Retaining wall help needed - Can a total amateur build one?

[Paninaro]

Firstly before I begin can I just clarify that I a total amateur to building (although I will be laying a patio shortly thanks to the excellent advice from this website).

My concern is regarding a driveway that we intend to build/have built in the area currently occupied by the front garden. Our house is raised slightly from the public path and putting in the drive would involve the removal of approx 1m high x 3mx3m earth. As this area is directly below my house I am concerned about subsidence (especially as movement was detected on the survey 3 years ago). My neighbour, who seems to be a proficient builder advised me to dig out a trench and then build a concrete wall with a steel mesh frame. This will then allow me to dig out the rest of the earth.

From what I have picked up on this site, my questions are.
1. Is he right?
2. If so how do I build a 'concrete wall'?
3. Am I better getting a professional builder to look at it, especially as it might have to be higher than the legal 1200mm recommendation?

Sorry for the long winded explanation, but like I said, this is all new to me, but equally exciting.
Thanks, Sam

[Tony McC]

3 - definitely!

I can't say whether your neighbour is right or not as I can't see the site, but it is always worth getting in a professional, competent builder, even if it's just to seek advice. A rc wall (concrete reinforced with steel) is a pecialist structure and not the sort of thing that can be built by someone with no experience. The shuttering alone would give you a mutha of a headache, and the steel-fixing is even worse!