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What affects the cost of a boundary wall in Gauteng?

Prices per metre vary a lot, and for good reason. Here is what decides the cost of a boundary wall, so you can compare quotes like for like.

A boundary wall looks simple, which is why prices per metre can be so confusing. One quote can look much cheaper than another simply because it leaves out the foundation, the gates or the plaster on your neighbour’s side.

This guide explains what goes into the price, so you know exactly what you are comparing.

In short

✓Length and height
✓The type of wall
✓Foundations and slope
✓Removing the old wall
✓Gates and openings
✓Plaster, paint and coping
✓Security extras
✓Access to the site
✓Approvals and neighbours

Length and height

Length is the obvious one, but height matters just as much. A taller wall needs more bricks and a stronger foundation, and higher walls usually need piers, reinforcement or an engineer’s design to stay standing.

The type of wall

Plastered brick, face brick, precast concrete panels and steel palisade or mesh fencing on a low wall all cost different amounts to build and to look after. Face brick costs more upfront but needs no plaster or paint. Precast panels go up quickly but suit some properties better than others.

Foundations and slope

A wall is only as good as its foundation. Sloping ground needs stepped foundations, and clay or loose soil may need a wider or deeper footing. Retaining walls, which hold back soil, are a different job altogether and need proper design and drainage.

Removing the old wall

Demolishing an old wall, carting away the rubble and cleaning up adds labour and disposal costs, especially if the old foundation has to come out too.

Gates and openings

Driveway and pedestrian gates, gate motors and the pillars that carry them are often priced separately. Check whether your quote includes them.

Plaster, paint and coping

Plaster and paint on both sides, coping on top and any decorative detail all add up. Ask whether your neighbour’s side is included.

Security extras

Electric fencing, spikes or extra height for security are common add-ons. An electric fence must be installed by a registered installer and come with its own certificate of compliance.

Access to the site

If a truck cannot get close, or there are trees, pipes, cables or paving in the way, the work takes longer and may need more labour.

Approvals and neighbours

Many boundary walls need approved plans from the council, especially taller walls and walls on a street boundary, and estates often have their own rules on height and style. If the wall is shared, agree the design and the cost split with your neighbour in writing before work starts. Our guide on approved building plans explains the process.

How to compare quotes

Make sure every quote covers the same length, height, type of wall, foundation size, finishes on both sides, gates and removal of the old wall. A detailed bill of quantities (BOQ) that lists each item makes this easy.

At MC Developments SA, we visit, measure up and give you a fixed-price quote with a detailed BOQ. See our boundary walls and concrete page for the work we do.

FAQ

Boundary wall questions

Can you give me a price per metre over the phone?

Not an accurate one. The ground, the height, the type of wall and the finishes change the price per metre a lot, so a rate given over the phone is usually wrong. We visit, measure up and give you a fixed-price quote.

Do I need plans for a boundary wall?

Often, yes, especially for taller walls and walls on a street boundary. Rules differ between municipalities and estates, so we help you check what applies to your wall during the site visit.

Who pays for a shared boundary wall?

That is up to you and your neighbour. Agree the design and the cost split in writing before work starts. We can quote for the whole wall so you both see the same numbers.

Do you build retaining walls too?

Yes. Retaining walls hold back soil and need proper design and drainage, so we price them separately from a normal boundary wall.

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What our clients say on Google

    
 
 
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   Pieter Grobler 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great work ethic, professional and hands on works through the problem's, solves them and leaves you with a professional finished job
  
 
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   Ruben Truter 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great working with Marco. Easy and professional to deal with. Did quality renovations for our home.