Should I Hire a Retaining Wall Engineer for My Novum Wall Project?

Even with installer-friendly systems like Novum Wall, safety, stability, and long-term performance depend on sound design. A licensed engineer specializing in retaining wall design helps you match wall geometry, soils, drainage, and loads to a compliant solution, which can reduce risk, minimize change orders, and avoid costly rework for your retaining wall project.

In this article, we’ll discuss when you should have your Novum Wall project professionally designed, the advantages of hiring a local wall engineer, how much you should expect to pay for a wall design, and more.

When Should You Hire a Wall Design Engineer for Your Novum Wall Project?

Retaining walls may seem straightforward at first glance. Still, certain conditions can significantly impact their stability and safety. Engaging a licensed engineer ensures your project meets structural and regulatory standards, preventing costly repairs or safety hazards down the line.

Four potential Novum Wall scenarios should trigger the involvement of an engineer responsible for the wall design. These include:

• Any wall 4 ft (1.2 m) or taller that retains soil
• Any wall with load surcharges (driveways, parking areas, pools, buildings) or that provides structural support
• Any wall with water present in front of or behind the wall
• Any wall with slopes above, below, or both

Adhering to these guidelines aligns with the International Building Code (IBC) requirements, protects your investment, and ensures the safety of those around the wall. Remember that local regulations may impose additional standards, so consultation with a licensed retaining wall engineer is the most reliable way to ensure a secure, code-compliant retaining wall.

Why You Should Hire a Local Wall Design Engineer

A local retaining wall engineer can offer retaining wall design expertise and insight shaped by years of experience working in your region. From understanding the unique characteristics of your site to navigating local permitting requirements, their involvement can mean the difference between a smooth, efficient project and costly delays or failures.

A local engineer can dramatically improve project outcomes by offering:

• Site-Specific Knowledge. Deep familiarity with soils, groundwater conditions, wind/seismic considerations, and drainage realities unique to your area.
• Relationships and Permitting Know-How. Proven connections with permitting authorities and inspectors, ensuring faster approvals and minimizing surprises.
• Product Understanding. Expertise in matching the right wall systems – from gravity to mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls – to your project goals, delivering durable and cost-effective solutions.
• Project Insurance. Professional engineering design is a small investment compared to the potential cost of rebuilds, which can substantially exceed the original price if things go wrong.

Investing in a local wall design engineer for your project secures your peace of mind, ensures your wall’s structural integrity, creates project efficiency, and delivers long-term durability. Their knowledge and experience protect your budget, schedule, and, ultimately, the success of your build.

How Much Does a Wall Design Cost?

Retaining wall costs vary, so determining the design cost of your Novum Wall isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario. Every project brings unique challenges. The terrain, wall height, site access, utilities, and water management all influence the final price. While it’s impossible to give a precise figure without reviewing your specific site, understanding typical ranges can help you plan and budget more effectively.

Wall design costs are typically established based on the total square footage of the wall face. To calculate your wall face square footage, multiply the estimated length of your wall by its projected height. Remember that retaining walls often require the first course (row of blocks) to be partially (or sometimes completely) buried, which should also factor into your square footage calculation.

When budgeting for a retaining wall design, costs can vary widely depending on project complexity and your geographic location. Simpler projects with straightforward layouts and standard conditions may cost as little as $1 per sq ft ($11 per sq m) for design costs. More complex projects that require additional engineering, multiple design considerations, or specialized construction needs can exceed $4 per sq ft ($43 per sq m). Knowing whether your project is likely to be simple or complex can help you set more realistic expectations and plan your budget with confidence.

Please note that the estimates above are approximate and do not reflect specific project requirements, the project’s location, or many other factors that can influence the cost of a professional wall design. Finally, some wall design firms have minimum project pricing, so even a small wall may incur design expenses that exceed the approximate estimates outlined above.

How Does the Novum Wall Team Support Your Project?

While stamped, site-specific designs must come from a licensed engineer, your Novum Wall technical team can provide the tools, insights, and support you, your designer, and your installer need to help move your project forward with clarity and certainty. Our resources help you explore options, assess feasibility, and make informed decisions before committing significant time or budget. This help includes:

• Design Resources. Access construction details, preliminary wall sections, and more to align solutions with your project goals.
• Feasibility Assessments. Get early feedback on wall concepts to ensure your plans are practical and achievable. Contact our technical team directly at (866) 222-8400 ext 2.
• Installation Guidance. Robust resources for your contractor to ensure a smooth and efficient construction process, minimizing delays and maximizing structural integrity.

While the Novum Wall technical team doesn’t provide site-specific designs, plans, or calculations, their consultative support helps you understand if Novum Wall can offer a good solution for your project and give you an idea of what the wall sections might look like for a quantity estimate. This also ensures your local engineer can deliver a final design efficiently and confidently. With Novum Wall’s guidance, you have the resources and insight to make wise choices at every project stage, minimizing risk and maximizing success. For more about Novum Wall’s project support, see our article What Support Can I Receive for a Novum Wall Project?