Answers to the questions Bendigo homeowners ask most about retaining walls. If yours isn’t here, Call 0485 557 649 and your local, registered builder can help.
Do I need a building permit for my retaining wall?
In Greater Bendigo you need one if the wall is 1 metre or more high, if it’s on or near a boundary at any height, or if the excavation or fill could affect the stability of your land or a neighbour’s land or buildings. Lower walls set back from buildings and boundaries by at least their height generally don’t. See the permit guide.
Who issues building permits in Bendigo?
A registered private building surveyor. The City of Greater Bendigo says it doesn’t issue building permits itself.
How much does a concrete sleeper retaining wall cost?
Typical published ranges are about $350–$500 per square metre of wall face in Victoria for walls up to about 1 metre, and $450–$700 per square metre nationally (hipages). Taller walls cost more. See the cost guide.
How is a retaining wall measured for pricing?
Usually by the area of the wall face: length multiplied by the exposed height. A wall 10 metres long and 1 metre high is 10 square metres.
Concrete or timber sleepers: which is better?
Timber is cheaper up front. Concrete sleepers cost more but published guides estimate they last around 40 to 60 years or more, against roughly 15 to 25 for treated pine. See concrete sleeper walls and timber sleeper walls.
Do I need an engineer?
Walls that need a building permit usually need a structural engineer’s design. Your building surveyor will confirm what’s required. Even for lower walls, an engineer is worth considering if the wall holds up a driveway, a building or a fence.
Can you build a fence on top of a retaining wall?
Yes, but the wall has to be designed for the extra load from the fence and wind. Tell your builder early, and talk to your neighbour if it’s on a boundary.
Why does drainage matter so much?
Water building up behind a wall adds a lot of pressure and is a common cause of failure. A good wall has an ag pipe, drainage gravel, filter fabric and a proper outlet. Read about drainage behind retaining walls.
How long does a retaining wall take to build?
It depends on the length, height, access and whether a permit is needed. Many smaller residential walls take a few days on site, but permits, engineering and materials can add weeks beforehand. Your builder will give you a timeframe with the quote.
Is the builder registered and insured?
Yes. We only refer you to a local builder who is registered and insured. Ask for their registration number, and you can check it on the Building and Plumbing Commission’s Find and check a practitioner search. For most domestic building work over $10,000, Victorian law requires a major domestic building contract with a registered builder.
Can my old timber wall be replaced?
Yes. Removing a rotting or leaning timber wall and replacing it with concrete sleepers is one of the most common jobs. If it’s on a boundary or near a building, get it looked at soon.
Are you a building company?
No. Bendigo Retaining Walls is a referral service. We connect you with one independent, local retaining wall builder, who quotes and does the work directly with you.
Still have questions?
Browse the areas we serve, or Call 0485 557 649 for a free, no-obligation quote. You can also request a quote.
Bendigo Retaining Walls is a referral service, not a building company. We pass your enquiry to one independent, local retaining wall builder, who inspects the site, quotes and carries out the work under their own registration and insurance. Builder registration details are provided with your quote.