Engineered retention wall - very high estimation, please HELP

[Chrisk327]

Originally Posted by caspian65

There is absolutely no return on investment with something like this. I have a small retaining wall that needs to be done in my backyard, only 2-3ft high and maybe 15-20ft long. I have had quotes approaching $10k, which I think is absolutely ridiculous. I am certain that this would never add $10k in value to my home, the only thing it might do is increase appeal if I was to sell. Not sure when landscaping became a lucrative business, don't see how people justify the prices.

To the O/P, you may want to check with your home insurance company, for a 10ft wall like that, there might be additional risk involved. Looks like an accident waiting to happen in my humble opinion.

Ummm... they don't price it based upon value, I think they price it based upon how much work (labor) and cost(materials) it takes to do it

[selhars]

There is absolutely no return on investment with something like this. I have a small retaining wall that needs to be done in my backyard, only 2-3ft high and maybe 15-20ft long. I have had quotes approaching $10k, which I think is absolutely ridiculous. I am certain that this would never add $10k in value to my home, the only thing it might do is increase appeal if I was to sell. Not sure when landscaping became a lucrative business, don't see how people justify the prices.

I agree and it's the reason I haven't done the wall I want yet....BUT...even 99% of improvements and remodeling to the home itself don't add the amount of value you spent on it. Depending on what's done and what I've read, most jobs return in a range from 40-80%.

BUT those kinds of improvements improve the actual living space of the home and so more directly affect the enjoyment of the property on a day to day basis.

Outside improvement are 'trickier' to assess a return-on-investment. If you remodel a kitchen you get that enjoyment everyday....get a retaining wall, put in a built-in outside grill/kitchen, hardscaping, professional landscaping - in places where you're only really outside part of the year? That's a tougher call.

But look at southern California, Texas, Arizona and Florida where people can "live outside." People there go hog wild with their backyards....spending way more than 35-thousand.

All my decisions - inside the house itself or outside in the yard - are based on whether spending the money is worth the enjoyment and use I AS THE CURRENT OWNER LIVING THERE will get day to day. As long as I don't NEGATIVELY AFFECT resale (whenever that might eventually be) it's all about whether I think it's worth it to spend the money given my other priorities.

[caspian65]

Totally understand where you're coming from and agree that there is an enjoyment factor that can justify no return on investment. I never intend to get back everything I spend on my house, but don't think it's unreasonable to be mindful and not go overboard. I had a quote of $28k to install some retaining walls, level out part of the yard and put in some drains. I can think of a lot better things to do with that kind of money. Maybe to some it's not a big deal, but I consider that a considerable chunk of change.

[Ultrarunner]

There might be alternatives...

Instead of one 10' wall... two 5' walls like a terrace could be less expensive.

The higher the wall.. the more engineering.