What is a Landscaper (Retaining Walls)?

A Landscaper is a licensed contractor who constructs outdoor features such as retaining walls, paving, gardens, and drainage systems. When structural retaining walls are required, their work must comply with engineering plans and local council standards to manage soil levels and site stability.

What does a Landscaper do?

Your Landscaper will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.


Typically, a Landscaper engaged for retaining walls will:

  • Review engineering drawings and site levels
  • Excavate and prepare the site for strip footings
  • Construct footings and pour concrete foundations
  • Build retaining wall structures (e.g. block, concrete sleeper, brick)
  • Complete core filling or drainage behind the wall as specified
  • Coordinate inspections (if required) and backfilling on completion


Retaining wall works are often critical to support site access, drainage, or fencing in later stages of your build.

Glossary

Below is a breakdown of each inspection your Building Certifier will carry out during construction. These checks ensure your project complies with all relevant building codes and regulations at critical stages.

Term Definition
Procure This is when you hire or book the professionals, order materials, and get everything you need ready before the work starts.
Structural Retaining Walls – Strip Footing Prep The team digs trenches where the base of the wall will go. They make sure the ground is ready to hold the concrete footing (the wall’s foundation).
Structural Retaining Walls – Strip Footing Pour Concrete is poured into the prepared trenches to create a strong base that supports the wall. This base is called a "strip footing."
Structural Retaining Walls – Wall Construction The wall is built on top of the concrete footing. Blocks, bricks, or other materials are stacked and secured to form the retaining wall.
Structural Retaining Walls – Core Fill Concrete is poured inside the hollow spaces of the wall to make it solid and strong. This is called "core filling" and helps the wall handle heavy loads and pressure.

Tip: Book Your Landscaper Early!

If your walls are over 600mm high or near a boundary, council may require structural certification. Don’t wait until the end — get quotes and book your landscaper early to avoid hold-ups later.

What Makes a Good Landscaper?

Look for landscapers who:

  • Are licensed and insured to construct structural retaining walls
  • Can interpret and work from structural or engineer’s plans
  • Have experience with your chosen wall material (e.g. Besser block, concrete sleepers)
  • Understand site drainage requirements and backfill sequencing
  • Offer clear pricing and staged progress payments

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

To get quotes from Landscapers for retaining walls, you’ll need:

  • Approved structural drawings for the wall (if required by council)
  • Site plan and levels
  • Information about wall finishes and materials
  • Any relevant drainage or boundary conditions
  • Your budget and timeframe for works

Average Timeframe

For this task, Pros typically provide quotes within 7-10 business days.

When Can I Expect Quotes?

Timeframes often vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g. a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

 

Don't be alarmed if you don't receive quotes or communication from any Build Buddy Pros straight away. Some work is more complex and the Pro may need time to comprehend your documents or scope of work. Depending on the job, there may even be some work required by the Pro before they are able to quote (e.g. a site visit might be required).

 

If the average timeframe indicated here has passed, and you have not received any messages or quotes, please feel free to contact the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team for an update on quoting for this task.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do all retaining walls need engineering?

    No—only walls over a certain height (typically 600mm or more), near boundaries, or supporting structures generally require engineering and council approval.

  • Can I do the wall after handover?

    You can, but it may delay fencing, drainage, or occupation certification. Structural walls are best completed during construction while access is easier.

  • What’s a core fill?

    It involves pouring concrete into hollow blocks or wall cavities to reinforce the structure. It’s often required for engineered masonry walls.

How to Complete this Task?

STEP 1

Review and Adjust the Scope of Works

Timeframes may vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g., a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

STEP 2

Confirm Required Documents Are Uploaded

Check that the following required document(s) are uploaded for this task. These are essential to proceed:

STEP 3

Update the Quality Assurance Checklist

Go to the Quality Assurance tab in this task and review the checklist. Edit any details to suit your project requirements. Being clear and upfront helps set expectations with the Pro. Updating the checklist before requesting quotes ensures everyone is aligned.

STEP 4

Request Quotes

Click the orange ‘Request Quotes’ button to start the quoting process.

STEP 5

Review the Quotes

Once you receive quotes:

  • Review each one carefully, including the payment schedule and any special terms
  • Download attached quote documents for detailed review
  • Check each Pro’s profile and read past client reviews

STEP 6

Communicate with the Pro

If needed, message or call the Pro to clarify details or negotiate terms.

STEP 7

Accept a Quote

Choose the quote that best suits your needs. Once you accept a quote, any other pending quotes will be automatically declined. An agreement will automatically be generated.

STEP 8

Complete the Tasks In Your App

New tasks will appear to guide you through this job — follow each step carefully. Make sure to use the Quality Assurance Checklist, and refer to your contract and final Scope of Works whenever needed.

NEED HELP?

Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro

If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.


If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.