The Significance of Adding Retaining Walls in Property Boundaries
20 January 2023You may install a retaining wall on the property line with the consent of the two property owners. However, it should be noted that the two parties are still accountable for any of their activities that jeopardise the wall’s structural stability. Therefore, if the neighbour digs close to the wall and, for any reason, causes it to topple over or collapse, it is their responsibility to fix it and return it to its original state.
Many people are unaware of the obligations associated with this kind of wall. This post will outline the information you should know before building a retaining wall or if you have concerns about the one next to your neighbour’s garden.
What is a Retaining Wall?
A retaining wall is a strong wall created to maintain the soil and prevent it from moving downward. It can be built from various materials, such as wood, brick, and stone. At Andy Concreting, we highly recommend building a concrete retaining wall for optimum durability, and it offers more advantages than other materials. A retaining wall must be properly placed, have good drainage, and be able to withstand any lateral stresses because it must sustain the soil, whether it is dry or wet. A retaining wall that was constructed improperly runs the risk of cracking or perhaps collapsing. One of the rules regulating retaining walls states that a structural engineer with a licence must oversee their construction if it is taller than one metre.
Maintaining Retaining Walls is the Responsibility of Both Neighbours
Both parties must agree before installing retaining wall systems along property lines. The wall is considered the equal duty of the two neighbours, and whoever damages it is responsible for repairing or replacing it.
Building Retaining Walls Close to Property Lines
Panel and post-retaining walls can create problems when placed close to property lines because they might only be advantageous to one landowner. The law considers several variables when building retaining walls, including the wall’s location, environmental effect, and potential hazards. Most of the time, excavating the ground is required to build a retaining wall. The person who ordered the work may be held accountable for any negative effects if the work, or the wall itself, intrudes into or damages neighbouring property. The responsible party must pay for all associated expenditures, repair or remove their retaining wall, and pay damages to the neighbouring property.
Things to Consider Before Building a Retaining Wall
A retaining wall installation is a task that requires extreme caution. Think about the desired height of the wall. Call your local council to find out whether you need to obtain development authorisation if it will be more than 600mm or require extensive excavation. Ensure you only work with a licenced contractor with adequate insurance coverage for damages that occur during the building process or after it is finished. Verify the contractor’s licence to determine if it is still valid.
Are you ready to build your retaining wall? Licensed professionals from Andy Concreting are ready to assist you! But remember, as a responsible property owner, ensure that you have a mutual agreement with your neighbour, especially if you plan to have your walls built near the property line to avoid any problems in the future.
Feel free to Contact Us for any enquiries about concreting, retaining walls, and excavation projects that you may need. You can call us on 0401 948 172.
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