If you want to improve the aesthetics of your home, retaining walls are a fantastic solution. Retaining walls can be built at various heights to help prevent soil erosion, and they can be a cost-effective solution. However, you need to obtain a building consent for any retaining wall work.
Timber retaining walls are a cost-effective option
A timber retaining wall is a good option if you’re looking for a retaining wall that’s low-maintenance and durable. They typically cost $300-350 per square metre, plus GST. The construction process is quick and there’s very little chance of going over budget.
Timber retaining walls are also very aesthetic and can maximise space around your property. Many kiwi homes have uneven sections, and a retaining wall can add function to your landscape as well as form. Here’s how it works: First, you batter back the area to be surrounded by the wall. Next, you drill and concrete in timber poles. Once the concrete sets, you install whalers and then add drainage material behind the wall.
Timber retaining walls can also be constructed in an existing garden. Once built, the timber retaining wall acts as a buffer between the soil and the wall, which prevents soil from slipping off the wall. This means you can build a more attractive garden or landscape.
They require a building consent
A building consent is required if you are planning to build a retaining walls in Auckland. These walls are designed to prevent land from collapsing onto an area. They need to be at least 1.5m tall and should be compliant with the building code. They must also ensure proper ground water drainage and not damage any public service drains.
The process of obtaining a building consent is incredibly complex. You can be charged anything from $5980 for a consultation to thousands for the resource consent. And this cost is before you even begin construction. You also need to pay for an approved sediment control plan, which is not included in the initial cost of a consent.
They can improve the appearance of your home
If your property is situated on a slope, installing retaining walls can make a big difference in the aesthetics and functionality of your home. They prevent runoff, which can cause erosion and carry the dirt that holds up your home’s foundation. These walls can also increase the value of your property.
Retaining walls can be customized to fit the architecture of your home. They can also be tiered to create more space for a garden or other structure. They also serve as a retainer for landscaping accessories. Retaining walls can also protect your property from flooding and erosion. These walls are also ideal for creating a stylish outdoor living area.
They can be built to a combination of heights
When building a retaining wall, it is important to make sure that you’re complying with the building codes. Retaining walls that are 1.5 metres high or more will need a building consent. Building consent is also required if the wall is to be supported by a surcharge. Retaining walls also need to meet the New Zealand Building Code clause B1 Structure, B1.2, which says that a building must withstand a combination of loads during construction. There are two primary types of retaining walls: gravity and retaining walls supported by a surcharge.
If you plan to build a retaining wall, you can use a combination of heights, or a single-height wall. The height requirements of retaining walls are 1.5 metres from top to bottom. However, if the wall is higher than this and has a combination of heights, you will need a building consent.
They require engineering signoff for council submission
There are many considerations that must be taken when designing and constructing a retaining wall. It is essential to understand the boundary lines of your property, as well as any underground utilities. During the engineering phase of a project, a professional structural engineer must check the building code and the Australian Standards, and take into account any additional loading sources such as temporary construction equipment. In the case of retaining walls, an engineering report is required before submitting the final design to council.
The design of your retaining wall must meet the council’s requirements for building consent. The design plan must be certified by an engineer and signed off by the owner. In addition, your building consent application must be submitted in full. The design plan and the producer statement should clearly show the intention of the design and the specifications for materials. You should also make sure that the design of the wall is detailed enough to allow for a field inspection and a final signoff. To ensure your retaining wall meets the council’s requirements, it is vital to follow the Checklist for Retaining Wall Permit Drawings.