Frequently Asked Questions

Our family-owned company is based in Woodstock, GA. We proudly serve homeowners and businesses throughout the Metro Atlanta and North Georgia regions. Our primary service areas include Alpharetta, Canton, Cartersville, Cumming, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Marietta, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, Buford, Milton, and Dawsonville. If you are located near these areas, please contact us to discuss your project.

With over 37 years of experience, we bring a level of expertise that is unmatched in the region. We are not just installers; we are creative problem-solvers who design solutions tailored to your property's unique challenges. Our commitment is backed by a 20-year installation warranty on retaining walls, a testament to the quality and durability of our work.

Absolutely. MaurerCo Retaining Walls is fully licensed and insured for your protection and peace of mind. We adhere to all local, state, and industry regulations, ensuring every project is completed safely and professionally. We can provide documentation upon request.

We are a full-service hardscaping and earth stabilization company. While our specialty is designing and building robust retaining walls, our expertise extends to a wide range of outdoor projects. Our services include:

• Retaining Walls: Custom-designed walls using modular blocks, natural stone, and other high-quality materials.
• Living Retaining Walls: Ecologically friendly walls that integrate vegetation for a natural aesthetic.
• Commercial Critical Structures: Engineered walls for commercial properties that meet strict structural standards.
• Erosion & Drainage Solutions: Comprehensive strategies to manage water flow, prevent soil loss, and stabilize creek banks.
• Pavers & Hardscapes: Installation of patios, sidewalks, paths, columns, and seat walls.
• Outdoor Living Spaces: Construction of outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and fire pits to create functional and beautiful gathering areas.
• Pool Construction & Installation: Complete design and installation services for custom swimming pools.

Yes, in almost all cases. Most municipalities in Georgia mandate a permit for any retaining wall, and it is a definite requirement for any wall exceeding four feet in height. Navigating the permit process can be complex, as each city and county has different requirements. We simplify this for you by including the permit application process in our quotes. We handle the paperwork, fees, and communication with the municipality to ensure your project is fully compliant.

The best material depends on your specific needs, aesthetic preferences, and budget. We commonly work with high-quality modular concrete blocks, which are engineered for strength and come in various styles and colors. We also construct walls from natural stone and other durable materials. During our initial consultation, we will discuss the pros and cons of each option and recommend the best fit for your landscape and structural requirements.

Excavation can sometimes reveal unexpected challenges, such as large rock deposits, unsuitable soils, or unmarked utility lines. If we encounter any such "unforeseen conditions," we will stop work and contact you immediately to discuss the issue and outline a solution. For issues like unsuitable soil, an independent engineer may need to inspect the site and recommend a course of action. Any additional work required will be handled through a formal change order, so there are no surprises.

Our process is designed to be as efficient and transparent as possible. After the permit is approved, we will install required siltation and safety fencing. We begin by having #811 Utilities Locate mark all utility lines on your property. Once our heavy equipment and materials arrive, our experienced crew gets to work. You can expect our team to be courteous, professional, and respectful of your property and your neighbors.

Yes, we understand that a hardscaping project is a significant investment. To make it more manageable, we have partnered with Hearth to offer flexible and competitive financing options. You can pre-qualify for financing through a simple online application, which allows you to see potential monthly payments without impacting your credit score. This helps you move forward with your project sooner.

Reputable installers generally price walls between $35 and $75 per square foot. To estimate your total cost, you can calculate the square footage by multiplying the length of the wall by its height, and then multiplying that by the price per square foot. For example, a wall that is 100 feet long and 4 feet high would be 400 square feet. At $30 per square foot, the total cost would be $12,000.

We will probably be one of the more expensive quotes that you receive. Unless you know what questions to ask and insist on, you may very well end up paying twice for your retaining wall. 

We receive 2-3 calls monthly from consumers who went with the low bid and their retaining wall  has failed and fallen down.

While it might be tempting to go with the lowest bid, the saying "You get what you pay for" often holds true. Lower bids may compromise on quality, materials, or expertise, which can lead to issues down the line. It's important to consider the reputation and experience of the installer, not just the price.

1. Project Scale and Size

The total square footage of the wall plays a significant role in pricing. Generally, larger projects benefit from economies of scale. For example, the lower end of the price range (around $35 per square foot) typically applies to large retaining walls that are 1,200 square feet or more.

2. Site Access

How easily our crew can reach the construction zone is a major cost driver. If machinery cannot access the area, we must rely on manual labor (hand work) to move materials and excavate. This lack of access increases labor time and results in higher overall costs.

3. Demolition and Disposal

If your project involves replacing an existing structure, such as a rotten timber wall, expect the price to be in the higher range. This accounts for the labor involved in removing the old wall, as well as the fees for hauling off and properly disposing of the debris.

4. Material Selection

The specific materials you choose will also impact the cost per square foot:

• Standard Options (Lower Cost): Soil Baskets, Rockwood, Cornerstone, or Anchor Diamond blocks in standard Gray or Tan colors generally fall on the lower end of the price spectrum.
• Premium Options (Higher Cost): Selecting color blends, scored blocks, Heritage Stone, Creekside materials, or traditional masonry retaining walls will increase the cost.

1. Will you use geogrid reinforcement in the wall?

For any wall standing 3 feet or taller, geogrid reinforcement is essential for stability. An experienced contractor will know this and should ask you clarifying questions about the type of grid needed for your specific project. If they don't plan to use a grid or are unfamiliar with it, this is a major red flag. Proper grid installation is key to preventing wall failure.

2. What type of compaction equipment will you use?

Properly compacted soil and base material are what give your wall its strength. Your contractor should be using professional compaction equipment. Look for answers that include tools like a plate compactor, a jumping jack, or a sheepsfoot roller. If they plan to compact the material by hand (for example, with a hand tamper), the wall will not have the necessary foundation to last.

3. Will you use drainage rock behind the wall?

The correct answer to this question should always be "yes." A layer of clean, crushed stone behind the wall is vital for proper drainage. It relieves hydrostatic pressure that builds up from water in the soil, which is a primary cause of wall failure. If a contractor says they won't use rock or will only use a small amount, you should not hire them.

4. How will you construct the footing?

A retaining wall is only as strong as its foundation. A proper footing consists of a trench filled with 6 to 8 inches of compacted base rock, depending on the soil conditions. This creates a level and stable base for the first course of blocks. An inadequate footing will compromise the entire structure.

5. Do you offer a warranty on your work?

A reputable contractor will stand behind their work. Ask if they offer a warranty and for how long it is valid. Most importantly, ensure that you get the warranty details in writing as part of your contract. This protects your investment and provides peace of mind.

CHANCE® Helical Piers are advanced foundation stabilization systems designed to provide reliable support for new construction, foundation repair, retaining walls, and hillside stabilization. They work like screws, transferring the structure's weight to stable soil layers below the surface.

These piers are rotated deep into stable soil strata, transferring the structure’s weight from unstable surface layers to firm, load-bearing earth below. This method ensures exceptional strength, accuracy, and long-term performance without the need for traditional excavation.

Foundation Repair: They are ideal for stabilizing homes, pools, decks, and other structures that show signs of settling. If you notice issues like wall cracks, uneven or sloping floors, or leaning walls, helical piers can correct the problem by securing the foundation to stable ground.

Retaining Wall Support: Helical piers can be used to anchor new retaining walls, providing additional strength from the start. They are also used to secure and reinforce existing walls that may be leaning or failing due to soil pressure.

Hillside Stabilization: For properties on slopes, helical piers are driven into the hillside to anchor the soil. This helps prevent soil erosion and landslides, protecting structures built on or near the incline.

New Construction: In areas where the soil is weak, shifting, or otherwise unsuitable for standard foundations, helical piers provide a dependable deep-foundation system. They ensure that a new structure is built on a solid base from day one.