This prevents build up of water directly behind the retaining wall, prevents erosion and ensures the critical part of the soil remains intact (there's only a relatively small triangle of dirt that the retaining wall needs to hold back; the rest sort of just sits there provided that's intact).

• 

  shadowarrior on 03/06/2016 - 13:48

  +1

  Depends on whose side the retaining wall is put up. Usually the person with the higher plot pays for construction and then both parties contribute towards its maintenance. For this to legally enforce the wall needs to be on the boundary of both the plots. If the wall is entirely within his property then he pays for construction and maintenance.

  A good retaining wall should have proper drainage. Which usually includes an agi pipe running the entire length and connecting to a storm water drain on his property. The agi pipe is then covered by drainage gravel first before back filling it. However often lazy constructors either completely ignore running the pipe, or don't connect it to the storm water and dump the outlet on either end, or doesn't use drainage gravel, just dumps fill on top of the pipe. Be careful about these three situations, these may cause storm water or back yard gardening water to overflow to your side. Your plot should be properly landscaped, and have provision for any storm water overflow from adjacent properties.

  14x30 would mean you'll most likely have a zero boundary lot and the fence will sit on top of the retaining wall.

• 

  theclearout on 03/06/2016 - 14:51

  +1

  Unfortunately there is quite a bit to consider here and I don't want to come across alarmist.
  Is the block you're looking at the high side or the low side (of the retaining wall)?
  Is the proposed retaining wall shared, or is it completely on your block. What height does it need to be?
  Also, when it comes to dwellings/buildings on your block, or the other 2 neighbouring blocks, how close will they be to the retaining wall.
  The retaining wall may need to be designed by an engineer depending on some of the situations above.
  If you are on the high side it may increase your building costs depending on proximity to the retaining wall, likewise for the neighbouring blocks.
  If the block is in a new development timings about who had what design when may get a bit tricky (as footing design may need to change prior to construction) and builders need to be aware of changing conditions, e.g., your neighbour may build now before the retaining wall is built, you then come along and excavate to build the retaining wall, your neighbours footing design may need to change……

  • 

    d-hunterz on 03/06/2016 - 15:05

    Its on the low side, retaining wall will be done by others ins mentioned on my sub division plan.
    My assumption is it will be on his block, cant really tell what height its going to be as its proposed in next stage.
    They will have to leave at least 3 m from retaining wall as there will be an 3 M easement towards the back of their lots

    • 

      theclearout on 03/06/2016 - 16:15

      I reckon there are too many unknowns here. If you're really taken by the block you're looking at I would probably be worth talking to an engineer and getting their opinion. The local council may also have the plans for the next stage. A 3m easement worries me - seems really excessive in relation to the block sizes (assuming your block is typical of the size).
      If you're on the low side and the land is currently gently sloping I'd be asking why a retaining wall is being mentioned. Retaining wall or not you will need to ensure you have adequate drainage on your side, you'll either get the run-off from the slope, or what seeps from the base of the retaining wall (even constructed properly with barrier, aggi pipe and scoria, there will be some seepage).
      Do you have a copy of the subdivision you can post on here, or even a brochure from the estate.

      • 

        d-hunterz on 03/06/2016 - 19:29

        Here it is and lot no is 209. Any help regarding this would be much appreciated.
        https://www.dropbox.com/s/ko6ixrpymrcgzjj/36226_2_R01-28_Rev…

      • 

        theclearout on 04/06/2016 - 14:01

        @d-hunterz:
        A couple of things come to mind; if a retaining wall is mandated and you have no neighbours currently as the land is not yet developed you may be up for the full cost. The retaining wall plans are specific. I also note that there are a few other areas in the subdivision that call for a retaining wall - may be worth driving around and asking others affected.
        Also, it may be that the developer is responsible for the construction of the retaining wall.
        If you are doing a house and land package ask your builder what they are including.
        Good luck with it all.

      • 

        d-hunterz on 04/06/2016 - 16:36

        @theclearout:

        Spoke to the land Sales lady she does not seems to know anything. Builder reckons that I will have to pay for the retraining wall but what confuses me is that on the stage sub division plan its is clearly mentioned that there will be a retaining wall by others so my understanding is it has to be either land release guys or the neighbor next door.Just a another question if I ended up building a retaining wall. A wall that is 30M deep X 0.5M high would be a good option against a wall of 14M wide X 1.2 M high in terms of long life and Dollars to build. @theclearout You have been a great help.

• 

  Donaldhump on 03/06/2016 - 15:07

  +2

  stay clear of houses with retaining walls, they are a pain in the but.

  1.) wall is yours and it costs tonnes to fix if collapses, and no insurance will cover this
  2.) the wall is your neighbours, it collapses and he cant be a$$ed fixing, or has no coin to fix it, and then your house is impacted.

  by flat land, or near flat land

• 

  [Deactivated] on 03/06/2016 - 20:07

  +1

  It sounds like a tricky block positioning.

  Let us know what you finally decide about your purchases. It has been a long saga of posts. Good luck.

  • 

    d-hunterz on 14/06/2016 - 09:25

    +1

    Signed the contract, as the developer agreed to construct a concrete retaining wall that would have cost me fortune. Plus I think I score a very decent size of block for a great price.(420sq for 170k).

    Thanks for all the input,Much appreciated

    • 

      [Deactivated] on 14/06/2016 - 12:57

      Thanks for letting us know.