Retaining Walls and the Role of a Surveyor: What You Need to Know

When the natural slope of the land is cut, a wall is needed to hold the soil in place and prevent it from sliding. These structures, known as retaining walls, aren’t just about safety—they also help maximize the usable space on a property. If you take a closer look at homes built in the 1960s and 1970s, you’ll notice many of them rely on these walls, which were often built using materials like railway ties.

But here’s the problem: time hasn’t been kind to these older retaining walls. The railway ties have started to rot, and many walls now need repairs—or worse, complete replacement. And the costs? Let’s just say they’re nothing to scoff at. In some cases, repairing or rebuilding a retaining wall can cost upwards of $200,000. Naturally, this raises the all-important question: Who’s responsible for the wall?

Disputes Over Retaining Walls

The issue with retaining walls isn’t just the high cost of maintaining or replacing them. It’s also the uncertainty over ownership and responsibility. When a retaining wall sits between two properties, it’s not always clear who should foot the bill. Does the wall belong to the uphill neighbor, the downhill one, or both?

This is where a surveyor becomes an invaluable resource. To be clear, surveyors aren’t there to make legal judgments about responsibility or costs—that’s something you’d need a real estate lawyer for. But what surveyors can do is provide crucial information by accurately defining property boundaries.

How Surveyors Help Determine Boundaries

When a dispute over a retaining wall arises, the first step is to figure out exactly where the wall is located. Is it entirely on your property? Your neighbor’s? Or does it straddle the property line? A surveyor can determine the exact position of the wall relative to the boundary lines.

This information is critical, but it’s important to understand that the location of the wall alone doesn’t settle questions of financial responsibility. For example:

• If the wall is entirely on your property, you might be responsible for its upkeep.
• If the wall is sitting directly on the boundary line, responsibility could fall on both neighbors.

So, why is knowing the boundary so important? Because the first step in resolving any dispute is starting with a shared understanding of the facts. When you know exactly where the wall is, you can enter negotiations—or legal proceedings—with clarity and confidence.

The Role of Surveyors During Construction

Of course, retaining walls aren’t just a challenge for older homes. If you’re planning new construction on sloped land, chances are you’ll need a retaining wall, and this is another scenario where a surveyor can make all the difference.

Surveyors ensure that new retaining walls are built in their intended location, relative to the property line, to prevent issues like encroachment. Imagine if your wall ends up a few inches inside your neighbor’s property. Even if it’s an honest mistake, this could lead to costly legal disputes or, worse, the need to move the wall entirely.

By clearly marking boundaries and advising on placement, a surveyor helps you avoid these headaches from the start.

Why Boundaries Matter

Whether you’re dealing with an old retaining wall that needs repairs or planning to build a brand-new one, understanding your property boundaries is absolutely essential.

Clear boundary lines mean disputes can be resolved more fairly, faster, and with less conflict. They also help maintain good relationships between neighbors. And for all this, working with a professional surveyor is key.

At the end of the day, retaining walls are more than just physical structures—they sit at the intersection of safety, finances, and legal matters.

Whether you’re dealing with an aging wall or planning a new one, partnering with a surveyor is the first step in making sure the job is done right.

Author: Nima Ghiassi

British Columbia Land Surveyor
Tel: (604) 830-5545
ngls.ca