If you plan to build your dock on your own after getting inspired by a YouTube DIY video, I’m warning you to stop right now! Docks and decks are expensive, and so are the boats. Building docks is not as simple as it looks and requires expert knowledge and years of experience to make them work with total efficiency.
A slight inaccuracy in the process can cause you hundreds or maybe thousands of dollars. Hiring a professional dock builder will make the process hassle-free and cover liabilities. Certified dock building companies give their customers a warranty for at least 8 – 10 years, so if anything goes wrong during or after the dock installation, that’s on them.
Docks and decks are an excellent investment to increase the property value of your home. If you plan to build one, make sure you hire professionals to carry out the task for you.
Seven Things to Look for Before Hiring a Dock Builder
Here are x things to look for before choosing the right boat dock builder for your beach house.
Construction Codes & Permits
You may not require a permit to build your dock (depends on the rules and regulations of your state), but you do need a state’s authorization letter to build one or even upgrade it. There’s a lot of paperwork for someone unaware of the rules and policies of marine and seashores.
Hiring professional docks builders will save you a lot of time and energy and get the approval for your dock project in no time.
Ability to customize
If you are inspired by a dock design from the internet, or you want any customization in the standard formats, ask the dock builders if they can customize your boat dock according to your needs and desires or not. For example, you want a dock:
- That leads to the water surface through stairs
- That’s capable of withstanding the pushing of chains and ropes of other large boats.
- That helps you get into the boat easily and works as a bridge to pass luggage from deck to boat.
Let the dock builders know your requirements and see if they cater these services or not.
Certification & Licenses
Hiring amateurs or non-licensed contractors is worse than building a deck on your own. You can never claim any warranty against them, and if any accident occurs, you’d be held accountable too for hiring non-licensed individuals in the first place.
Tools & Equipment
Professional Deck builders Alabama use modern tools and equipment to achieve maximum accuracy and efficiency in their dock building process. You may have to purchase these tools if you try to do it on your own, and it will cost you a lot more than the amount for which you can hire expert dock builders.
Warranty & Liability Coverage
Building a dock is not just enough! You need a dock that can endure harsh weather and robust waves. Hire someone who’s providing a warranty for at least 8 – 10 years for your dock.
If your dock gets damaged in case of any natural disaster, they will repair it in no time without asking for a huge amount of money for the repairs.
Reviews & Social Proof
Don’t just rely on what their company brochure or website tells you; look for social proof and client’s testimonials for the company you plan to hire. If you know anyone who’s hired them in the past, talk to them and verify if they are worth hiring or not.
