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5 Advantages to Adding a Concrete Dock

Concrete Dock

Quality costs money. That’s true in anything from cars to concrete docks. You cannot expect something that is built to last and give you more usage to be cheaper than the alternatives. While there are some alternatives to consider, the question isn’t about which one is better. The question is about which one offer the best value. Consider these things when you are breaking down the value of the different options you have and why adding a concrete dock is the way to go for your property.

1.      Lasts longer

The first and most important advantage to adding a concrete dock is also the most obvious, it’s more durable. Wood can and will wear down and the abuse it takes from the weather can also play a major factor. Concrete will be there for decades and is much easier to maintain as well. You do not have to paint or coat it; you do not have to worry about rot or bugs.

2.      Expand on usage

There are a variety of things you can use a dock for along with protecting a boat. You can use it to store gear, as fishing or swimming platform and more. The stronger options allow for more opportunities to use the area for your enjoyment or convenience.

3.      Protection for boats

Again, your boat is going to be vulnerable to the elements just as the dock would. By using a stronger material, you can improve your options for protecting your craft and keeping it safe. This includes from natural elements as well as from people.

4.      Protection for the property

Erosion can cause serious damage to a property and needs to be something you’re focused on. Seawalls are a great start but an added layer to protect them from the elements as well as boats is to add another barrier. In addition to this, you can also benefit from the added protection the structure provides for yourself and guests. These structures are far more secure and easier to move on.

5.      Increase property value

As with most upgrades to your home or land, the higher quality the upgrade, the more value it brings to your property. If you currently have a wooden platform, even if it’s in great shape, years of wear and tear may cause it to decrease the value of your property if and when you decide to sell it as it would be a major cost and issue that the new owner would have to take on.

At Prince Bay Seawalls & Docks, our team utilizes years of experience to provide you with the very best service and results. Our team has worked on waterfront properties throughout South Florida for years and understands the challenges that come with maintaining a high level of quality in the work and the end result. If you are looking for a reliable seawall and concrete dock contractor, we invite you to browse our site and contact us today for assistance. We look forward to showing you why we are considered among the top contractors in the area for this and plenty of other services we offer.

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5 Questions to Ask a Seawall Contractor

Questions to Ask a Seawall Contractor

Hiring a new contractor for the first time is a challenge. There are dozens of things you will have to consider before you can even make a decision. However, hiring a seawall contractor can be even more challenging. There are fewer options and you have fewer resources to determine who is the best company to go with. As you browse those options, asking these five questions may be very beneficial. They can not only give you a better understanding about the company you are considering, but also help you to be better prepared for the upcoming project and perhaps save yourself a lot of time and money.

1.      Which options are better for my property?

While you may have a good idea on what you are looking for, an experienced contractor may be able to offer recommendations This can include adding to the structure, different design ideas, different materials that will offer longer protection as well as when to get the work done so that it’s the most affordable for you.

2.      Will you design the seawall?

If you are going to have anything done with construction, the design can be very challenging. Even if it’s something you like, it still has to pass code. Knowing if the team you are working with can offer their assistance in the design can be a big advantage as well.

3.      Do you do docks?

While you may not have the motivation to build a dock off the seawall right now, it could be something you consider down the road. If that’s the case, it’s nice to know that the same team who built the barrier can also assist you hear. If you do want one right now, it’s easier and more affordable to use the same company to construct both.

4.      Can you breakdown the costs with services?

There services offered can include a variety of things. When you get the bid, don’t just look at the price, look at the services the company are offering as well. They may be more expensive, but they may also offer several services that could make the project easier or even more affordable overall.

5.      What’s your experience?

There will never be a substitute for experience. If you are looking for a contractor, you need to look into their experience to get an idea of what it will be like to work with them, the quality of their work, if they get the job done on time and if the quality of their work holds up for years.

Never underestimate the value of asking some simple but important questions. As you look for a contractor who specializes in seawalls, take some time to write down 5-15 questions you will ask each and every one of the companies you contact. This is not a decision you want to make in a hurry and it’s especially not a decision you want to make without all the most important information. This way, you are confident in your decision and the quality of the work.

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7 Tips to Select a New Contractor

Select a New Contractor

Selecting a contractor is always a challenging thing. There are always factors that will influence your decision including cost, reviews and so forth. However, there are some things you need to put into stock more than just cost. This list will provide you with a better idea of what you need to look for in order to select a new contractor in your area whether it’s seawalls near me, roofing or something else.

1.      Check online recommendations

There are going to be online recommendations for companies in all industries, especially in construction. These online resources can be very valuable as they not only tell you if the contractor does great work, but what the experience is like working with them. This is valuable information and can be a big factor in your final decision to select a new contractor.

2.      Look at experience

Experience is important as well. You want to work with someone who knows the area and has been around for years. That means they know the battles that will come with working in South Florida including the land quality and working with local code enforcement. This experience can pay off and save you time and money.

3.      Learn what areas they specialize in

Every contractor has their strengths. If you are considering doing an entirely new structure, there are some who are best suited for that type of work. If you are doing an add-on or having a seawall installed on your property, you want to find someone who specializes in those areas.

4.      Ask for a bid

Obviously pricing is going to be a major factor in your decision. However, you do not want it to be the most important factor. A good company will offer a fair price but they also know their worth and the cost it takes for delivering excellent quality work.

5.      Learn what they offer as part of the service

Every construction company is different in what they will offer you. Some will handle all permits and ordering for you while others can give you the option to cover the cost for materials yourself. There are different options with each and that needs to be understood before you make your selection.

6.      Check with the city

The city you live in will have plenty of information about the contractor you are considering going with. While they may be limited on the information they can give you, they can still share some information that may be a value to you. In some cases it may just be a great way to verify the experience a company claims to have.

7.      Check availability

Projects of this size usually require specific timing and a lot of money. If you need the work done sooner you should find a company that can not only take on the project, but dedicate more manpower to it in order to meet your deadline.

Investing in construction is a great way to add to the value of the property. Investing in finding the right contractor is a great way to add to the value of the project and ensure that you are happy with the process and results.

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Advantages of Seawalls

Advantages of Seawalls

As you look at the benefits of adding a seawall to your property, there are probably dozens of things you are factoring into your decision. Listing the advantages of seawalls is always a good idea as you decide if it’s worth the investment in your property. Make no mistake, adding a seawall made out of concrete to your property is an investment and a smart one at that. It can add value to the property as it offers a great number of advantages. Listed here are some of the most important ones that give you options for now and in the long run.

Protect your land

Erosion is a serious as the constant changing water levels can take away or wear down the bank. Even if you do not own a boat, the land eroding can eventually inches or even feet from the property over a period of just four to five years. In fact, in some places where coastal tides are more impactful, erosion has taken a major percentage of the property and the costs for repair are staggering. Adding seawalls can protect the land and prevent short and long-term issues. 

Protect boats

One thing every boat owner knows well is that maintaining a boat is very expensive. Repairs and upkeep can cost thousands of dollars a year and every strong storm can cause even more problems. You have to protect your boat in every way possible and a great place to start is with seawalls. They protect your craft by making it easier to secure it so that it shifts less during tide changes. They also can help you keep your vessel from hitting the bottom and causing damage to the hull. These are only some of the advantages of seawalls.

Safety

As people are using the property, whether it be for something as simple as fishing or swimming, they will spend a lot of time on the water’s edge. Without a concrete barrier in place, the land could become too dangerous for them to stand on. That’s why protecting your land can also be a great way to protect guests and family who are on your property.

Easy to expand

If you decide to upgrade your waterfront property with a dock, boats or other options, you will find it much easier to do with a concrete barrier protecting the land. Contractors agree that it makes expansion much easier and affordable, plus it provides a safer foundation to build the structure on.

At Prince Bay Seawall & Docks Construction we pride ourselves in offering our clients the very best in seawall installation. Our experience, as well as some of the best resources in the industry, allow for us to not only increase the value of your home, but improve the use you can get out of a waterfront property in South Florida. Why not enjoy the land by adding enjoyable activities such as fishing or boating? This is a great opportunity and will allow you to protect your property for decades from erosion and other factors. If you would like to learn more about the process or schedule an appointment, please contact us today.

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3 Tips For Hiring Seawall Construction Near Me

Seawall Construction Near Me

For companies offering seawall construction near me, it is critical that every project is completed on budget and on time. However, that’s not the case with every contractor. Hiring a contractor that is lacking in professional integrity and commitment or doesn’t value your time can be disastrous.

As they say, knowledge is power – more so when it comes to hiring a seawall construction company. The more information you have, the better equipped you’ll be to make an educated decision. Here are some of our best tips to keep in mind when you are looking for seawall construction near me:

Don’t Skimp On the Legwork

The internet is a magical thing. With just a few clicks, you can access all kinds of information about virtually anyone. So, use it to look for “seawall construction near me” and check their reviews and ratings.

If your relatives, friends, neighbors, or coworkers who live in the same community have hired a marine contractor in the past, ask them for referrals. Word-of-mouth recommendations are usually the most dependable sources when it comes to hiring a contractor.

We also recommend reaching out to the contractors and asking them for 3 references from the past 2-4 years. Then reach out to those customers and ask them questions like:

  • Were you satisfied with the company’s work?
  • Would you hire them again? Why or why not?
  • Were the contractor and the crew professional and courteous?
  • Was the project completed by the agreed upon deadline?
  • Did the project run over budget? If so, by how much?

Check Their License and Insurance Documents

We don’t need to tell you that you should only hire a company for seawall construction near me that has a proper license and insurance. A professional will most likely volunteer the documentation, but if they don’t, feel free to ask them about it – don’t just take their word for it, ask them to provide you with the documentation.

If any subcontractors will be working on the project, confirm that they are also properly insured and licensed before you move forward with any work.

Building a seawall – or any marine construction project for that matter – can be a dangerous job. Depending on the type of project, the crew might have to work from a platform that is constantly moving with the water. There’s always the risk of electrical shocks, burns, and even fires. Correlating with this, make sure the company’s insurance covers personal liability, property damage, and workers’ comp.

Get It In Writing

A meticulously-prepared written contract is your best defense against a world of hurt in the future. Be as detailed as possible – outline the agreed upon deadline, define the start of the project, specify what materials will be used, and outline the scope of project.

Make sure all verbal agreements and promises are added to the written contract. Then read the document carefully and confirm that you understand everything in it. If you need clarification about an element, don’t be afraid to ask.

Best Seawall Construction Near Me In Fort Lauderdale

Prince Bay Seawalls & Docks is a full-service, certified marine construction company based in South Florida that focuses on the individual building needs of each client we serve. From concrete seawalls and residential docks to commercial marinas, no project is too small or too big for us.

Are you ready to talk to the leader in building the most durable seawalls in your area? Give us a call at (954) 651-2185 or say hello here.

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Building A Seawall: What To Know

Building A Seawall

Whether you are considering buying a property or setting up a business on the coast of Florida, you will most likely need to think about building a seawall at some point. And unless you are a licensed and experienced marine contractor yourself – or you know someone who is – you’ll need to find someone who can do the job right.

But no two marine construction companies are the same. The areas of specialization between the contractors can vary a lot. And, this can make it tricky to know if your potential contractor is the right fit for your project. Here are two of the most helpful tips on how to choose the right contractor for building a seawall in Florida.

Ask About Their Area of Specialization

When you are looking for a marine construction company, the first thing you need to do is confirm that they do indeed specialize in building seawalls and other coastal and freshwater structures. Of course, a general/inland contractor can offer these services. But, they won’t have the same industry expertise as someone who lives, breathes, and deals with marine construction for a living.

Also, building on land is very different from building a structure beneath the water (obviously). From the unique environmental factors and technical aspects of designs to the specialized equipment involved designing and building a seawall, you need to be sure that the company has the knowledge and experience necessary to choose the right materials. And, of course, to be able to finish the project in a timely manner.

Schedule An In-Person Meeting With the Contractor

One of the key factors in any contractor-client relationship is professional compatibility. No matter how reputable the contractor is, if you two can’t manage to be on the same page, you’ll have a hard time communicating with them. To make sure you’ll work well together, schedule an initial consultation or conversation with the marine construction company. Make sure to do that before signing on the dotted line.

During your discussion, ask them about their industry experience and their understanding of seawall materials. You should also learn about their work habits, the reputation of their company, and their general price points for projects. This will help you gain insight into how company will approach your project. And, this will give you an opportunity to understand the people working behind the scenes.

There is nothing worse than ending up with a marine construction contractor that doesn’t have a strong sense of business ethics and integrity. With that said, take your time when interviewing and short listing the prospects.

Thinking of Building A Seawall? Talk To Us Today

The bottom line of building a seawall is not price, but rather the quality of the end product. At Prince Bay Seawalls & Docks, our team of professional marine contractors is dedicated to quality workmanship. We use only the highest-grade materials to ensure your seawall lasts a lifetime.

Above all, we are a full-service marine construction company. We keep things in-house, with a dedicated electrical division, customer service teams, and a licensed crew. We take serious pride in our ability to help our clients through every step of their project, from the initial permit-obtaining process to seawall designing, planning, and execution.

To set up a consultation, give us a call at (954) 651-2185 or contact us online.

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4 Facts About Seawall Material You Should Learn

Living along the coast is a dream come true for many. The beach offers a fantastic view, and the rejuvenating sea breeze can be a poignant addition to your daily life. Besides the majestic sea and the stunning beaches, you may also have noticed a number of seawalls near the canals or bays. They keep protecting the surrounding waterfront properties as powerful waves crash against them.

If you are considering having a seawall built for your own property, one of the most important factors you’ll need to think about is the seawall material. The entire point of seawall construction is to use it to reduce the eroding impact of the waves. And, to protect the nearby land and its inhabitants. Based on these concepts and facts, it goes without saying that the seawall must be sturdy enough to withstand the harshest of elements. 

4 Things You Should Know Before Choosing Seawall Material

To make sure your seawall lasts a long time, you should be aware of the different types of seawall materials. And, of course, what each of them brings to the table:

Concrete Seawalls Can Last Up To 50 Years

Want a seawall that can last a lifetime and requires little to no maintenance? Concrete seawalls – if the seawall material has been reinforced with steel – are one of the strongest, most durables seawalls available today. These structures can withstand endless battering from the wind and the waves without fail for decades to come.

A concrete seawall is easy to customize as well, and doesn’t require any complicated maintenance.

Steel Seawalls Have High Initial Installation Costs 

Many marine construction contractors use steel to construct seawalls. They use it because it is considered one of the strongest materials for underwater projects. However, the initial installation costs of this seawall material can go pretty high. In addition, it requires a protective coating application on a regular basis.

With proper maintenance, a quality steel seawall can last more than 25 years. It is also easy to install (comparatively speaking), and doesn’t have any height limitations unlike an aluminum seawall.

Aluminum Seawalls Are Corrosion-Proof

While an aluminum seawall is resistant to corrosion, if the water is highly acidic (or has extremely low pH), it can succumb to corrosion in the future. Plus, aluminum is a relatively lightweight material. So, it may not be the best choice for an installation into a hard surface or for a tall wall design.

Vinyl or Plastic Seawalls Offer More Style Options

Vinyl is relatively new to the seawall material industry. But, they have begun to replace steel in many projects due to their exceptional lifespan – these walls can last more than 50 years. Unfortunately, plastic/vinyl material poses height limitations and can’t be driven into hard surfaces. But if you are specifically going for an aesthetically pleasing appearance, vinyl is a pivotal option.

Professional Concrete Seawall Design and Installation

Prince Bay Seawalls & Docks has helped many business and property owners protect their investments with superior quality seawalls that last a lifetime. We are a full-service marine construction company. And, we have built a strong reputation for quality – both in our products and customer service. 

If you have any questions about seawall materials or construction, feel free to call us at (954) 651-2185 or send us a message online.

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Do Marine Construction Companies Handle Seawalls?

To answer the question – yes, of course! A marine construction company is nearly as varied as a land-based one. However, not all marine contractors are equal. Of course, you want to work with a full-service company that can handle every aspect of your project. From local, state, and federal permitting to design to engineering to building and maintenance.

What type of marine construction project is right for your needs will depend on what you want to achieve. Here are four main types of projects an experienced marine contractor can help you with.

Seawalls or Breaker Walls

Seawalls protect the property from damage that waves usually cause. They protect shorelines, houses, docks, boats, and other structures between them and land. Seawalls can be made from concrete, steel, or large stone materials to ensure they are solid enough to withstand the impact of large waves.

Retainer Walls

Waterfront property owners who want to protect their land from eroding into the nearby body of water usually opt for retainer wall construction. These walls prevent the ground from falling into the water. And, they can be made from concrete, sheet metal, and stones. Unless your property has a sizeable beach, bluffs, rocky shores, or a lot of trees, erecting a retainer wall is a smart decision to keep it from eroding.

Dock Construction

Since people widely use them on waterfront properties to tie up boats, docks are one of the most common marine construction projects. There are several different kinds of docks as well: pipe docks, piling docks, and floating docks to name a few.

Pipe docks are removable, making them perfect for seasonal businesses and communities. Piling docks are made up of multiple platforms that are anchored by beams located underwater; these are extremely sturdy and recommended for places with turbulent waters. Floating docks simply sit on top of the water’s surface. So, they should only be installed in a place with calm water.

Boathouses

As the name suggests, a boathouse mainly serves to store a boat. Compared to a dock, a boathouse offers more protection because it shields the boat from the elements. Many boathouses are also equipped with hoists so the boats can be easily lifted out of the water for repair work or long-term storage. This marine construction structure can also include a storage closet or a bigger room for social gatherings.

Prince Bay Seawalls & Docks: Your Trusted Marine Construction Contractor in Fort Lauderdale

At Prince Bay Seawalls & Docks, our abilities include below and above-water construction for seawalls, retaining walls, docks, piers, marinas, pilings, decks, boat slips, boat lifts, boardwalks, and more. We have the in-house skills, resources and equipment to efficiently complete all jobs we undertake. We don’t outsource our work because we operate with a sense of ownership. Plus, we focus on delivering exceptional quality to our customers, no matter how small or big the project might be.

Finally, our goal is to provide dependable quality along with unmatched customer service – all within your budget. To discuss a project that may be suitable for your property, contact us at (954) 651-2185 or leave a message here.

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5 Tricks For Maintaining Decks And Docks

Whenever you go out on the dock, the last thing on your mind is probably the dock itself. You have the boat and the water to look forward to. But, if you want your dock to be there for a long time and provide you with decades of enjoyment, you must pay some attention to it. Maintaining decks and docks is very important in order to keep them in shape.

The type of care your dock will need completely depends on the material it is made from. Concrete docks are built to last and require minimal maintenance. You can always pressure wash them to keep them clean. Plus, you can add outdoor mats to the areas you plan on walking on the most to allow for safe footing and more. When it comes to wood however, you have a lot more work to do.

1 – Cleanliness Is Next to Godliness

We’ve all heard that before, but when it comes to decks and docks, it is particularly true. Stains and debris can over time pose a real risk to your wood’s durability. Often, just sweeping it will do but every few months a pressure wash is necessary. Pressure washing is great, but it is not to be overused. If you use it all the time, you could end up splintering and damaging your deck or dock. Always check for mildew, make sure no soil deposits stay in place and you should be fine.

2 – Protecting The Wood

If the wood used for your deck or dock has not been treated to withstand water you may be in trouble. Over time, water can erode and even rot the wood on your dock. Every splinter, every crevice on the wood is a pool where water can sit and do further damage. For this reason, it is good to sand your deck or dock once a year and fill any of those crevices with a sealant. You should reseal the entire thing regularly to avoid damage. Also, when you sand and seal the wood, the dock looks beautiful and new.

Water is not the only thing that can damage the wood however, the sun is quite abrasive as well. Just think of what happens to the paint on most cars after ten or fifteen years. Likewise, the wood will take a beating from the sun. So, make sure the sealant you use protects against water and the sun alike.

3 – If it is Broken, Fix It

Sometimes a piece of wood may break, it happens, perhaps the pressure of an accident or whatever the reason. So, the second you see any issue you should repair it to avoid further damage. Make sure you use quality materials when replacing any piece of wood and that the type of hardware such as screws is made to withstand water damage, otherwise you are just asking to replace the whole thing again in no time.

4 – Know Your Environment

Not all docks suffer the same type of onslaught from the elements. The temperature of the water makes an impact, the salinity and the marine life that may find your wood to be a nice place to take up residence.

5 – Shield Against Organisms

Some types of life will find the wood on your deck or dock to be irresistible, they will find any crevice and make their home there, slowly eating the wood and damaging your structure. Sometimes the solution can be as simple as properly sealing the wood and adding an insecticide. You want to make sure you are using the right insecticide as there is no need to pollute the water and harm anything outside the structure.

At a certain point you must evaluate whether your wood platform is worth repairing or if you need to go for a new one. It’s never a good idea to delay maintenance or replacement efforts because the longer it takes, the more unsafe the structure becomes. If replacement work is needed, concrete is a far better choice. Not only will you have far less maintenance concerns, but it will last for decades. Something to consider when you are spending your weekend trying to paint or seal your wood dock.

 

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What Does A Seawall Contractor Do?

Seawall Contractor

If you are planning to build a Seawall for your property, it pays to know what a seawall contractor can and cannot do for you. This depends on the company you hire. Some may be specialized in the actual building while relying on a different company to make the design. Other companies focus on docks. But, rarely do you find a company such as Prince Bay where ​​we handle it all from planning, concepts, design, and structural engineering. We take it through the city and construction right to the end where your enjoyment begins.

Credentials

The first thing for a contractor to do is to show proof of being licensed. A general contractor license is enough to make seawalls in the state of Florida. But, if they have a marine construction license, that’s even better. Last but not least, being insured is critical. Plus, your constructor should be able to provide you with proof of insurance.

Getting Ready

Once you’ve selected your contractor for the project they will assess the area and the best approach for your property. Upon surveying the terrain and getting a good idea of what you need to protect your home the design process begins. Your contractor will design the sea wall in accordance with your wishes and the needs of the property itself. There may be a few different concepts to go through before you approve a final version. Once you have an approved design, the fun part begins, building the sea wall.

The contractor, at least when it comes to Prince Bay, will handle the entire process. We get permits from the city, making sure everything is up to code, and of course the actual construction of the sea wall, structural engineering, and all. As the last step, the city will approve the construction. Finally, the client will get to enjoy the quality build. Always make sure to ask your contractor what you can do to maintain the wall once it’s built as well. Based on their experience and the materials they are using, they can recommend the best and safest ways to maintain your property.

Not All Contractors Are Equal

Unfortunately, not every seawall contractor is the same. In fact, the reason Prince Bay came into existence was that the founder became increasingly frustrated with low-quality builds and shoddy construction on the part of sea wall constructors around South Florida. After having worked with a number of them and found them lacking in quality he decided to take matters into his own hands and make a company that went above and beyond.

Give Us A Call

If you are looking to build a sea wall or a dock and want only the most skilled crew and results that speak for themselves contact us by phone at 954-851-2185 or email us anytime at mario@princebay.com. Your project will stand for decades to come and the value of your property will only benefit from any project completed by Price Bay.