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Can You File a Claim for Retaining Wall Failure and Construction Defect?

If your location is on higher ground, for example, the property is much higher than the street. Therefore, you need to prevent soil erosion with a retaining wall because you do not want your property to end up on the road below.

Technically, a retaining wall is a vertical structure that holds the soil behind the wall and prevents the soil from moving. With a retaining wall, you can create different elevations to make the property look better. You can find the types of retaining walls on the jpconcrete.co.uk website.

You can find retaining walls near the sea, or any body of water to ensure the soil will not end up in the water.

The height of retaining walls varies. You can have walls that are only one (.30 metre) or two feet (.61 metre) high. There also retaining walls that are around fifty feet (15.2 metres) or higher. If your retaining wall is about two metres high, you do not need an engineer to design it. However, if it is higher, the community will require you to hire an engineer to design the wall and secure a permit. Hiring an engineer ensures your retaining wall can withstand the pressure created by the soil on the wall.

Why do some retaining walls fail?

You erect a retaining wall thinking that it will be sturdy enough to withstand the force the soil creates on the wall. But there could be other reasons why a retaining wall fails. It could be the result of improper wall construction or inadequate wall design.

Another reason a retaining wall might fail is the wrong selection of the wall size or type. It makes the structure insufficient to withstand the force of the soil behind it.

The failure could be the result of the contractor not installing sufficient drainage behind the wall. When you install a retaining wall, you have to ensure there is sufficient drainage. This is to prevent the wall from holding backwater as well, which will add considerable weight to the soil. It means an additional weight will be put on the wall.

Signs that the retaining wall is failing

You can find some signs that the retaining wall is failing. Look for signs of cracking, tilting of the wall and deflection or bulging of the face of the wall. Make sure you find a professional to evaluate the retaining wall if you see any of these signs.

The signs of failure are often due to the movement of the soil. The movement causes damage to any structure that the soil supports. If the damage is unrepaired immediately, the wall may collapse. The collapse can lead to more damage to the structures within the wall, the property occupants, and other persons around the vicinity.

Can you file a legal claim as a result of the failure of a retaining wall?

Before you can file a claim, you should first consult an engineer or a construction defect lawyer. You have to prove the failure was a result of the contractor’s negligence. The investigation process can be lengthy, as there are several aspects to consider.

Make sure you work with a qualified engineer or construction defect lawyer so that you know if someone is liable for the failure of the retaining wall.

How to Lessen the Stress of Running a Start-Up Business

There’s no denying that starting a business venture can be as lucrative as it is fulfilling. However, it can also be a stressful experience. After all, the road to success comes with its fair share of challenges and difficulties, and it’s not uncommon for many aspiring entrepreneurs and first-time business owners to become overwhelmed with the amount of work that it entails.

However, just because it’s impossible to eliminate stress from the equation, it doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s no way to minimize its effects. And since experiencing too much stress can cloud your judgement and can have long-term effects on your health, it’s imperative to take every measure to ensure that it never overwhelms you. Here are a few ways to lessen the stress of running a start-up business.

1. Try to remove all distractions when you’re working

A common stressor for many business owners is being unable to accomplish as much work as they need to grow their companies. And this often boils down to distractions, whether it’s unnecessary office visits and meetings to irrelevant phone calls and email. The good news is that this can be easily avoided by eliminating all distractions while you work. Not only will it help you maintain a consistent level of productivity. But you’ll keep your stress levels low with this focused approach.

2. Organize your schedule

While the removal of distractions can improve your work rate and productivity, you can enhance your efficiency by organizing your schedule. By planning ahead and prioritizing all of your tasks daily, you’ll be able to minimize, if not mitigate, the chances of any mishaps or oversights from happening. And, as a result, avoid the unnecessary stress that these costly issues can potentially cause. This is a lesson for business which pays dividends. 

3. Look after your finances

No business venture is ever without financial risk. And it’s this risk that can cause many entrepreneurs – seasoned and inexperienced – a lot of stress. And because of this, it makes sense to stay on top of your business’ finances. From exploring every option before making any purchases to taking on joint-ventures with other companies, finding opportunities to drive your company expenses down will help you generate more profit and relieve you of any financial-related stress.

4. Find Ways to Boost Your Mental and Physical Wellbeing

Running a start-up company is hard work. It requires a considerable commitment of effort and time. But, while it may sound counter-productive to success, it’s vital that you take a break once in a while. After all, working too hard can be just as bad as working too little.

And, by giving adequate time to yourself to relax, indulge in your hobbies, and make use of organic CBD products from quality suppliers like One Farm – which some claim can relieve feelings of emotional tension and pressure – you’ll be able to re-energize and de-stress at the same time.

Having feelings of worry and unease are not uncommon when running a business. However, by adopting these strategies, not only will you keep yourself from experiencing too much stress, but you’ll also give your start-up company a much better chance at success.

When Should You Sell Your House?

Deciding to sell your house isn’t easy. You feel comfortable living in the same place for a long time. Changing your environment might be difficult. However, if you feel like it’s time to go, you should consider selling your house. These are the instances when it’s best to put your property up for sale finally.

You want to work elsewhere

You kept suspending your plans to pursue your dreams because you didn’t want to relocate. If you believe that it’s time to make that dream happen, you should take the risk. Start by selling your house so you will have enough money to proceed with the rest of your plans. When it comes to the pursuit of your dreams, nothing should stop you. Otherwise, you will regret not doing what your heart wanted.

The cost of living is too high

You should also consider selling your house if you can no longer afford the cost of living. Your city is not the same as it used to be. Perhaps, its rapid growth paved the way for the increase in the cost of living. The problem is if you still receive the same amount of salary. It will be difficult for you to make ends meet. Relocating might be the best option for you.

Your family is growing 

When you bought your house, you only thought of yourself. Now that you have a growing family, you might want to move to a bigger house. You want your children to feel free to move around. There will also be privacy issues if you stay in the same small house.

You don’t feel at home anymore

There might be too many changes in your life, and living in the same house doesn’t make you feel comfortable anymore. If you feel this way, it might be time for you to move. Your house needs to feel like home. If it doesn’t give you that feeling, it’s not the right place for you. A more eco-friendly house is often preferred by those environmentally aware. 

The house is ready 

The best time to sell your house is when you know you can sell it at a high price. You also want to make a handsome profit out of this transaction. If you still have enough time, you need to improve the property. Start by repairing broken items. It would help if you also replaced the old furniture. You might even want to consider installing a customised wardrobe. Your property becomes more appealing with the addition of such furniture. You can work with my fitted bedroom if you want the best wardrobe to entice more buyers.

When you see any of the signs, it’s time to sell your property. Even though you have reasons to stay, the reasons to leave are more overwhelming. Besides, you will find a new place that you can call home in the future. You should also include your family in deciding if you should sell your house and where you’re going to relocate. Their lives will also change, and they deserve to have a voice in the process.