Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?

Generally, yes. In Niles and most Michiana townships, walls over 4 feet tall (measured from the bottom of the footing) require a building permit. If the wall supports a "surcharge" (like a driveway or pool above it), it requires engineering regardless of height. We handle all permitting and code compliance for you.

Can you replace my rotting timber retaining wall?

Yes. We frequently replace failing railroad tie walls. Timber walls eventually rot and attract pests. We replace them with concrete block or natural stone systems that will last decades longer and add permanent value to your home.

My yard is very wet. Will a wall help?

A wall itself holds back soil, but the drainage system behind it helps manage water. If you have severe water issues, we may recommend additional grading or French drains in conjunction with the wall to direct water away from your home.

What is the difference between a "gravity wall" and a "reinforced wall"?

A gravity wall relies on its own weight to hold back the earth (usually good for shorter walls). A reinforced wall uses geogrid mesh buried in the soil layers to anchor the wall, allowing us to build much higher and support heavier loads, like driveways.

Unilock Quarry Smooth retaining wall with Beacon Hill coping installed by Salzman Services LLC In New Buffalo Michigan

Retaining Walls & Grade Solutions

We engineer gravity systems and structural walls that reclaim your yard and hold back the earth for decades.

Solve Drainage Issues. Stop Soil Erosion. Reclaim Your Yard.

In the rolling terrain of Michiana, a retaining wall is often a necessity before it is a luxury. Whether you are battling a washing-out hillside in Niles, a steep drop-off in Granger, or a shoreline issue in New Buffalo, you need a structure that holds its ground.

At Salzman Services LLC, we bridge the gap between heavy-duty excavation and high-end hardscaping. We don't just stack blocks; we engineer solutions that protect your property from erosion while creating beautiful, usable flat land for your family to enjoy.

Unilock Sienna Edge retaining wall installed by Salzman Services LLC in New Buffalo MI

The Functional Necessity

Many of our clients call us because they have a problem: a hill is sliding, water is pooling near the foundation, or their yard is too steep to mow. We address these structural needs with military-grade precision.

Erosion Control & Slope Stabilization

If every rainstorm washes mulch and mud onto your driveway, you have an erosion problem. We build structural retaining walls designed to hold back tons of soil pressure. By stabilizing the slope, we protect your landscape and prevent long-term damage to your home’s foundation.

Yard Leveling & Grading

Is your backyard unusable because of a steep grade? We specialize in cut-and-fill excavation. We cut into the hillside and install a retaining wall to create a flat, functional "terrace." This instantly transforms a jagged slope into a level lawn, a patio space, or a play area for kids.

Drainage & Hydrostatic Pressure Management

The #1 reason retaining walls fail is water trapped behind the wall. Unlike "truck and shovel" landscapers who skip this step, we install a comprehensive drainage system behind every wall. This includes:

Perforated Drain Tile: To capture groundwater.
Clear Wash Stone Backfill: (Typically #8 stone) to allow water to filter down instantly.
Weep Holes: To relieve hydrostatic pressure so your wall never bows or blows out.

Don't Just Build a Wall. Build a Gathering Place.

Don't just build a wall; build a gathering place. By capping your retaining wall at "chair height" (18-21 inches), we turn a structural barrier into permanent overflow seating.

Fire Pit Surrounds: A curved seat wall around a fire pit blocks the wind and keeps heat in, extending your outdoor season into late autumn.
Patio Definition: Low seat walls define the perimeter of your patio without blocking the view, creating a cozy "outdoor room" feeling.