The cost of a retaining wall is one of the most common and sometimes most debated topics between property owners in Adelaide. When building or replacing a retaining wall, questions often arise about how much it will cost, who is responsible for paying, and what factors affect the price.
At Fresh Retaining Walls, we specialise in designing and constructing high-quality concrete sleeper and bluestone retaining walls across Adelaide. Our goal is to help homeowners understand what goes into the cost of a retaining wall and how responsibility is determined when it is built on or near a boundary.
What Affects the Cost of a Retaining Wall
Every retaining wall project is unique. The cost depends on several key factors, including:
• Wall height and length – Taller or longer walls require more material, deeper foundations, and additional reinforcement.
• Material choice – Concrete sleeper walls and bluestone rock walls vary in price based on the materials and labour required.
• Site access – Difficult access or steep terrain can increase the cost due to machinery or excavation needs.
• Soil and slope conditions – The natural lay of the land affects how much preparation and drainage work is required.
• Engineering and council approval – In South Australia, any wall over 1 metre high must be designed by an engineer and approved by the council.
Because each property is different, it’s best to arrange a site inspection to get an accurate, fixed quote.
Understanding Who Pays for a Boundary Retaining Wall
When a retaining wall is built along a boundary, one of the most common questions is who is responsible for paying. The answer depends on how the natural ground level has been altered.
In South Australia, each property owner is responsible for retaining the soil on their own land. This means that if you excavate below the natural ground level, you must build and pay for a retaining wall to hold back the soil from your neighbour’s property. Similarly, if you fill or raise your land, you are responsible for retaining the additional soil to prevent it from spilling onto your neighbour’s side.
A Practical Example
Imagine two neighbouring blocks where one owner has excavated 700mm below the natural ground level and the other has filled 300mm above. In this case, the retaining wall would need to support a total of 1 metre in height. The person who filled would generally be responsible for about 30% of the cost, while the person who excavated would contribute around 70%.
This split is based on how much each party has altered the natural ground level. However, every situation is different, and in some cases, neighbours choose to share costs evenly to simplify the process.
The Importance of Communication and Cooperation
A little communication between neighbours can go a long way. Discussing your plans early can prevent disputes and help reduce costs by sharing a single, well-designed wall rather than building two separate ones.
Topics to discuss include the wall’s location, height, material, and drainage. Concrete sleeper and bluestone retaining walls are both excellent choices that provide strength, style, and durability for Adelaide’s conditions.
Fresh Retaining Walls can assist by assessing the site, preparing cost breakdowns, and helping both parties understand their responsibilities before work begins.
Why Professional Help Matters
Building a retaining wall, especially on or near a boundary, is not a simple DIY task. It involves excavation, drainage, structural engineering, and compliance with council regulations. Using licensed retaining wall builders ensures your wall is built safely, meets all legal requirements, and is covered by insurance.
Our team at Fresh Retaining Walls has years of experience managing complex sites, handling approvals, and working through shared boundary projects across Adelaide. We make the process simple and stress-free from start to finish.
Flexible Finance Options Available
At Fresh Retaining Walls, we understand that a new retaining wall is a major investment in your property. To make it easier, we offer finance options through Handypay so you can start your project now and pay over time. This allows you to manage your budget without compromising on quality or safety.
You can learn more about our flexible payment options and apply directly through our website here: https://freshretainingwalls.com.au/finance/.
Get Expert Advice and a Free Quote
If you’re planning to build a retaining wall and want clear advice on costs, responsibilities, and design options, contact Fresh Retaining Walls today. We offer transparent pricing, high-quality workmanship, and complete project management.
We’re proud to provide the best retaining walls Adelaide homeowners can rely on for strength, style, and long-term value.
👉 Contact us for a free site assessment and quote from The Retaining Wall Experts.