Retaining Canterbury is a family owned business, born out of a passion for landscape construction and a desire to make homes and properties the most enjoyable spaces they can be.

Based in Christchurch, we cover the wider Canterbury region. Wherever we are, our client’s experience is of utmost importance to us. We are as careful about the service we provide as we are about the quality of our workmanship and the outcomes we deliver.

That means listening and working with you to create a tailored solution, and following through with honest pricing, timely communication and complete focus on your project.

We are a member of New Zealand Certified Builders, which means we bring you the highest standard of knowledge, skills and expertise. We use only high quality materials that stand the test of time, and through New Zealand Certified Builders our work is backed by New Zealand’s most comprehensive 10 year residential guarantee.

Why engage us?

Quality workmanship and experience

Certified Builders with 15 years’ experience, you can trust us to complete your job to the highest standard. Whether working indoors or out, we use quality materials and detailed craftsmanship to ensure your project will hold up to the demands of the environment and general use. We love what we do and we pride ourselves on creating spaces that will look good for years to come.

Open communication and transparent pricing

We offer the best of both worlds – construction expertise and conscientious management. From the start we price your project with total transparency so you can see exactly where each dollar is spent. Should scheduling hit a snag, we let you know immediately and tell you why. The better informed you are, the more enjoyable the process will be.

A small team focused on your job

Our team is purposefully small and we are selective about how much work we take on. Because we work on a very limited number of jobs at any one time, we can give each project our complete attention and ensure it is tightly managed from briefing to sign-off. It also means the owners of the business have a vested interest in any job we undertake, including yours.

What we do

Replacement retaining walls at Taylors Mistake

Retaining walls and landscaping

As our name suggests, retaining walls and landscapes are our specialty. We work with a creative eye and a steadfast commitment to quality for all your outdoor needs including fencing, garden beds, driveways and steps, pergolas, decks and more.

New bridge build

Bridge construction

We have the capabilities to construct small to medium sized bridges, both for temporary and permanent use. We work in with our engineering partners to find the most effective solution for both bridge repairs or new builds.

Sutherland Street Renovation

Renovations, repairs and new builds

From a bathroom makeover to a full extension, we can help with any building work required on your home. We can manage any consents and as a member of New Zealand Certified Builders you can be assured that any project we undertake will be completed to the highest standard.

Sutherland Street Renovation inside

Insurance work

Whether you have ongoing earthquake repairs or other insurance claims, we offer a safe pair of hands to manage the process from end to end. If needed, we can draw from our network of trusted tradesmen and professionals to complete any specialty work required.

Testimonials

"Retaining Canterbury have now done half a dozen projects for us - house repairs to three properties; building a new wooden bridge and repairing and upgrading a second bridge on a 30-acre property, and extensive landscaping around our home. On every occasion your team of skilled trades people has surpassed our expectations. Also over 40 years, we have worked with few companies in the building/landscaping trades who provide such excellent communication with the customer - leaves many many in your wake!"

Mike and Rosie, Tai Tapu

"Chris and his colleague Brogan replaced an earthquake damaged concrete wall for us. There were numerous hurdles to negotiate - the sloping section, the wall supporting the path to the front and only door to the house, some council pipework beneath the wall, and perhaps most recurrently, our indecision on various aspects of the job. Chris and Brogan managed all that and more with ease, and produced a great result quickly and within budget. Good communication was a highlight. Updates throughout the job were regular, and they were always willing to take 5 to discuss aspects of the job and provide expert advice."

Alex and Tim, Huntsbury