Concrete retaining walls in Cupertino CA - built to drain and hold the slope

Going rates for a poured concrete retaining wall about 3 feet high run about $50 to $60 per square foot in the San Jose area. That range leaves out removing an old wall, terraces, curves, decorative finishes and extra height. Soil weak enough to need piles adds more.

On a tight lot line, poured concrete usually fits better. A block wall ties into the soil behind it, and that reinforcement sometimes can't reach back without crossing into the neighbor's lot, while a poured wall can use a cantilever or tieback design there instead. I'll tell you which fits once I've seen the slope and the property line.

Water trapped behind a wall can greatly raise the load on it and cause leaks. Plenty of walls come down from that pressure with no earthquake at all. That's why drainage stone, filter fabric, perforated drain outlets and good runoff are the part we won't skimp on. Keep the outlets clear afterward so they keep working.

You can, but plan it now. A new driveway near the wall, a change to the soil packed in behind it, or water left to build up can undo what the design counted on, even when the concrete is strong. If a concrete pool deck or a new concrete floor for a shed is in your plans, tell me at the estimate.

In most cases, yes. Even a job under $1,000 needs a licensed contractor in California when it requires a permit of any kind or the worker hires helpers. The state licensing board counts forming, pouring, placing and finishing concrete as concrete contractor work. We're licensed and fully insured, and we've been at it since 2013.

Yes, if you ask. California law requires a home improvement contractor to give you each subcontractor's name, contact details, license number and classification on request. It's a fair question to put to anyone you're thinking of hiring.