The Great Wall..... on Discovery CCT

So, due to the slope of our site, and the fact that we will be building so close to the boundary we needed to have a retaining wall installed down one side of our boundary.
 
Unfortunately, Coral Homes do not organise retaining walls, so we were left to our own devices on this.... and what a nightmare to say the least!
 
After numerous back and forwards between Coral, the architect drawing the plans and council personnel, we confirmed what we actually needed on site. From there, we had to have plans drawn up with the dimensions etc of the wall, and showing where it would finish on the land.
 
After approximately 2 months (! - yes two months!) of back and forth, we finally received our council approved plans and construction certificate for the retaining wall.
 
We organised Summit Landscapes to install the wall for us - neither hubby or I fancied the manual labour - and they did a great job. You can see in the pictures that they bevelled the edges of the timber sleepers which I think gives a very finished affect - loving the wall!

The Great Wall of Gregory Hills! I love the bevelled edges! 

So, we were feeling pretty good with ourselves, and very happy with the quality of work provided by Summit Landscapes. A few days later we had the private certifier attend site to sign off on the wall......... and here started the stress!

The certifier told us he was unable to pass the wall, as it did not go right to the back of our boundary. The frustrating part for us, was that everything had been made in accordance to the council approved drawings - the retaining wall was to run the majority of the side, finishing approx 2 metres from the back boundary wall, where the land would instead be battered back - this is exactly what was on the approved plans, and exactly what Summit did for us! SO FRUSTRATING....

A shot from the rear boundary looking onto the road - you can see the retaining wall doesn't hit the back boundary - this is problem according to the certifier! Never mind this is what Council approved!

The only way to resolve the matter and keep the wheels turning is to complete the wall, and have it run all the way to meet the back boundary - more costs for us! Only then will the certifier approve the wall....... I will be taking this one further with council..... whats the point in approving the plans if the certifier says it isn't structural correct???? I thought council was supposed to check these things!

Any who - hopefully the wall will be done later in the week and we can get the wall approved and move on......... Only suggestion for Coral Homes is to offer clients the opportunity to build retaining walls! The stress and time this one wall has cost us far out weighs the house...... and its still not right!

Fingers crossed we get it resolved soon.