# A retaining-wall project worksheet

> Use this worksheet to prepare an inquiry to Cairn Charlotte Retaining Walls. Print it or copy the questions into your notes. Discuss your wall with Cairn.

URL: https://cairncharlotteretainingwalls.com/resources/


Use this worksheet to prepare an inquiry to [Cairn Charlotte Retaining Walls](/). Print it or copy the questions into your notes. Record only what you already know or can observe from a safe location. Leave uncertain items blank rather than investigate unstable ground.

## Property and decision makers

Property location: ______________________________

Person arranging the inquiry: ______________________________

Preferred contact details: ______________________________

Owner or representative authorized to approve work: ______________________________

Other owners, managers or HOA representatives involved: ______________________________

Is the wall near a property line, shared route or easement? What records are available? ______________________________

## What brought you here?

Describe the visible concern or proposed change: ______________________________

When did you first notice it? What has changed since then? ______________________________

Is this a new wall, a repair, a replacement, drainage work or an uncertain scope? ______________________________

Earlier repairs or recurring problems: ______________________________

## Wall and surrounding ground

Approximate wall length: __________ feet. Approximate visible height: __________ feet.

Material, if known: ______________________________

Number of tiers or separate sections: ______________________________

What is above the wall, such as a driveway, building, pool, fence or higher terrace? ______________________________

What is below it, and who uses that area? ______________________________

Visible water, soil loss or drainage outlets: ______________________________

Do not dig to identify buried footing, drains or reinforcement. The [assessment guide](/retaining-wall-assessment/) explains the difference between an observation and a diagnosis.

## Access and protection

Available gate or passage width, if already known: ______________________________

Stairs, steep ground, overhead restrictions or parking constraints: ______________________________

Resident entrances, shared paths or vehicle access that need coordination: ______________________________

Trees, paving, landscaping and nearby structures to discuss protecting: ______________________________

## Documents and photographs

Available survey, plans, permits, inspection notes or soils report: ______________________________

Photographs available: whole wall, top and bottom ground, visible outlets, access route. Photograph only from safe ground. Do not include unrelated personal information.

## Compare proposals by scope

Ask each proposal to identify what remains, what is removed, foundation or base work, drainage outlet, reinforcement, demolition, haul-off, approvals, temporary support and restoration. Note allowances and exclusions separately. Our [estimate checklist](/blog/retaining-wall-estimate-checklist/) goes deeper.

Budget questions to resolve: ______________________________

Design, permit or property questions to resolve: ______________________________

Use the [cost guide](/guide/retaining-wall-cost-charlotte/) for installation planning and the [repair-versus-replacement guide](/guide/repair-or-replace-retaining-wall/) when deciding what to compare. Take the completed notes to your [estimate inquiry](/contact/).