Reviews guides

How to vet a retaining wall contractor

This is a high-ticket, high-pressure sale, and the difference between a good contractor and a bad one is in the diagnosis, the scope and the warranty — not the truck.

Criterion	Weight	What good looks like
Diagnosis	30%	A measurement or inspection before a scope
Written scope	25%	Unit price, quantity, prep, materials, disposal
Warranty	20%	Written, transferable, names what voids it
Track record	15%	Jobs you can visit; licence and insurance on file
Price transparency	10%	Unit pricing, no expiring discount

Red flags

• A discount that expires today.
• No unit price, no quantity, no method — just a total.
• A warranty with no document.
• Pressure to sign before an inspection.
• Financing presented as a discount rather than a loan.

Questions that separate the good from the rest

1. What did you measure, and where?
2. What exactly is included in prep and disposal?
3. Which material brand and grade, and why that one?
4. What voids the warranty?
5. Can I speak to a customer whose job is three years old?

The cost hub explains what each line should cost, and the comparison hub covers the method decision.

How many quotes should I get?

Three, against the same written scope. Three quotes for three different diagnoses are not comparable.

What licence is required?

It varies by state and trade. Ask for the number, check it against the state database, and confirm the name matches the contract.