If you are someone that loves boating or fishing you would have imagined owning a home on the waterfront. This means that building a great dock has always been one of your life’s true ambitions.
There are thousands of individuals including me who love the idea of sipping on a cold can of beer while leisurely sitting on the dock.
In recent years, many homeowners are exploring building docks on their properties for multiple reasons. While some are doing it as they have taken up boating, others are investing in a dock simply because they can help improve the valuation of a house.
However, it should be pointed out that dock building requires a lot of planning, research, and expertise. Every contractor cannot build the same even if they claim they can.
In this article, we explore the common dock building mistakes and guide owners on how they can avoid making the same.
Mistake 1: Not Working or Hiring the Best People for the Job
Your regular run-of-the-mill contractor, the one who you call to change the color scheme of the house is not going to help you build the dock. Dock building requires years of experience in the field and the companies that build them rarely do anything else. This is why the first and most important thing you need to do is hire the best dock builders and not just any contractor for this project. The issue of safety also needs to be considered.
Mistake 2: Not Getting the Best Dock Supplies for the Project
You need to understand that building the dock requires you to have the best dock supplies for the project. This means that elements like ladders, lighting, fenders, boxes, and piling caps need to be the best. You need to understand that all these elements are very likely to experience the harshest weather conditions. You need to invest in quality materials and brands that can ensure a long and durable life. Add to this the aspect of safety and the answer becomes clear.
Mistake 3: Not Getting Construction Permits from the Local Authority
While you may not require a license from the local administration when you want to redo the kitchen or the bathroom, a dock is an entirely different thing. Being connected to the water falls within the jurisdiction of the local administration. Almost all the waterfronts in the United States require you to get prior permission and submit building plans when creating docks. If you fail to do so, not only will you be fined heavily, but the ongoing work will also cease.
Mistake 4: Not Planning about what you want to do on the Dock
Many individuals fail to take into account the various activities they would be doing on the dock. Unlike a room that you can change if you do not like, a dock cannot be altered so easily. This means that if you are looking at creating an entertaining space that doubles up to hold your boat, the plan will be different when compared to a dock that just holds the boat. Planning, understanding the future needs of the family, etc. should be done.
Mistake 5: Not Fixing a Budget Before the Commencement of the Dock Build
One of the most important things that you need to do is fix the budget and the project completion dates. Building a dock is not an inexpensive proposition. This is why you need to push your contractor to stay within budgets and stick to the quotations that they had given before coming on board. If you are not serious, you can end up spending a hefty amount that can severely drain your finances. Sticking to the budget is critical for the project.
The Bottom Line
In the last few months, especially since the onset of the pandemic, homeowners are looking for vast open areas to settle down. This is making moving to waterfront properties a preferred choice. If you are someone that has decided to move to a location like that, investing in a new dock is something, which you should consider.
