[OmegaSupreme]

so my backyard has one side of it where the cinder block wall is about one row lower than the other side. i spoke to my neighbor a while ago and she was open to the idea of splitting the cost of raising it another course (adding another row) at some point in the future. hopefully she would still be happy to split the cost.

from what I gather it would probably be about 100-ft of cinder block which will cost approx $100 just for those

now my question is, since this seems like a simple job i could hire the help waiting outside of the hardware stores, but I have no idea what a fair price would be and what the process is of negotiating. any advice would be welcome.

[Buzz123]

I wouldn't hire those guys unless you know how to lay blocks and they will just be your hod carriers and mortar mixers. But I'd get someone you can trust to lay the blocks correctly and have the tools they need; and nt someone who will case your house to come back and rob you.

[vegas taco]

i would go to any new development and ask those that are installing the walls how much they would charge you on the off time to do the work

[Camaro5]

I'm no expert on block walls, but isn't there rebar inside the blocks to hold the courses together? Can you just add another course of blocks without tying them to the ones below?

I would definitely ask someone that knows what they're doing before relying on the day help at Home Depot.

[WestieJeff]

Definitely need to tie it into the existing block courses with rebar. Probably easier to fill an existing empty column with new rebar versus drilling into the existing filled cells which would already have rebar.

The footings are designed for a specific height wall. Realistically you're probably within a fudge factor if you add a single course, but something to keep in mind.

Laying block level and tooling the joints to make it look decent requires experience. No way I would be relying on any day labor to do it.

[Cold Warrior]

Hmmm... You may need a building permit and the wall may have to be engineered.

[OmegaSupreme]

i guess i will scrap this idea for now

[tijlover]

In Mexico, the majority of construction is concrete, cinder block, and only when they come to this country do the need to learn how to build with wood. So, if you were going to hire a Mexican from Home Depot, I'd look for one of the oldest ones to do the job, and yes or no, rebar.

I've seen additions to cinder block walls in my neighborhood, but I doubt very much if the additions had rebar. But if it's only one layer, I wouldn't worry about it.

We have cinder block walls throughout my 1970 townhouse complex, and apparently, when they built the walls, there was no rebar, as over the years they've gone through the expense of adding rebar, wall by wall.

Not sure, even with the rebar, if it would survive an earthquake.

[lvmensch]

Originally Posted by OmegaSupreme

i guess i will scrap this idea for now

If it is between homes and both agree I would not worry much about permits and such. If it is a border wall facing a street I would. Zoning codes generally are set at six feet and anything higher requires a use permit. They are actually easy to get as long as it is not a neighborhood controversy. You won't for instance find it easy to get a use permit for a ten foot wall. It can be done but you will likely have to work at it and have a rational need.

Find a local contractor who does it and get a bid and hire the lowest one who sounds rational. They will know about requirements and whether or not you really have to get a permit for a particular job.