My Modular Block Retaining Wall

Thanks for the informative and beneficial platform. Having had my own ignorance exploited, the importance of knowing the difference in retaining wall materials and retaining wall contractors cannot be overstated. After all, bad choices with regard to retaining wall replacement can be perilously costly and retaining walls 101 was not a prerequisite for a business major!

Incorporated with every aspect of property ownership is an undesirable and expensive education, the latest lesson is retaining walls.

Commercial property values plummeted in 2021. So, to advance my interminable education, I purchased a small 7-unit commercial shopping center. To my chagrin, the investment included a very large commercial retaining wall which required immediate replacement.

Aesthetics matter, so I’m willing to overspend on things people notice. A commercial contractor referred to me by my realtor, pitched modular block retaining walls as a durable and attractive solution. Had I only known at that moment how badly modular block sucks!

The cost of modular block was twenty-five percent less than solid poured walls, which I also considered, and should have chosen. But my eagerness to learn the hard way triumphed as usual.

The modular block retaining wall contractor generated three change orders during construction. The change orders increased the cost to be on par with the solid poured concrete retaining wall option. In fairness to the contractor, retaining wall block prices doubled between 2020 and 2022. Regardless, he should have provided up to date and precise retaining wall costs and reasonable timeframe of project duration. Anything less is unprofessional.

Another consideration when weighing the differences between poured concrete vs modular block is that a modular block retaining wall project duration is double that of a solid poured concrete retaining wall.

The upshot is modular block produces a repulsive eyesore that oozes mildew during rainfall. The modular block contractor assures me the block is porous and is intentionally designed to leak!

Modular block darkens and develops stains after the first rain and only worsens over time! Several professional pressure washing crews have applied much effort and time to clean the grotesquely stained modular block. All of their efforts were in vain. The modular block retaining wall appearance literally worsened with pressure washing.

Now that prices for commercial real estate have normalized, my complex will be divested. Naturally, every potential buyer wants a retaining wall replacement with anything but modular block!

Please find a picture of the revolting modular block retaining wall attached to this email.

This informative and beneficial website is being forwarded to every property owner in my contact list with my compliments.

Herman Gottlieb
Atlanta, Georgia