A retaining-wall project worksheet

Property and decision makers

Property location: ______________________________

Person arranging the inquiry: ______________________________

Preferred contact details: ______________________________

Owner or representative authorized to approve work: ______________________________

Other owners, managers or HOA representatives involved: ______________________________

Is the wall near a property line, shared route or easement? What records are available? ______________________________

What brought you here?

Describe the visible concern or proposed change: ______________________________

When did you first notice it? What has changed since then? ______________________________

Is this a new wall, a repair, a replacement, drainage work or an uncertain scope? ______________________________

Earlier repairs or recurring problems: ______________________________

Wall and surrounding ground

Approximate wall length: __________ feet. Approximate visible height: __________ feet.

Material, if known: ______________________________

Number of tiers or separate sections: ______________________________

What is above the wall, such as a driveway, building, pool, fence or higher terrace? ______________________________

What is below it, and who uses that area? ______________________________

Visible water, soil loss or drainage outlets: ______________________________

Do not dig to identify buried footing, drains or reinforcement. The assessment guide explains the difference between an observation and a diagnosis.

Access and protection

Available gate or passage width, if already known: ______________________________

Stairs, steep ground, overhead restrictions or parking constraints: ______________________________

Resident entrances, shared paths or vehicle access that need coordination: ______________________________

Trees, paving, landscaping and nearby structures to discuss protecting: ______________________________

Documents and photographs

Available survey, plans, permits, inspection notes or soils report: ______________________________

Photographs available: whole wall, top and bottom ground, visible outlets, access route. Photograph only from safe ground. Do not include unrelated personal information.

Compare proposals by scope

Ask each proposal to identify what remains, what is removed, foundation or base work, drainage outlet, reinforcement, demolition, haul-off, approvals, temporary support and restoration. Note allowances and exclusions separately. Our estimate checklist goes deeper.

Budget questions to resolve: ______________________________

Design, permit or property questions to resolve: ______________________________

Use the cost guide for installation planning and the repair-versus-replacement guide when deciding what to compare. Take the completed notes to your estimate inquiry.