Retaining wall crack

My property agent sent me a photo of a cracked and leaning retaining wall on one of my IPs in Ipswich in QLD. The damage seems to be quite severe, and potentially can lead to catastrophic damage to the house, as it's sitting on top of the retaining wall.

The house is less than 5 years old so it's quite shocking to see. I see a lot of landscapers work with retaining walls but somehow I think they would be underqualified to deal with such structural issues.

Can someone recommend a good specialist who can help fixing this mess?

 

the house is 5 years old? is the retaining wall 5 years old? if so, contact the builder who built it.. or QBCC to lodge a claim under the home owner's warranty (valid for 6.5 years).

 

yes, the retaining wall was built as part of the house build. I just wasn't sure if it would be covered by the same warranty. Thanks for pointing this out, I will go to the builder first and then to QBCC if required.

 

Can I ask why the house is so high up? Seems the block next door is fairly flat.

 

It's possible the retaining wall was built by the developer as part of a subdivision? I'd contact your local council who should be able to provide you with the 'Building Approval' documents for this retaining wall.

 

that's a good point - I have checked the DA Decision Notes and they discuss the retaining wall as part of the build. So looks like the retaining walls should be covered by the same warranty as the house itself.

 

When I read the thread title I though you wanted to keep the crack as a feature.

 

Strange they allowed a expansion crack in what is a strucural load bearing wall. Its like they allowed a joint there the way blocks are joined and seemingly "filled"eg caulking ?. Could even be a sign someone has tried to fill a small gap that opened previously and slivers of block are evident ?? Definately a building warranty claim to consider. This is why site costs can be massive and no builder should have constructed without engineering reports. Consider merits of having a structural engineer advise on the warranty defects and claim process as they will know whats BS and whats legal. QBCC or insurer funding for your independent advice should be explored. Thats a very high wall for the materials. Any drainage, reinforcing depth etc ? No weep holes ? Could be far more extensive that that crack lets on.eg lateral outwards to the side as well and out at the end of the lot. Very unusual for side by side lots to have so much fill. What is it 2.5metres ++ ?? That joint may actually have assisted recognition of a concern.

 

A good lawyer & structural engineer would be a good start.

That wall is over 3m high (landscapers can only build walls to 1m without engineering input).

By the looks of that 1st photo, the footing has cracked which is a critical failure - the builder/developer/designer/engineer will be running for cover when they hear about it - the cost of demolition & reconstruction will be substantial to say the least.

 

Good pick up Scott. Its also above ground level ? It a elevated footing rather than a stable structural foundation. Should likely be dug down a LONG way and contain reinforcing steel and stuctural concrete. Looks very dodgy. I would be concerned for what inside the blocks too.

You shoud be able to at least pull down council historical approval records for what "should" be there as a start