Retaining walls help make your property more attractive, but you should also know the retaining wall benefits. They can improve the value of your home and make your neighborhood more appealing.
Of course, you also need to think about the costs involved. To get a good idea of what’s available, you should contact the architect or builder you’re considering. This is an essential step to helping you decide on the best design for your property.
Residential projects are a little different from those in commercial buildings. Most councils require permits before any construction can begin, which makes planning an important part of the process.
The cost of construction depends on the size of the building, how it’s used, and the material used. There are many factors to consider, so let’s take a look at some of them.
Foundation: The foundation is a set of walls that support the rest of the building. If the foundation is cracked or broken, the entire building will likely be ruined. There are a few basic types of foundations, such as concrete, asphalt, and masonry. Each one has pros and cons.
The soil structure of your property and the topography of the land will also play a role in determining what type of foundation you need. When determining your needs, you should consider what you plan to use the building for. For example, if you have a garage or workshop, the foundation is especially important. Make sure that the building itself will support the weight of the equipment.
The Structural Integrity of Your Home: One of the biggest concerns of homeowners is whether or not their homes are structurally sound. The tendency for water to penetrate cracks and gaps in a structure is often called the “compaction process”. A retaining wall can help limit the amount of compaction that occurs, which can make the structure less vulnerable to floods.
If you live in an area prone to flooding, you should also consider the erosion that can occur with stormwater, since water that causes erosion can erode the foundation of the home. The retaining wall can also reduce this risk by retaining the footing of the foundation to protect it from flooding.
Water, Air, and Energy (WAIE): Not all homes are created equal. Because of the location of the home and the type of flooring, insulation, or windows it has, the dwelling will have its unique climate. And because it’s a home, it will likely be dependent on natural resources such as gas, electricity, or even water.
Retaining wall benefits may include making the house more energy efficient, saving on utility bills, and protecting the home from damage caused by high humidity. Of course, you’ll also get a place to store waste products such as urine and garbage, thus reducing pollution. For the environmentally conscious, this is even more reason to install a well-made retaining wall.
Seismic Testing: Sometimes buildings need to be inspected to ensure that they are structurally sound and are capable of safely supporting large loads and weight on the earth’s surface. In some cases, contractors do seismic testing in advance of construction to check for flaws in the foundations, while others are required to do tests regularly. These tests help ensure that the building is still safe to inhabit after earthquakes or other severe damage to the foundation.
So, the list of retaining wall benefits isn’t quite as long as many homeowners might expect. However, the improvements that a structure like this can bring can make a difference in both quality of life and the property value.