Rebuilding (6ft-ish) front garden retaining wall

[ImAllOut]

We've had an offer accepted recently and are waiting on a building survey which will likely tell us we need to rebuild the front garden wall. I've attached the Google Maps and house listing pictures to show the rough size and condition. It's definitely leaning towards the pavement so in danger of falling in the future but I'm not sure by how much. The bricks are quite crumbly, particularly at the top, but I'm not sure how bad they have to be to not be considered salvageable. Luckily we reflected this in our offer but I am curious as to how much this may cost.

Anyone had anything similar who can give me an idea on what they did or an idea of costs? I'm not sure whether it'll be a total demolition and rebuild job or just a reinforcement type thing. The gas pipe comes out into the pavement outside too. We're in Wales so labour's cheaper here at least!

The top of the wall doesn’t look to bad and doesn’t look like it’s retaining anything?..

there are some rules and standard designs for retaining walls that I have forgotten. Earth, especially when wet, may weigh many tonnes.

Often they have a much bigger foundation that you would think, one method has a concrete slab that is mostly under the retained material so it weighs down the "toe" and prevents it overturning. Retaining walls often fail by cartwheeling over, not by the bricks or concrete failing. The wall should have ample drainage or weep holes so that water cannot collect behind it.

I don't suppose you'll want a design by a structural engineer or technician . Many younger builders have been technically trained with a degree or other qualification and may not yet have forgotten this segment so will recall how to do it. Or if you are in a hilly area they may often do retaining walls.

I think it is retaining for part of it at least, but not the full height of the wall. The standard guidance for this sort of construction is in BRE Good Building Guide 27.

Thanks all. There are stone steps and a pathway directly behind (also in quite poor condition) then a further retaining wall for the full front garden, so we're unsure whether it's considered fully retaining or not. Either way, the lean is definitely concerning us. The Google maps photo (the larger photo) must be from a few years ago as it's definitely deteriorated a lot since then. I think a structural engineer would be our preferred route. Ideally we'd like the steps and pathway sorted behind too but I assume this is mega bucks!

@whatsthecomingoverthehill thanks!

it might cost £18. but perhaps your local library can get a copy.