Blog Layout

How to Find a Reliable Dock Contractor in South Florida

mediaAdmin • Mar 06, 2021

If your South Florida property is on the waterfront, one of the privileges you enjoy is the ability to build a dock on the water. That is one of your rights under Riparian laws; if your land adjoins a body of water, you are granted reasonable use of the water. But this right is subject to the rights of other users, such as people who also have waterfront properties, the general public who use the water for fishing and transport, and of course, government agencies.

If you are interested in building a dock on your South Florida waterfront property, you may. But as Florida PM, a property management company in Broward County , warns, there are few things you should know. Even though you are technically allowed to “wharf out to navigable waters” by creating a dock or pier, it is not always that simple. For example, if your waterfront is in an area with protected seagrass, you may not be able to build a dock. There are also guidelines on how long the dock can be and how to use it.

For these and other reasons that we explain below, dock construction does not lend itself well to DIY. Even if you could build the actual structures yourself, you should consider other issues when building a dock on the South Florida waterfront. Thus, it is a good idea to consult and hire a professional dock contractor for such projects. Building a dock that meets existing regulations requires professional knowledge and expertise.

Here is what an experienced dock contractor can do for you.

Reasons to hire a professional dock contractor

1. Accurate documentation

Although in most cases, you automatically gain the right to build a dock, if you have a waterfront property, the state still regulates that right. Some types of docks do not require a permit, but most will need, at the minimum, a letter of consent from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Any structure built in the water must also take the safety of people, boats, and wildlife into account.

Along with protected seagrass, there are areas designated as Manatee sanctuaries or aquatic reserves. Before a project can meet approval, the site plan must show it does not violate any relevant law. That is true even for waters that are not protected. An experienced dock contractor knows how to prepare the needed documents and obtain required permits. They can save your time by helping you navigate the red tape.

2. Proper site preparation

Waterways are highly sensitive to the introduction of any artificial structures. Minor actions taken during construction can significantly alter the behavior of the water and cause prominent disruptions downstream. For instance, the building could impact the area’s natural drainage and water flow. It could also disturb the bottom of the waterway and lead to a buildup of silt and debris in the area.

Other problems of poor site-preparation include shoreline erosion and accumulation of trash or branches in the water around the dock area. When building a dock, the whole area – far beyond the construction site – must be understood as a system with interconnected parts. Any actions in one area will compensate for a reaction in another region. That reaction may be adverse, and this is why you need a competent dock contractor for proper site preparation.

3. Dock design-considerations

All docks are not equal; the specific uses of each dock will determine its design. Some homeowners and amateur builders assume there is a one-size-fits-all design for building docks. But this is not correct, as there is a range of ways to use a dock and the unique designs that go with each of those uses. For instance, a dock that will serve as a platform for dining and sunbathing does not need to be close to the water’s surface. However, it needs to have steps leading down to the water (for swimming).

On the other hand, if a dock is going to be used by large boats, the structure will be subject to the constant tug of ropes, chains, and other moorings. That means the dock must be sturdy enough to withstand these unremitting strain and also high to allow easy access to the boat deck. These are some of the factors an experienced dock contractor will think about before designing your dock.

4. Storm-preparedness

Every dock is going to be subject to the violence of storms. The vital questions a competent dock contractor wants to answer are:

The idea behind these calculations is to ensure strong winds don’t act on the dock and flip or move it. The dock must absorb the shock of a storm and adjust its position relative to the water’s height. Furthermore, a professional dock contractor will ensure minimal impact on both if the storm knocks your boat into the dock.

Building a dock takes more than being able to use power tools. There is a lot more that goes into it. That is why you need a reliable dock contractor.

 

11 Dec, 2023
Without boat docks, it would be difficult to quickly and safely load and unload your boat. Here are some questions to ask your boat dock construction company.
boat dock
28 Jul, 2023
Are you looking to add a boat dock to your property? Keep reading to see what you should expect from deck and dock construction services.
boat lift service
20 Apr, 2023
If you're considering hiring a boat lift service, you may want to know a bit more about them. Here's what you should know about boat lifts.
By Amara Rocio 07 Nov, 2022
Your seawall protects your waterfront area from water damage and boosts your property’s appearance. However, a waterfront barrier faces constant exposure to harsh weather elements. Thus, it’s natural for the structure to sustain damage like cracks and knocked-off panels. Now, you want to immediately fix your seawall after spotting any […] The post Why Should You Hire Marine Contractors for Your Sea Wall Repair? appeared first on Thaler Contracting Inc..
By Amara Rocio 07 Nov, 2022
One of the vital steps when building a dock is planning its designs and features. Yes, docks primarily serve as pathways between land and water and for anchoring boats. However, you may also pick designs that serve other purposes depending on your needs and wants. An example is building a […] The post 8 Useful Dock Design Features for Your Everyday Exercise appeared first on Thaler Contracting Inc..
By Amara Rocio 07 Nov, 2022
It’s common for watercraft to hit the dock’s structure while going into their slips. While these incidents may only involve simple bumps, significant collisions can also happen and cause damage to the boat or deck. For example, the piling may scratch the watercraft’s hull, or the boat may crack the […] The post 5 Ways to Better Protect Your Watercraft from Dock Piling Repair appeared first on Thaler Contracting Inc..
By Amara Rocio 23 Sep, 2022
You have probably seen seawalls on waterfront properties and have noticed their varying sizes, designs, and material composition. You may thus wonder why waterfront property owners invest in these structures and pay significant attention to prompt sea wall repair and maintenance. The truth is that sea walls serve significant purposes […] The post The importance of a sea wall and prompt seawall repair appeared first on Thaler Contracting Inc..
By Amara Rocio 23 Sep, 2022
Building a seawall requires a lot of considerations to create a structure that can withstand harsh natural elements for many years. One of the most crucial factors is selecting the best material for the structure. It should be durable, affordable, and befitting your waterfront property's particular needs. Thus, you wonder […] The post Which is the best material to use for building seawalls? appeared first on Thaler Contracting Inc..
By Amara Rocio 23 Sep, 2022
The dock is valuable for your waterfront property as it optimizes the benefits of living beside a water body. For example, it serves as a place where you can anchor your boat, prepare for a swim, or clean the fishes you catch. You thus probably want to keep its surface […] The post Why regular dock piling repair and maintenance is important appeared first on Thaler Contracting Inc..
By Jose Olivas 20 Sep, 2022
Seawalls protect your waterfront property by preventing the water from creeping into the land and soil from eroding into the sea. However, various harsh factors, like marine organisms and intense storm surges, may damage the structure. The water can even corrode the barrier materials and slowly cause damage through the […] The post Five tips to help you with sea wall repair appeared first on Thaler Contracting Inc..
More Posts
Share by: