Quote from @Ryan Sandor: I’m looking to have a retaining wall rebuilt at my home in totowa nj.

I am paying ~$3/psf for prime and paint of all surfaces, new construction.

My quick and dirty due diligence, for what is worth: Jon seems to have had a long and successful career on wall street. 

Otherwise I would walk as significant structural issues like wall displacement, footer settlement, sinkholes etc aren't going to be fixed cosmetically by Joe's Handy Service.

They have a ton of Wall St cash that's being gambled as in 401Ks

He's gonna recommend cutting the bottom walls and washing the studs once his test results come back.

Simple extras like a coffee bar or game wall also help bookings.

I’d use solid-surface or entry-level quartz in the kitchen and a prefab vanity top in the bath—both resist stains, heat, and tenant wear better than laminate without jumping to luxury.

The day he was supposed to begin the project, he tells me he can only do concrete, because the city doesn't allow gravel, that if since I didn't previously have gravel I have to put down a solid surface like asphalt or concrete.

We usually just paint a wall or have a contractor make a simple design.