By Faulkner Surveyors – Get Things in Perspective
Entangling yourself in a battle over a retaining wall can feel as though you’re entering a headache you never ordered. You might not know who owns it, who should take care of it or what you should do next.
We’ve helped many others in similar circumstances to sort things out—without the drama.
Here are five down-to-earth suggestions to help you get through it all.
Tip 1: Spot the Problem Early – Before the Wall Comes Tumbling Down
If something doesn’t seem right about a retaining wall near your property, it’s a good idea to never ignore your instincts. The issues tend to begin small but expand rapidly when left unchecked. What is a Party Boundary? – Faulkner’s Surveyors
Watch out for signs like:
- Cracks forming across the wall
- Excess water at the bottom or back of the structure.
- Slumping or sliding of soil near the wall
- The wall leant further than it should have
These issues generally mean something is not working right.
We can do a legitimate inspection to see what the issue is and provide you with who the culprit really is.” Nab it early, and generally there’s less stress — and less expensive repair bills.
Tip 2: Unsure Who’s Responsible? Let’s Clear That Up
In contentious retaining wall squabbles, one of the largest sticking points is simply not knowing who really owns the wall — or who’s supposed to take care of it. The Function of the Party Wall Surveyor
Ownership is not always clear-cut, especially if the wall is situated on or near a boundary. It could come down to:
- What your property deeds show
- Qui bono from the wall being there
- Past Use / History or bygone days
At Faulkner Surveyors we can help you understand this with legal documents, on-site observation and expert judgement. In other words, once we have the facts, everything is clear — and fairer.
Tip 3: Accused of Causing Damage? Here’s How to Respond
That can be incredibly frustrating that if someone’s accusing you of doing damage that you didn’t do. Before you shell out money on repairs or defend yourself, it’s crucial to know the facts.
Here’s what we recommend:
- There is no need to take responsibility without sufficient evidence
- So get an unbiased third party to do a survey (us)
- Use your own photos to jot down how things change over time
- Don’t trust your neighbor without receiving clear evidence firstetus of truth before you can believe anything.
From Faulkner Surveyors you will receive a detailed professional report explaining what has occurred and who is (or is not) to blame. That sort of support can really go a long way to quieting things down.
Tip 4: Unsure Whether to Call a Solicitor or a Surveyor First?
It’s a frequent question — and a legitimate one. If the retaining wall issue is early in its dispute timeline, you’re often best off starting by calling a surveyor. Why?
Because:
- We can review the wall of no damage and kind of just work out who they might have been.
- If things do continue to boil over, you’ll be better prepared
- We often are able to resolve the issue before the need to file a lawsuit!
If formal matters are already starting to raise their heads—maybe you’ve had a formal letter or a court notice—then a solicitor ought to be involved as well. Yet a good surveyor’s solid report remains the basis of any legal case.
Tip 5: Want to Avoid Court Altogether? There’s a Better Way
Legal action is expensive, time-consuming, and stressful. Luckily, most retaining wall disputes don’t need to end up in court—as long as both sides are open to talking.
Here are a few smarter, calmer options:
- Joint Surveyor – Both neighbours agree to hire one surveyor to provide a fair assessment
- Mediation – A neutral meeting where both sides can speak freely with expert advice at hand
- Written Agreements – Once everyone’s on the same page, we help put things in writing so no one’s left guessing later
At Faulkner Surveyors, we believe good communication and expert guidance can solve most retaining wall problems—without the cost or stress of court.
Need Help With a Retaining Wall Issue?
If a wall is causing problems—or even just confusion—give us a call. We’ll help you understand your rights, get clarity on ownership, and avoid any unnecessary fallout with your neighbours.
For Further Information Please Call Us Today 03300100262