Realty.com » Resources and Services

Login • Register

Resources and Services

Expert Advice

Expand Retaining Walls Around Driveway

Q: We recently bought a home and need some work done to the driveway. The drive leads to a basement garage. There are retaining walls that run along the entire drive to the garage.

Our problem is that the driveway is too narrow for us to park our cars or safely navigate to and from the garage. We want to widen the drive in order to utilize the garage. I’m confused on what type of contractor to call.

A:

You need an engineer to determine the specifications of the new wall dimensions. You could hire an engineer first, then give his plans to several different contractors to bid

and perform the work. A concrete contractor could probably do the bulk of the work, then you could coordinate the rest yourselves.

Or you can start by contacting some general contractors (or perhaps certain landscaping contractors) to recommend or line up engineers with whom they have experience working. Then they could give you bids to coordinate the entire project, including demolition, excavation preparation, temporary shoring, drainage, driveway/sidewalk work and concrete/Segmented Wall Systems/paint/plaster coat (whatever kind of new retaining walls you want to construct), and landscaping.

It would probably be a good idea to interview several different professionals to decide the best way to tackle your project. To find some reputable professionals, please visit our site at: http://www.servicemagic.com. Enter service request and let us match you with several ideal service professional in your area.

Good luck!

Kathy Maynard

More Popular Entries

Additions & Remodels

Soundproofing Techniques
Small Kitchen Projects Can Make a Big Difference
Easy Financing Options for Remodeling

Agents (Real Estate), Appraisers & Home Inspectors

Home Inspections
The Final Walk Through
Townhouses

Appliances

Installing Appliances
Selecting Major Appliances
Repair Dishwasher and Water Damage

Builders (New Homes), Architects & Designers

Conventionally Framed Home Builder
Checklist: Preventing Builder Fraud
Workout Room

Carpentry & Cabinets

Tip: Dealing with Dryrot
Cabinet Options
Tip: Repair Laminate Countertops

Cleaning Services

The Importance of Air Duct and Vent Cleaning
Prevent Wear with Fabric Protection
Ways to Clean Your Carpet

Concrete, Brick & Stone

Installing Concrete
Tip: Repair Concrete Steps
Wunderbar Rebar!

Consumer Guides

Time for a New Roof?
Preparing a House for Sale
Upgrading Your Electrical System

Design Ideas

Drywall Textures and Styles
Prefinished vs. Unfinished Wood Flooring
Asphalt Shingles: The Wood and Tile Alternative

Electrical, Telephone & Data

Whole House Fans
Tip: Repair Home Entertainment Equipment
Convenient Electrical Fixtures

Expert Advice

Install a Front Door
Insulating a Crawl Space
Air Quality

Flooring

Hardwood Inlay
Cleaning Hardwood Floor Inlay
Steam Cleaning Grout

Handyman Services

Avoiding Home Repair Rip-offs
Some Assembly Required
The Benefits of Weatherstripping

Heating & Cooling

Tip: Types of Geo Thermal Heating Systems
Heat Pumps
Environmentally Friendly Solar Heat

Home Construction

More Return on Your Home Improvement Investment
Tip: Panelized Homes
Do Homework Before Building a New Home

Landscape, Decks & Fences

Asphalt Paving
The Attention Your Landscape Needs
Preparing Your Yard for Winter

Moving & Storage

Some Assembly Required
Preparing a House for Sale
Stowing it Away: Where to Put It

Other Services

Tip: Fire Protection or Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Your Children Safe
Wet Basements

Painting & Staining

Tip: Roller Marks - Interior Paint
The Right Tools for Interior Painting
The Basics of Interior Painting

Plumbing

Safe Drinking Water
The Importance of Clean Water
Find a Water Treatment Service

Quick Tips

Tip: Cleaning Fireplace Burns
Tip: Repair or Maintain Sprinkler Systems
Checklist: Basic Lawn & Landscape Care

Roofing, Siding & Gutters

Install Roofing Snow Melt Protection
Install or Replace Flat Roofing
Modern Roofing Options

SP Feature Article

The Internet Will Change the Buying of Services

Walls & Ceilings

Techniques for Wall Covering Removal
Create a Turn-of-the-Century Look With Metal Ceilings
Acoustic Ceiling Cleaning

Windows & Doors

Basic Door Lock Information
Installing the Correct Blinds or Shades
Choosing Between Blinds or Shades

copyright 2008 Realty.com