ᐅ Retaining Higher-Level Neighboring Properties: L-Shaped Retaining Walls and Tips

Created on: 27 Feb 2021 14:31
J
jaenno1
Hello everyone,

I need your expertise. Due to the new elevation of our new build, I have to retain neighboring properties that are higher. The required retaining height would be 1-1.5 m (3.3-5 feet).

My first choice was concrete retaining walls (L-shaped blocks), but I cannot install the footings pointing towards the neighbors, as this would significantly encroach on their land.

Do you have any ideas, tips, or alternatives for me?

Best regards
jaenno1
I
icandoit
28 Feb 2021 08:46
AxelH. schrieb:

Well, for everyone who is surprised and thinking about left-handed mugs 😉 , here is the solution to the puzzle: The exposed concrete on these models is simply on the opposite side. This way, the "nice side" faces my property without having to affect the neighbor’s land. Unfortunately, not all suppliers offer these models. I’m attaching the model and price overview from my supplier. This clearly shows the difference (including in price).
Mauerscheiben.jpg

However, the price difference is not only due to the exposed concrete finish. There is also more concrete and steel used.
J
jaenno1
28 Feb 2021 09:06
Good morning everyone,
Amazing how many messages are waiting for me here this morning. I will take my time to read through them carefully. It is correct that I am 1.0–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) lower than the neighbor. All the properties are on sloping terrain. Since our new house and the surrounding area are supposed to be on one level, we would need to retain the higher neighboring plots.

Best regards
I
icandoit
28 Feb 2021 09:12
Raising the house and then doing some shaping is not possible?
J
jaenno1
28 Feb 2021 09:15
Two construction workers in high-visibility vests working at night in a trench next to a fence and hedge, with an excavator arm.

Here you can see an example, unfortunately taken in the evening, of the "most extreme" neighbor. He has completely raised the level of his plot, while the neighboring plots slope down, so such a large height difference wouldn't be necessary. This area runs parallel to our garage, where I am already considering simply filling it in and calling it done.
The well you see is located 0.5 m (1.6 ft) below the future finished floor level. The house will be built a bit further to the right.
I hope you can get an idea of the problem I am facing now.
J
jaenno1
28 Feb 2021 09:18
icandoit schrieb:

Is it not possible to raise the house and then adjust the landscaping a bit?

Unfortunately not, as that would create significant height differences with another neighbor and also in the garden. This is already a compromise since it is almost the same level as the front yard. However, no matter how we turned it around, the opposite option would have looked even worse, as an apparent slope stabilization towards the neighbors...
AxelH.28 Feb 2021 09:24
icandoit schrieb:

The price difference is not only due to the exposed concrete finish. There is also more concrete and steel involved.
Undoubtedly true. But whether an additional weight of 15 kg (110 kg / 125 kg) in the smallest wall panel justifies a price increase of more than 100 percent ($32.80 / $70) is questionable. I was told at the time that the price increase was due to the small production quantities and the related changes required for the manufacturing process.