Expert to evaluate retaining wall

April 20, 2022 7:53 PM

I need help figuring out who can evaluate an existing retaining wall in Philadelphia.

There is a retaining wall running between my property in Philadelphia, PA and several neighbors. I would like to have an expert come out to look at it to evaluate it from a code compliance perspective and also (setting code requirements aside) structural engineering perspective. How do I find the right kind of person?

Ideally I could pay for their time to come out and look at it and give an informal assessment and then we could talk about whether I want any kind of more formal report, obviously as additional paid work from them. Ideally I would also feel like I wasn’t taking a big risk that the person would recommend work on the wall that is unnecessary (like a proverbial car mechanic recommending more repairs) while still getting a realistic assessment of any problems.

So who am I looking for, and how would I find a good one? Thanks!

posted by rustcellar to Home & Garden (8 answers total)

Response by poster: I meant to add, the wall is made of concrete, not stone, if it matters.
posted by rustcellar at 7:57 PM on April 20, 2022

I went on Angi.com to get a list of potential companies and had several different people come take a look. They didn't charge me for coming to give an estimate. You could also check Yelp or Google for reviews on concrete and masonry contractors in your area. Having multiple estimates will give you a better sense of what is and isn't necessary. However, don't cut corners on retaining walls or you'll end up paying more in the end to have it corrected.
posted by ananci at 8:18 PM on April 20, 2022

Response by poster: Thanks ananci. One thing I’m wondering is whether the only people who could do this kind of evaluation are contractors who would also do the work (if hired), or if there’s a way to get some kind of consultant who isn’t tied to the prospect of doing any repair work themselves. It’s quite possible that if work needed to be done it would not be me hiring the contractor so that’s why I’m trying to just isolate the evaluation piece of it for now.
(Will stop threadsitting now. Thanks!)
posted by rustcellar at 8:30 PM on April 20, 2022

I think you are looking for a structural engineer. An architect or contractor (after the engineer) can provide information about remediation, and potentially correct the problem.
posted by citygirl at 10:00 PM on April 20, 2022 [1 favorite]

The scale of the retaining wall would inform who might be able to help.

For example if you have a solid concrete wall that is holding back 3 feet or more soil you may need a structural engineer whereas a wall of three feet or less assembled from multiple parts, such as stone, concrete bricks or timber, could easily have a landscape contractor evaluate.

If the wall is failing usually there is a clear issue whether poor construction, poor material choice or poor water management behind that wall.

Much like an iceberg the determining factors are below the waterline or in your case behind the wall on your neighbors side. Proper drainage, depth of wall and footing, tie-backs in the case of timber constructed walls et cetera are all hidden and would require digging to define.

I would start with a reputable landscape contractor that does retaining wall work. They will be able to get you started.
posted by ashtray elvis at 1:52 AM on April 21, 2022 [1 favorite]

Unless it's small, structural engineer. They can evaluate, and if necessary detail what needs to be done and get permits. They do assessments all the time, it's a normal part of the job and I've never had one angle to turn something into more work.
I can recommend some in Philly if you want.
posted by sepviva at 3:32 AM on April 21, 2022

As other have stated I would start with a independent structural engineer. They should be just evaluating the situation not selling you services. You would then take the engineer's recommendations to a contractor.
posted by tman99 at 6:51 AM on April 21, 2022

Yes, structural engineer.

You can verify that they're a license PE in Pennsylvania on the PA licensing search page, click through the name and any disciplinary actions will show up. This won't necessarily verify they're a GOOD structural engineer (and it doesn't indicate specialty, just Professional Engineer license), but it will verify their license is in good standing.
posted by DoubleLune at 8:00 AM on April 21, 2022