Retaining wall quotes range widely because the work behind the wall is invisible and easy to leave out of a cheap bid.
Height drives everything
Load rises quickly with height, and so do footing size, reinforcement, and permitting requirements. A short garden wall and a structural wall are different categories of project.
Drainage and backfill
Drain rock, pipe, and proper backfill are a real line item. When a bid comes in far below the others, this is usually the missing part.
Engineering and permits
Above certain heights, or with a load above the wall, engineering and permitting come into play. Where required, those are written into the proposal scope.
Access
Backyard slopes with narrow gates mean smaller equipment and more hours. We assess it on site, and final pricing follows in a written proposal.
The short version
Compare what's behind the wall, not just the face of it. Drainage is where the price difference hides.
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