Fourteen site checks
Retaining Wall Project Checklist
Use the checklist before requesting a quote so the first discussion starts with the wall, ground, water and access evidence that can change scope.
A stronger first brief
Retaining wall Geelong checklist: what to collect
- 01
Measure length and exposed height
These dimensions establish wall face area and reveal where the wall steps or changes height.
- 02
Photograph both wall ends
Returns and transitions often show access limits, cracking, erosion or changes in retained levels.
- 03
Show the ground above and below
Driveways, fences, buildings and terraces can add context that a close face photo hides.
- 04
Record visible movement
Leaning, bulging, open joints and displaced caps need different assessment questions.
- 05
Note rot, corrosion or cracking
Material condition helps separate a local component issue from widespread deterioration.
- 06
Trace surface water
Paving, lawns and roofwater can direct flow towards the wall before it reaches subsoil drainage (the pipe and drainage aggregate behind the wall).
- 07
Find the drainage outlet
A pipe without a known, maintainable and lawful destination is not a complete drainage path.
- 08
Measure the access route
Gate width, eaves, services, paving and turning room affect excavation and material handling.
- 09
Locate known services
Post holes, footings and excavation need a service check before the wall line is fixed.
- 10
Check boundaries and easements
Title constraints and adjoining-property protection can change design and approval questions.
- 11
Gather plans and levels
Survey, estate, engineering and landscape plans help everyone discuss the same geometry.
- 12
Compare written scope lines
Demolition, structure, drainage, approvals, finishes and exclusions should not disappear into one price.
- 13
Ask who owns design decisions
Structural design and building-permit decisions need the appropriate registered professionals where required.
- 14
Keep future maintenance access
Drain outlets, planting and wall faces should remain inspectable after the landscape is complete.
Visible method
Method and assumptions
What it does: prompts you to record the site observations that commonly affect an initial retaining wall discussion. It does not calculate cost, determine structural adequacy, replace engineering or decide permit requirements.
Method: work through each item, record what you can see or measure, and attach relevant photos or existing plans. There is no formula or hidden scoring system.
Source and assumptions: the checklist applies the project scope categories documented in this site build and assumes you will verify site-specific requirements with the appropriate contractor, engineer, surveyor or authority. Use Consumer Affairs Victoria's outdoor building checklist when defining written scope and contracts.
Keep a copy with the enquiry
Request the checklist by email
Add the suburb and any wall details you already know. The form records the request and gives the project discussion a useful starting point.