Homes on the water provide great scenery and lots of summer enjoyment. The docks and piers let owners and guests dock boats or walk out over the water and enjoy the scenery, sunsets, sunrises, and the water itself. But, water and weather cause docks and piers to show wear and water damage and need some repair work. When structures at the water’s edge are damaged by storms or time, they become unstable and a safety hazard. But, these structures can be repaired and provide many years of additional use if the correct contractor is employed.
Adding New Piers and Dock Area
A small dock to tie a boat to might have been good a few years ago. But as time goes on and more time is spent at the home on the lake, a larger on-water structure might be wanted. There might be additional boats to dock, or the property owner might want to entertain on the water. By contacting marine construction companies such as SummerSet Marine Construction, a process of lakefront improvement can begin. Companies that have a reputation for building, supplying and installing piers and lifts in Wisconsin should be consulted for bids.
Consulting a local marine construction company at the beginning of the project can save time and money. These experts can explain what is possible, what is practical, and how much it will cost. Deciding on a budget for the project should be the first step. Then, the construction company representative can outline what that amount of money will cover.
Some brands of pier and lift products are known for their high quality and dependability. Check to see if these brands are available and affordable. When you use materials that are available nearby, replacement parts or additional sections are readily accessible.
Choosing the Contractor
Choose a contractor who will get the job done right, not the cheapest one. The contractor needs to have the expertise to design, install, and use the proper supports for any pier and boat lift system or dock. The contractor must have the resources to order all the products and materials needed for the project. If the pier or dock must be removed every fall and reinstalled every spring, the contractor must also provide that service. This all requires the proper equipment.
Building Docks, Piers, and Lifts
Once you find the correct contractor, there are decisions to be made and costs to consider. Building a boat dock can cost from $3,000.00+ to over $26,000.00 depending on the size, the quality, and the added features determining the difficulty of installation. High-quality permanent piers can cost as much as $50,000.00 to $75,000.00, or about $15.00 to $40.00 per square foot or $100.00 per linear foot. Knowing the construction and product costs can help a homeowner choose the size of waterfront construction. Choosing a shorter dock or pier of better quality will pay off over the years with savings in upkeep and repairs.
Boat docks come in different types, including floating docks, pilings, pipe, or crib construction, or suspension or cantilevered designs. Then, costs are distributed between dock and decking (wood, aluminum, or composite) installing a boat lift, the addition of a boathouse or a covered dock, and the support system. Whether the dock or pier is built on a lake or a river also affects the building costs.
The construction costs and maintenance costs will drive the final decision on the dock or pier design and installation. A good contractor will guide the customer to the correct choice for the local conditions and their budget.
Once the Dock or Pier is Built, It Must be Maintained
Once the dock or pier is completed, it must be maintained. Though it is easy to ignore the structure from month to month as long as it appears fine and nothing is obviously broken, more is required. Maintenance can include inspection, cleaning, lubricating, adjusting, and repairs as needed. Severe weather events can also cause damage that is visible and hidden that will impact the safety of the structure.
No one wants to walk out on a dock and fall through rotten decking and be injured. Maintenance can avoid dangerous accidents and injuries or property damage. This maintenance can be done, in part, by the property owner with the remainder handled by the local dock maintenance and repair professionals. The people who built and installed the dock or pier are good sources for repairs and maintenance.
The boat lift mechanism must also be maintained and repaired as needed. This is equipment that needs professional attention. Few dock owners have the experience and knowledge to work on a boat lift with success.
There are 7 Dock, Pier, and Lift Repair Essentials to Consider
Whether doing repair work yourself or hiring a professional, make sure these seven essentials are addressed.
1. Inspection and monitoring. Boat lifts often have maintenance issues that are difficult to figure out. Inspect the structure holding the dock or pier in places such as barrels, chains, pilings, and the bottom of the decking. Missing screws can cause serious damage over time.
2. Cleaning the structures and removing algae and mold. Remove peeling paint and debris and then apply a dock sealant
3. Lubricating lift parts and avoiding breakdowns of the mechanism. A broken lift can mean the boat can not get on the water for fishing or other enjoyment on the water.
4. Adjusting the structure as needed
5. Repairing pier and dock parts damaged by the water
6. Checking all electrical elements including lift controls, outdoor lighting, and more.
7. Documenting structure and lift condition and maintenance work done
When a dock or pier and their lift structures are well-maintained, they will last years longer. If these structures are neglected, they will become damaged and their structural integrity can deteriorate, causing safety hazards and large repair or replacement bills down the road. Regular inspections and small repairs can add years of safe operation for the dock, pier, or boat lift. This means the family and friends can have hours of safe lakefront enjoyment summer after summer.
