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In San Diego’s hilly terrain, maximizing outdoor space often requires creative engineering. Yard expansions paired with retaining wall fences are a strategic way to increase usable space, stabilize sloped land, prevent erosion, and create privacy and safety barriers. These structures not only serve a functional purpose but can greatly enhance your property’s appearance and value.
Ground Up Construction Management specializes in custom yard expansions that incorporate engineered retaining walls and fence systems to transform sloped or underutilized spaces into beautiful, practical areas for entertaining, gardening, or recreation.
Have steep or unusable slopes on their property
Need to level out areas for patios, gardens, or play areas
Want to prevent soil erosion or runoff
Without proper slope stabilization, your yard can suffer from ongoing erosion, flooding, and land loss—particularly during rain or irrigation. Left unchecked, this can damage your home’s foundation, reduce property value, and create hazardous conditions. Failing to install a properly engineered retaining wall can also result in fines or structural failure.
We begin with a no-obligation inspection to assess your yard’s slope, drainage, and soil conditions. Our team recommends tailored solutions to stabilize and expand your outdoor area effectively.
We design and build retaining walls to meet your property’s needs and San Diego’s building codes, using the most suitable materials for long-term strength, proper drainage, and aesthetic appeal.
Once retaining walls are in place, we expertly grade and level the newly created yard space to support landscaping, patios, turf, or garden beds.
At Ground Up Construction Management, we don’t just complete projects, we deliver peace of mind. Our 5 Foundational Pillars ensure every client experiences expert work, honest communication, and dependable follow-through from start to finish.
You’ll never be left in the dark. We manage each project, guaranteeing you always have direct access to updates and answers. No long hold times. No chasing down subcontractors. What we promise is exactly what we deliver: clear communication and consistent accountability from start to finish.
Every job is performed by a specialist. Our concrete work is done by concrete experts. Our roofing projects are completed by professional roofers. We don’t believe in “jack of all trades, master of none.” Instead, we use highly trained tradesmen with deep expertise in their specific field, ensuring lasting quality and top-tier workmanship on every project.
We assess the slope, soil condition, drainage, and space potential to craft a custom plan.
Our team helps with layout design, retaining wall engineering, and securing required permits for walls over 3 feet or fences exceeding 7 feet in height.
We begin excavation, install proper drainage systems, and prep the foundation for your retaining wall.
We build the wall to code and install fences if required, using top-tier materials for durability and style.
The newly expanded area is backfilled, compacted, and graded. We finish with clean-up and site restoration.
San Diego property owners continue to choose Ground Up Construction Management for their construction projects due to our unmatched combination of experience, quality, and customer care:
We offer complimentary site evaluations and detailed recommendations tailored to your specific needs—no pressure, just expert guidance.
Our team is dedicated to delivering efficient and timely solutions, ensuring minimal disruption to your schedule.
We provide clear, detailed quotes upfront so you know exactly what to expect, allowing you to budget with confidence.
We require little to no deposit upfront and offer flexible payment plans to suit your needs.
We treat every client like family, providing personalized service and dedicated project management from start to finish.
As CSLB General A & B licensed contractors, we meet California’s highest standards for construction projects.
We use only high-quality, weather-resistant materials that perform well under San Diego’s unique environmental conditions.
With over 35 positive reviews and 250+ jobs completed, our reputation is built on reliability, integrity, and exceptional craftsmanship in every project we take on.
Retaining walls are structures specifically designed to hold back soil and other loose materials. They are essential in landscaping and construction projects where there are changes in elevation or sloping terrain. By counteracting the force of gravity on the soil, these walls prevent erosion and landslides, ensuring stability and safety.
Retaining walls create usable level spaces on sloped land, making it possible to build structures, gardens, and patios where it would otherwise be challenging. They also help to manage water drainage, preventing soil from being washed away and protecting the foundation of buildings and other structures.
Retaining walls play a crucial role in maintaining slope stability and preventing potential damage. Without them, slopes are susceptible to erosion and collapse, particularly during heavy rainfall. This can result in significant property damage, including landscape degradation, foundation issues, and structural problems in your home and surrounding structures.
Unstable slopes also pose a serious safety risk. Landslides and falling debris can cause injuries or fatalities, endangering both residents and passersby. The consequences of slope failure can extend beyond physical damage and safety concerns.
If a slope collapses and affects neighboring properties, it can result in legal action and financial liability. This could lead to costly lawsuits and legal fees, adding further stress and financial burden to the property owner.
The lifespan of a retaining wall is heavily influenced by the materials used in its construction and the level of maintenance it receives. For instance, walls built with treated wood may last 25 years or more, while those constructed from poured concrete, natural stone, or brick can endure for 50 to 100 years or even longer with proper upkeep.
Regular maintenance is key to maximizing the lifespan of any retaining wall. This includes inspecting the wall for signs of damage, such as cracks, bulging, or leaning, and promptly repairing any issues. Additionally, ensuring proper drainage behind the wall is crucial to preventing water buildup and subsequent damage.
In San Diego, retaining walls that are higher than three feet require a permit due to building and safety regulations. These regulations are in place to ensure that retaining walls are structurally sound and will not pose a risk to public safety. The process for obtaining a permit will vary depending on the specific location and the height of the wall. It typically involves submitting plans and specifications to the local building department for review and approval.
Yes, constructing a fence that exceeds 7 feet in height in San Diego requires a building permit. The height measurement is determined by measuring from the lowest point of the adjacent grade. This regulation ensures that fences adhere to local building codes and safety standards. Adhering to these requirements helps maintain property values, ensures the safety and privacy of residents, and prevents disputes with neighbors.
No, a fence cannot be used as a retaining wall. While they may appear to serve a similar function, their structural design and purpose are vastly different.
Fences are primarily designed to enclose an area, provide privacy, or mark boundaries. They are typically lightweight structures that are not built to withstand the immense lateral pressure exerted by soil.
Retaining walls, on the other hand, are specifically engineered to hold back soil and prevent erosion on sloped or uneven terrain. They are constructed with robust materials and structural reinforcement to resist the significant force of earth and water pressure.
Using a fence as a retaining wall can lead to serious issues:
Structural Failure: The fence will likely buckle, lean, or collapse under the weight of the soil, especially during heavy rainfall or ground shifts.
Property Damage: The collapse of the fence and soil can cause damage to surrounding structures, landscaping, and utilities.
Safety Hazards: A failing fence can create a dangerous situation, potentially causing injury to people or animals nearby.
If you need to support a slope or level your land, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified engineer or landscaping professional to design and construct a proper retaining wall that meets safety and building code requirements. Attempting to use a fence as a substitute for a retaining wall is a risky and potentially costly mistake. Contact us.
Ready to reclaim your outdoor space? Ground Up Construction Management’s expert team will help you safely expand and transform your yard with custom retaining wall fences and grading solutions.
Contact us today to schedule your free inspection and consultation!
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