Introduction
In our time as a species, we’ve come across some very odd things that needed to
be done which we then called jobs. Those jobs had to be managed one way or
another, so businesses emerged to monetize these jobs. There are fun
businesses, businesses that make money, and some that do both. For that reason,
in this article we will be discussing the topic of waterfront construction, dock
construction, and why adding a
deck or a dock to your property can increase its value.
The Business of Waterfront Construction
By definition, waterfront construction is exactly what the term states. It is
the construction of either a home in front of a body of water such as a lake,
river, or ocean or an addition to a home such as a deck or dock overlooking the
body of water. Waterfront construction is typically expensive in places like
San Diego, California where finding a piece of waterfront to build on is nearly
impossible. And, if you were to find one, it would cost millions of dollars and
come with heavy competition.
In other parts of the country it’s often more affordable for people to build waterfront
property, and therefore more
commonplace to build on their waterfront property. Whether it is a dock to walk
out onto the water and dock your boat, or a deck for romantic water front
dinners and sunsets, waterfront construction can be expensive, but worth it.
You don’t necessarily have to live in a waterfront property to build a deck. A
deck can be built in any location that the city and government regulators deem
suitable. One of the reasons why owners build them is because it not only
provides great relaxation and visual appeal, but it can also add value to your
home at a fraction of the cost of a full add-on. It usually costs around $100
to $250 per square foot to add living space in an enclosed area, but it costs
$25 to $35 to build a deck with the same dimensions.
Now, the main difference between a dock and a deck is not just the letter e in
the middle, but a deck is a construction built over land, while a dock is a
construction built over water. But how can a deck add value to your property if
it is not considered living space? Usually it will add around $20,000 to
$40,000 depending on a myriad of factors which include:
- Where on the property the dock will be located
- How long the dock will be
- What the dock is made of
- How deep the water is
Before you start any construction, make sure to ask
the local officials
about the types of dock that will give you the most “bang for your
buck”. If you put the right dock on the right kind of property you will
see a nice return on investment because some people would pay more for a
property where they can dock their boat instead of building a new dock
themselves.
Types of Docks
Earlier we mentioned doing your research to select the right type of dock for
your property and in your locality. With that in mind you should know that
there are two kinds of docks; floating and stationary. They both have their
positives and negatives, so it is recommended that you look into which type
would best suit your particular project.
Stationary: These are usually held by posts buried deep into the soil
underwater and reinforced for any future tension and collisions. It can be seen
as an extension of your home and the dock won’t shake or move with the natural
movement of the water.
Floating: These are literally floating on the water and can be attached
to existing infrastructure or left anchored on the water. These are easy to
install and don’t require as much maintenance as stationary docks.
Conclusion
In conclusion in this article we discussed the topic of dock construction and how each one is different. If you do your research and speak to the right officials in your town you will understand exactly what you can and can’t do when it comes to decks and docks. If you’re looking to add a deck or a dock specifically to raise the value of the property, it would also be a smart move to speak with an appraiser and/or homeowners who did the same thing and actually increased their own values before their home was put on the real estate market.