Can Anyone Build A Retaining Wall?

Straight answer, no. There are many companies in NSW who construct retaining walls illegally. There are many reasons for this, one being that there isn’t enough information available for homeowners and businesses… and companies aren’t able to get the credentials needed if they aren’t qualified. 

Here are some tips on how to determine if the company you’re dealing with will be suitable for your project:

- In NSW you need to be a qualified and licensed Structural Landscaper or Builder to charge clients to construct a retaining wall as even though it isn’t a livable structure. A retaining wall is classed as a structure, which means your retaining wall will need to be built to code to be compliant.

- In NSW companies who perform works in your building should have a current certificate of insurance. (workers’ compensation/Icare, Public liability is compulsory)

- In NSW your contractor must hold a license (separate to qualifications) before they can do any residential building work valued at more than $5,000 including gst in labour and materials.

- Any contract for structural landscaping can include specialist work that needs to be done as part of the overall job, any specialist work can be subcontracted. However, the work must be carried out by the holder of an endorsed contractor license or qualified supervisor certificate in that specialist category.

- If you want to build a decorative retaining wall (e.g. under 600mm in height garden edge) you do not require a license or qualification if the works do not exceed $5,000 including gst for materials and labour.

Something people do not understand when hiring trades is the professional process that is required. Some things to expect when engaging a qualified and licensed tradesperson to complete your retaining wall:

- Receive a formal written small contract (for works over $5,000) which is signed by both the contractor and owner. Within this document will be a payment schedule and expected start date, followed by terms and conditions of the contract. 

- For works exceeding $20,000 including gst you would require to have a Home Building Contract. Within this contract, you will find terms, conditions, payment schedules, variations, site details + more! As I mentioned beforehand, a retaining wall isn’t a livable structure, it’s still classed as a structure, so it will need to be built to code.

- A HB Contract is accompanied by Home Owners Warranty Insurance (something unlicensed companies cannot offer). This will be applied for once contracts have been exchanged and deposits have been paid.

- A copy of the NSW Fact Sheet–‘consumer building guide’ which contains mandatory information for consumers which helps them clearly identify legitimate companies vs the fakes.

So you see, your property is protected, you have warranty and a qualified tradesperson to complete your project. Sadly the information isn’t a well known fact for the public. So we hope you have learnt something from our blog this week that will help make your building process a lot easier! Just remember when comparing prices for retaining walls make sure you’re comparing apples with apples (licensed/ insured tradies) not apples & bananas (licensed/insured trade with an unlicensed/ unqualified labourer).Make sure you follow our Instagram (Supreme _sandstone) for more!

Ref www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/trades-and businesses/licensing-and-qualifications/structural-landscaping