Finally, your perfect lot has been located. It has an unbeatable view. Here in Panama, you may have a view of the Bay of Panama, or of the Anton Valley, known as "El Valle". It doesn't matter what the view is.

But, in order to get this view, your lot is sloped. The sloped lot it often what gives you a great view. A retaining wall is going to be necessary.

Fortunately, in many cases a retaining wall can be done as a do it yourself project. It is a matter of following simple steps.

First of all, figure out the required height. This is a job better left to professionals, if the wall is going to be greater than 3 feet. But, if it is less than 3 feet tall, and you are handy and have some free time, there is no reason you cannot do this project yourself.

Your first step is going to be deciding which building material to use for your retaining wall. Retaining walls can be build using railroad ties, rocks, bricks, concrete or blocks. Sometimes, retaining walls are built out of ashphalt shingles or old tires, but that is not recommended.

While your choice may depend on a lot of different things, looks is very important.

Decide exactly where you want your retaining wall. Mark out the site with stakes and a garden hose.

After the site is marked out, begin digging a trench for the first row of retaining wall material. Your trench should be equal to the thickness of one row of your building material, or at least 12".

Once the trench is dug and level, pour in some stone dust or sand and level it out.

Then, you lay out the starter course. Use a string as a guide, and make sure your first course is level. Later courses are going to get much worse if the first course is not level.

Start your first course with a 1/2 piece of material. On alternate courses, stones will be interlocked since your next row will start with a full piece.

Once the first course is laid, you will start on the second course. Start this level with a full size piece of material. This will alternate where the gaps in material are, leading to a much stronger wall.

After the second course is laid, back fill the first course and tamp down the earth to create a strong foundation.

Alternate between a 1/2 block and full block, and continue each level. Make sure you are perfectly level after each course. A final simple structure that holds the wall together will help make it stronger.

After your wall is fully built, lay landscaping cloth on the back of the wall and up the hill. After the cloth is down, you can backfill to complete the project.

As a home owner, a retaining wall up to 3 feet is a great do it yourself project. Just remember the 3 most important points.

1. Keep it level

2. Make sure after you do the second level, you back fill

3. Make sure the gaps do not line up by alternating the stones or bricks.

Retaining walls have many different design options available. Find the perfect one for your home by shopping around.

Never attempt to build a retaining wall larger than about 3 feet unless you know exactly what you are doing. But a smaller retaining wall makes a great project to beautify your yard and make it more functional.