
Turn Slopes Into Usable Space
Cost
$5,000 - $40,000
$25-$40/sq ft face to $60-$100+/sq ft face
Timeline
1-3 weeks
Permits
Usually required
Warranty
2x industry standard
Retaining walls transform unusable slopes into functional outdoor living areas while preventing erosion and adding dramatic visual interest. From terraced gardens to level patios carved from hillsides, professional retaining wall construction creates new possibilities for your property. At BUILDDA, we specialize in delivering exceptional retaining wall solutions tailored to the unique needs of Sawtelle homeowners. Our team combines decades of experience with a deep understanding of local building codes, permit requirements, and architectural styles to ensure your project exceeds expectations.
For Sawtelle homeowners, this means designs that complement Bungalows architecture while addressing local challenges like smaller lots. Our team understands the unique characteristics of Sawtelle properties and delivers results that enhance both functionality and curb appeal.
Pricing
Typical project range: $5,000 - $40,000
$25-$40/sq ft face
Best for: Functional walls where appearance is secondary to performance
$40-$60/sq ft face
Best for: Homeowners wanting both function and curb appeal
$60-$100+/sq ft face
Best for: Showcase walls and complex engineering requirements
Prices vary based on project scope, materials, and site conditions.Call (310) 266-5744 for a free estimate.
Sawtelle, LA's Japantown, is a neighborhood where culinary tourism meets genuine community, where the Sawtelle Boulevard restaurant corridor draws food lovers from across the city to ramen shops, izakayas, and bubble tea cafes, while quieter residential streets maintain the character of an older LA neighborhood. The housing stock reflects this duality: original 1920s and 30s bungalows, mid-century apartment buildings, and newer developments all share space within this compact area. Single-family homes typically sit on modest 4,000-6,000 square foot lots, smaller than surrounding neighborhoods but priced accessibly for the Westside. The neighborhood's cultural identity influences design sensibilities, Japanese-inspired elements, clean lines, and thoughtful space utilization resonate with both the community character and the constraints of smaller lots. Many homes feature older infrastructure that needs updating and compact backyards that demand creative solutions to maximize usability. Sawtelle homeowners embrace efficient design, outdoor spaces that feel larger than their dimensions suggest, and improvements that honor the neighborhood's unique cultural blend while serving contemporary lifestyles.
Whether you're looking to increase your home's value, improve outdoor living, or address specific property challenges, our Sawtelle contractors are ready to help. We also offer complementary services including hardscape and backyard remodel to create a comprehensive transformation for your property.
Timeline
1-3 weeks
Permits
LADBS
Lot Size
4,000-6,000 sq ft
Warranty
2x Industry Standard
What We Offer
Convert sloped areas into flat, functional zones for patios, gardens, play areas, or lawn. Maximize your property's usable square footage.
Stop soil from washing away during rain and protect your home's foundation, driveway, and landscaping from slope failure.
Retaining walls create visual depth and dimension in your landscape. Tiered designs add drama while defining distinct outdoor rooms.
Proper wall construction includes drainage systems that redirect water away from structures and prevent hydrostatic pressure buildup.
Usable outdoor space commands premium prices. Well-built retaining walls are permanent improvements that buyers value highly.
Our walls are designed to handle the loads they'll face. Proper engineering prevents costly failures and ensures decades of performance.
Why BUILDDA
When it comes to retaining wall in Sawtelle, experience matters. BUILDDA has been serving the Westside community with a commitment to quality craftsmanship, transparent pricing, and exceptional customer service. Our team of licensed contractors (CA License #1131088) brings over 20 years of combined experience to every project we undertake.
We understand that your home is your most significant investment. That's why we take the time to understand your vision, provide detailed proposals, and keep you informed throughout every phase of the project. From initial consultation to final walkthrough, our goal is to exceed your expectations and deliver results that enhance your property's value and your quality of life.
Our Sawtelle retaining wall services include comprehensive project management, permit handling through LADBS, and a warranty that's twice the industry standard. We work with premium materials from trusted suppliers and employ skilled craftsmen who take pride in their work.
Ready to get started? Contact us today for a free consultation, or explore our complete service area to learn more about how we serve communities throughout Los Angeles.
Our Process
We assess your slope, soil conditions, drainage patterns, and intended use. You'll receive recommendations on wall type, height, and materials best suited for your situation.
Walls over 3-4 feet typically require engineering. We create detailed plans showing wall dimensions, footing depth, drainage, and reinforcement requirements.
We submit engineered plans to your local building department and obtain necessary permits. Most retaining walls require permits and inspections.
The site is excavated to proper depth for footings. We compact the subgrade, install rebar or geogrid reinforcement, and pour the footing if required.
Your wall is built course by course with proper setback and drainage. Backfill is placed in lifts and compacted. Drainage systems are installed behind the wall.
Finish grading creates your new level area. Wall caps are installed, and the site is cleaned. We walk through the completed project and provide documentation.
Local Expertise
Year-round outdoor living with coastal influence and mild temperatures This makes Sawtelle ideal for retaining wall projects.
Retaining Wall projects in Sawtelle typically require permits from Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety. Approval timeline: 2-4 weeks for most outdoor projects. We handle all permits for you.
Sawtelle features Bungalows, Small homes, Newer apartments homes, primarily from the Primarily 1920s-1930s bungalows with mid-century and newer developments era. Space-efficient, modern Asian influence okay
Our retaining wall designs complement these architectural styles while adding modern functionality and value to your property.
FAQ
Related Services
Many Sawtelle homeowners combine retaining wall with these complementary services.
Also providing retaining wall services in:
Serving Sawtelle neighborhoods including Sawtelle Japantown, West LA adjacent
Get Started
Ready to transform your outdoor space? Contact us for a free on-site consultation. We'll assess your property and provide a detailed estimate within 48 hours.