Can Retaining Walls Increase The Value Of A Property? 

  • Author: Fazal Umer
  • Posted On: September 1, 2023
  • Updated On: September 1, 2023

Investing in features that add value to your property is one of the best ways to upgrade your home. Aside from the elements you can add to the interiors, considering the outdoors is also a wise decision. Building retaining walls is one of the additions that can boost property value. 

Retaining walls hold off soil and increase its load-bearing capacity. It’s a standard building requirement for sloping properties. However, they’re also an excellent addition to any landscape. 

Are retaining walls worth the investment? Here’s a quick discussion to determine if it’s suitable for boosting your property value. 

Benefits Of Retaining Walls 

Building retaining walls in your property offers many benefits, such as the following: 

Prevents Soil Erosion 

Properties on sloping land are prone to soil erosion. Over time, this risk can cause significant damage to your home, so finding a solution is crucial. Working with a trusted retaining wall builder colorado springs can help you construct a rigid, long-lasting structure. 

During the rainy season, especially in storm-prone areas, soil’s natural structure can weaken due to water runoff. Retaining walls hold the soil in place, preventing erosion. These walls also have a proper drainage system to prevent water pooling. 

Maximizes Outdoor Spaces 

Maximizing your yard can be challenging if there are slopes. Building retaining walls provides an efficient solution to make the most out of your outdoor spaces, making your property more livable. 

Building retaining walls allows you to reshape your yard by contouring the slopes and creating flat surfaces for better space utilization. It also enables the construction of pathways and stairs for better property access. You can also create a sunken sitting area with a firepit for entertainment. If you plan to revamp your outdoors, contact your local landscape experts or visit https://vantaoutdoors.com/.  

Furthermore, retaining walls are an excellent addition to create leveled surfaces for vegetation and gardens on steep slopes. This trick lets you utilize every inch of a small property. 

Beautifies Landscape 

Landscape design significantly impacts your property’s curb appeal. Aside from its functional benefits, retaining walls can also add an eye-catching element to your yard. 

You can create an excellent landscape design by balancing softscape, composed of plants and trees, and hardscape, which includes pathways and retaining walls. Building retaining walls with natural stones or bricks that match your home’s architectural style can create a cohesive look that further enhances curb appeal. 

Moreover, retaining walls create a visual interest by adding layers to your landscape design. You can build various levels based on the slope and put ornamental plants and lighting in between. 

Stabilizes Home Structure 

Homes built on sloping land require retaining walls to stabilize the soil. This structure keeps the earth in shape, minimizing the risk of landslides and keeping the house safe. 

Building retaining walls around the property provides extra support for the home’s structure. Aside from preventing soil erosion, it also helps protect the house’s foundation from water damage, keeping it structurally sound for longer. 

Depending on the architectural style, a retaining wall can be a part of the home. For instance, building retaining walls is necessary for parts of the house surrounded by earth. These walls help stabilize the structure and keep it strong against natural elements. 

Manages Water Runoff 

Retaining walls help manage water runoff, a common issue on sloping properties and storm-prone areas. When disregarded, this problem can cause sinkholes due to pooling. Therefore, redirecting water is crucial to safety. 

Constructing retaining walls with a proper drainage system helps prevent flooding and soil erosion. It’s a vital feature to protect your property from storm damage and maintain your home’s structural integrity. 

Durable waterproofing is necessary if the retaining wall is a part of the home. By ensuring the walls are water-tight, you can prevent efflorescence on concrete walls and paint bubbling or peeling due to moisture. 

Adds Property Value 

On top of its safety benefits, expertly built retaining walls can increase property value. Whether building a forever home or planning to sell it, you can enjoy its advantages. 

Adding retaining walls provides structural support, increases yard utilization, and improves curb appeal when constructed as part of the landscape design. These factors can help boost overall property value. 

Is Building Retaining Walls Worth The Investment? 

Building retaining walls can be an excellent investment if you plan to upgrade your property. The benefits mentioned make it worth every cent. To prepare for this project, here are two keys to consider: 

  • Cost To Build: The average cost to build a retaining wall is USD$23 per square foot. This price depends on the materials and methods used. For instance, steel retaining walls can cost up to USD$150 per square foot, while those made with natural stones cost around USD$50. 
  • Expected ROI: The expected return on investment for retaining walls can go up to 150%, particularly when selling the property within one year of construction. If you’re selling your home in that timeline, building retaining walls can significantly increase resale value. 

It’s best to talk to landscape and construction experts to determine if retaining walls suit your property.

Conclusion 

Retaining walls are a valuable addition to properties with slopes. This feature is a practical option for boosting value while keeping the home structurally sound, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. If you’re building one, call your local landscape experts to start planning.

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Author: Fazal Umer

Fazal is a dedicated industry expert in the field of civil engineering. As an Editor at ConstructionHow, he leverages his experience as a civil engineer to enrich the readers looking to learn a thing or two in detail in the respective field. Over the years he has provided written verdicts to publications and exhibited a deep-seated value in providing informative pieces on infrastructure, construction, and design.

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