Deciding to build a granny flat is simple, designing and building the extension can be a lot harder. You'll have a lot of questions to answer along the way. Can you use a general contractor or is is better to use one who has built a lot of granny flats before? Is a template design better than a customised one? Should you let the person who'll live in the flat have a say in what it looks like? Luckily, I'm here to help. My name is Maria. We moved my Mum into a purpose-built granny flat last year, so I've had to answer all these questions and more. I thought it'd be useful for other people to see how we managed the process, so here we are — get reading!
4 Things to Know About Building a Retaining Wall on Your Property Boundary
Retaining walls are the best way to compact loose soil and prevent it from moving downhill. You can use concrete blocks, clay tiles, wood and other materials to create a retaining wall. The most important thing is getting the right person to do it. Additionally, you have to assess the location of the wall beforehand. The boundary line between two properties is one of the challenging places to erect a wall. Here is what you should know about building a retaining wall on your property boundary.
Get Consent from Your Neighbour
Erecting a wall on the property boundary is different than doing it within your side of the fence. In the first case, it also serves as a boundary between the two properties. Firstly, speak to a surveyor and ensure your wall falls on the actual property line. Secondly, consult your neighbour and get their consent before starting the construction. Most importantly, you will have joint responsibility for taking care of the wall. Any person undermining or damaging it should repair it.
Consider the Liabilities Connected to Building the Wall
Building the retaining wall is a complex process. It starts by excavating land, a process that can potentially damage your neighbour's property. In case of damages, your neighbour can file a compensation claim against you. Additionally, any fence damages can lead to a liability claim. Therefore, you should consult the construction team and ensure they exercise caution to avoid liabilities. You should also be ready to pay for repairs to any fence damages you cause during the construction. Also, consider scenarios like the possible subsidence of the land and how it would affect the neighbour.
Think About the Requirements of the Building Code
Most parts of the country have strict building regulations for retainer walls. Before starting the construction, check whether you need any permits. Also, go over the requirements with the contractor, and ensure you meet the requirements.
Choose the Right Construction Material
You have several options in construction materials. Masonry, blocks and expanded clay blocks for a permanent wall. Wood is also an excellent choice when you need one to serve your medium-term needs. Assess the pros and cons of each material with the contractor, and choose the perfect one for your needs.
Choosing the ideal construction material is an intricate process. You should hire a competent contractor to plan and implement the project. With the right expertise, you can expect a positive outcome from the process.
For more information about retaining walls, contact a local company.