Help with prep to get the most from a professional consultation

9 years ago

Hi Guys and Gals! I am hope you can recommend the best path for me to take here. There are 2 retaining walls, 2 windows and a door in that low area. That is the residents patio furniture covered for the winter. The lower retaining wall is in need of repair, so if we are going to change the design this year would be the time to do it.

Do I plot to scale on paper? excel? With stormwater flow noted? Would you list goals and let the professional come up with specifications? Would you call LA? Or is this more a landscaping job? Is it rude to ask for a plan that heavy machinery work is done professionally and our volunteers complete the remainder? Is that unusual? Would you look at Angies List? Home Adviser? How to find the right person? Please point me in the right direction.

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PRO

Yardvaark

9 years ago

Not exactly sure what the actual landscape work you're wanting to have done. Is it to repair the retaining wall? Or is someone unhappy with the design of the wall? What is the "heavy machinery work"? Whatever it is, it's likely that most landscape designers could handle it and advise you of your best course of action. And you could advise them how you'd like to portion out the work and get their feedback.

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Comments (9)

Dalton the Bengal (Zone 6)
Original Author
9 years ago
ok. I will contact a landscape designer or two.

The work to be done - repair or replace the retaining wall, water pools in front of door that is slightly lower that the brick walkway, windows are at ground level with gravel in front, overall drainage needs improvement, walk is wonky, look needs improvement. Seems like too many variable to do in forum, no? Houzz and this forum have been kind to me, I don't want to push.
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PRO
Yardvaark
9 years ago
I don't think it would be pushing it, but to keep it from being confusing, you need to present one issue or area at a time.
Dalton the Bengal (Zone 6) thanked Yardvaark
Dalton the Bengal (Zone 6)
Original Author
9 years ago
ok. Thank you
User
9 years ago
You need to have a sketch of the area flagging the problem spots - ponding especially because that is temporary - with dimensions marked. Doesn't have to be precise scaling.

Pictures of the problem while it is present are good.

And you need to have a list of goals: the MUST haves like getting rid of the drainage problems, and the things that would be nice as long as they don't interfere with the must haves.

Having the drainage stuff done by a real landscaping CONTRACTOR (not a "landscape designer" you want one with engineering expertise for walls and drains) or landscape architect who hires the contractor.

Look for one that specializes in drainage remediation and water problems.

What is to the lower left, where that sidewalk goes? Because that's where this spot has to drain to.

************

Looking at your picture, primary remediation probably has to happen close to the street, with a secondary drain for the retaining wall. You have no gutters to keep water from the street and uphill area coming right into that lower entry.

What were they thinking?
Dalton the Bengal (Zone 6) thanked User
Dalton the Bengal (Zone 6)
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you Yardvaark and Lazy (notsoLazy) gardener! I will get photos and post. Because it is so close to where someone lives i am having them ok being photographed.

I am glad you guys and gals are willing to point me in the right direction. God knows we dont want me to dig another trench... lol. I have looked at this for so long that I can't see any good options.

We don't get street runoff, but runoff from the front of the building, about 30 ft worth. It seems to me that the exterior entry must have been an afterthought during the conversion to condos

April
User
9 years ago
runoff from the front of the building, about 30 ft worth.

Maybe a gutter system leading to a better place?
Dalton the Bengal (Zone 6) thanked User
Dalton the Bengal (Zone 6)
Original Author
9 years ago
I am taking photos Monday, will post more info Tuesday.
Dalton the Bengal (Zone 6)
Original Author
9 years ago
Started new post: Can you help redesign retaining wall / entry area