Should You do that Retaining Wall Yourself or Hire a Contractor?

DIY projects are trending. You watch a YouTube video, go to Pinterest, get a couple of tips and ideas here and there, and you should be good to master your weekend project! Seems pretty easy, right? Well, the reality is that sometimes doing your own projects with the objective of either saving money or experiencing the proud feeling of “see that, I made it!” can turn into a big nightmare. Before you jump into your retaining wall project, our Orlando masonry experts have listed some key factors for you to consider:

• Money: Creating an expense list with all the materials and tools that you’ll need for your retaining wall will help you see whether it’s more cost-effective to hire a contractor or do it yourself. As far as materials, always keep in mind that contractors can get their stuff at a better price. Also, your time is money and doing some research on how to do this, and doing the project itself, will take a lot of your time and effort. Renting equipment, calling to determine the location of utility lines, and obtaining permits are other items that you should include in your expense list.
• Time: Without previous experience, DIY projects always take more time than what you initially planned for it. The time you’ll spend doing some research, buying the materials, getting all the mandatory paperwork to build it, and building the retaining wall itself can take months. If you don’t have the time to do all this, then hiring a pro will be your best bet!
• Materials and Design: Choosing the right materials is crucial; a bad choice in the masonry could cost you a big headache later on. As far as design, the beautiful design that you saw on Pinterest might not be the most appropriate for your landscaping. These are some of the things that a contractor can help you with. A experienced pro can help you make the best choice in materials and design based on your needs and taste.
• Physical Strength: Building a retaining wall is an intense project to take on. It will require manpower to move the materials and to operate the heavy machinery. Carrying things around in a safe manner is the key to not hurting yourself or damaging the material. You’ll have to a lot of digging and lifting, so just be mentally prepared for it. If your physical condition is not the best fit for this project, don’t risk it!

Considering and evaluating some of these factors involved in your retaining wall project can guarantee that your project goes smooth and as planned with no unwanted surprises. If you are ready to build your retaining wall, don’t forget to visit our Orlando masonry facilities to get your materials. Contact us by calling 407-499-8024 or by filling out our online contact form.