Does A Retaining Wall Boost Your Home's Value? Here's What To Know
Some home upgrades are obviously going to add value to your home when it's time to sell. Prospective buyers love to see improvements like energy-efficient appliances, upgraded siding, or new windows or doors. But a retaining wall? Based on your home, adding one can be a valuable landscaping transformation –- or no more than a cosmetic afterthought.
Whether or not a retaining wall will boost your home's value depends on several factors. Perhaps the most significant is how much you invest in it. According to LawnStarter, the average cost to build a retaining wall is $6,300. That number could be much lower for simple, small projects, but if you need professional engineering and construction, costs could climb past $13,000. Retaining walls are relatively beginner-friendly to DIY, as long as the wall is less than 3 feet tall. However, walls higher than 4 feet usually require permitting and expert installation to ensure they're stable and drain correctly.
To put the cost another way, LawnStarter says you can DIY a retaining wall for less than $20 per square foot, but a professionally built wall can cost more than $50 per square foot. The final cost is ultimately affected by wall size, landscaping slope, materials and style chosen, permitting, and more. However, an aesthetically pleasing retaining wall that adds functionality to your home can increase its value by up to 15%.
When is a retaining wall worth it?
There are significant retaining wall do's and don'ts to consider, which may help you decide if you really want –- or need –- a retaining wall. If your yard has problematic runoff or erosion, constructing one may actually be a necessary expense. Similarly, if you have a failing retaining wall on your property while you're trying to sell, a home inspection will flag it. This could result in your offers being lowered or even retracted. Replacing a failing wall isn't cheap, but it can contribute to a higher future selling price and less time on the market.
Retaining walls are also worth the investment if they help make a sloping yard look more attractive and feel more functional. Home buyers often look favorably on thoughtfully tiered landscaping that incorporates a retaining wall or pathways. Transforming a steep yard into level terraces creates zones for gardening or turns the retaining wall into a functional entertaining space. Instead of settling for an underutilized slope, consider building an eye-catching, quality retaining wall.