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Reini12346 Jan 2021 10:12Hello everyone,
this year, we want to work on our entrance area. Attached is a photo of the current state. The red line roughly marks the boundary. To the left of the line, there is a gravel road that needs to be retained.
Since our new build has cost a bit more than planned, we need to be mindful of the budget. We don’t like planting rings or L-shaped retaining walls. We were thinking perhaps a natural stone wall or gabions? The area in front of the entrance should be paved. Is a platform strictly necessary in front of the door (wooden frame)?
Another point is drainage. We are the last house on the street at the bottom of a slope, so during rain, all the water from the street soaks near our house. Would a drainage channel in front of the wall, towards the street, be necessary?
Who would generally be the right contact for such a project? Would a landscaping contractor be suitable?
this year, we want to work on our entrance area. Attached is a photo of the current state. The red line roughly marks the boundary. To the left of the line, there is a gravel road that needs to be retained.
Since our new build has cost a bit more than planned, we need to be mindful of the budget. We don’t like planting rings or L-shaped retaining walls. We were thinking perhaps a natural stone wall or gabions? The area in front of the entrance should be paved. Is a platform strictly necessary in front of the door (wooden frame)?
Another point is drainage. We are the last house on the street at the bottom of a slope, so during rain, all the water from the street soaks near our house. Would a drainage channel in front of the wall, towards the street, be necessary?
Who would generally be the right contact for such a project? Would a landscaping contractor be suitable?
Wolkensieben10 Jan 2021 14:31Hello,
I get concerned when I see how water can flow down the hill and your house almost "invites" the water in.
Yes. You need a proper plan, especially regarding the water. You also have your main entrance and basement light wells there, which should be raised as high as possible to prevent water from coming in when it floods.
The problem is not regular rain, but heavy rainfall events.
Unfortunately, they are more expensive than concrete blocks. Gabions are really a matter of personal taste; I find them awful and expensive (if the steel thickness is appropriate).
So, the foundations and gutters cost about the same to build. For gutters, you can choose the most affordable version, as they usually have to be connected to the sewer system.
If you don’t want a sloped retaining wall but a vertical one:
You can build a wall from concrete formwork blocks, place coping stones (concrete or natural stone) on top, and plaster the wall to match the house.
You can also make an attractive wall yourself using concrete wall kits (e.g., Birkenmeier Bi Muro), which is cheaper than glued natural stone walls. Then, you could install a gutter between the street and your property, with the top edge of the wall acting as a barrier. However, there is still the pathway leading to the house to consider.
Where is your parking space? Is it below the house? If so, would it be possible to run the access path to the front door from there and completely close off the street side with the wall?
I get concerned when I see how water can flow down the hill and your house almost "invites" the water in.
Reini1234 schrieb:
Who would generally be the right contact person for such a project? A landscape gardener?
Yes. You need a proper plan, especially regarding the water. You also have your main entrance and basement light wells there, which should be raised as high as possible to prevent water from coming in when it floods.
The problem is not regular rain, but heavy rainfall events.
Reini1234 schrieb:
Wall made of natural stone or gabions?
Unfortunately, they are more expensive than concrete blocks. Gabions are really a matter of personal taste; I find them awful and expensive (if the steel thickness is appropriate).
Reini1234 schrieb:
We need to watch the budget.
So, the foundations and gutters cost about the same to build. For gutters, you can choose the most affordable version, as they usually have to be connected to the sewer system.
If you don’t want a sloped retaining wall but a vertical one:
You can build a wall from concrete formwork blocks, place coping stones (concrete or natural stone) on top, and plaster the wall to match the house.
You can also make an attractive wall yourself using concrete wall kits (e.g., Birkenmeier Bi Muro), which is cheaper than glued natural stone walls. Then, you could install a gutter between the street and your property, with the top edge of the wall acting as a barrier. However, there is still the pathway leading to the house to consider.
Where is your parking space? Is it below the house? If so, would it be possible to run the access path to the front door from there and completely close off the street side with the wall?
Yes, a landscape gardener. They should also suggest what to do with the rainwater.
And I thought you had to watch the budget?!
The money saved could be invested in a nicer platform – or better paving.
Reini1234 schrieb:
We were thinking maybe a wall made of natural stone or gabions?
And I thought you had to watch the budget?!
Reini1234 schrieb:I would go with the ugly paving stones and plant them with evergreen ground covers. In three years, no one will even notice them anymore. They also come in anthracite and rectangular – so why not.
The area near the front door is to be paved. Do we absolutely need a platform in front of the door (wooden frame)?
The money saved could be invested in a nicer platform – or better paving.
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Hausbautraum2010 Jan 2021 16:44Paying attention to the budget and using a natural stone wall contradict each other. Even a concrete wall with drainage already costs a lot over that length. We might need one in the driveway with a length of 8m (26 feet) and a height of 0.8m (2.6 feet), and were quoted 5,000. Natural stone would cost twice as much...
And then there’s the pathway and the entrance platform to consider.
Maybe it’s somewhat cheaper for you, and “sticking to a budget” is subjective, but to me, this doesn’t look like an affordable solution right now.
What is the total height difference?
In any case, only a landscaping contractor would be a suitable option for the drainage issue in your situation. During heavy rain, it seems like water would flow straight into your light well and stand near the house. That would be too risky for wood construction.
And then there’s the pathway and the entrance platform to consider.
Maybe it’s somewhat cheaper for you, and “sticking to a budget” is subjective, but to me, this doesn’t look like an affordable solution right now.
What is the total height difference?
In any case, only a landscaping contractor would be a suitable option for the drainage issue in your situation. During heavy rain, it seems like water would flow straight into your light well and stand near the house. That would be too risky for wood construction.
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Reini123410 Jan 2021 19:05Our house has now been standing for about 2 years, including periods of heavy rain. The main water runoff is already diverted around the house via the compacted gravel path, but it still poses a risk at the moment.
The garage is located roughly where the photo was taken.
The height difference is approximately 0.50m (20 inches) on average, and additional filling still needs to be done.
I will take a look at the suggested alternatives, although I think the concrete blocks are probably not an option. However, I hadn’t expected to spend that much money on a concrete wall.
Among our circle of acquaintances, we actually have many skilled construction helpers. What is missing, however, is proper planning. Are there landscape contractors who, for example, only handle the planning and supervision for a fee?
The garage is located roughly where the photo was taken.
The height difference is approximately 0.50m (20 inches) on average, and additional filling still needs to be done.
I will take a look at the suggested alternatives, although I think the concrete blocks are probably not an option. However, I hadn’t expected to spend that much money on a concrete wall.
Among our circle of acquaintances, we actually have many skilled construction helpers. What is missing, however, is proper planning. Are there landscape contractors who, for example, only handle the planning and supervision for a fee?
Wolkensieben10 Jan 2021 19:10Reini1234 schrieb:
. Are there also landscape gardeners who, for example, only do the planning and implementation for a fee?Either a landscape gardener or a landscape architect.Similar topics