FAQs

General and Most Frequent Questions and Answers

Q: I have a Waterfront Property and I want to discuss a project. What should I do?
A: Give us a Call. We are here to help and assist you with your waterfront amenities project. Our office will set up a convenient time to meet with you for an on-site, no-cost, no-obligation site evaluation, including Saturday hours for the out of town owners with a week or two notice.
Q: What happens after I meet with your Company?
A: You will recieve a detailed proposal specific to your project and property by Mail, in about a week or so.
Q: What if I have a question on the proposal after reviewing it?
A: Give us a call or an email. Our convenient contact info will be included within the proposal.
Q: What do I do after receiving the contract, reviewing it, and finalizing any questions I have if I want to proceed forward with the work?
A: Sign and return the contract as per the specifications that will be detailed within. All we ask is that if you decide not to proceed with the work - thats okay, just be kind and let us know one way or another. We won't pressure you or try to talk you out of your decision. Keeping us informed allows us to watch our busy schedule. Communication is very important! Thanks for your consideration and keeping in touch.
Q: The proposal states my project requires a State and a County permit. What is the next step after I have signed and returned the proposal?
A: We'll take it from there. Our office will perform the necessary permit drawings and file with the appropriate agencies. We will keep you informed of all verbal communicaes from both State and County and we will copy you on the written communicaes as well as the accepted permits. Our office maintains the original permits for posting on the jobsite as well as a copy for your chart.
Q: Why do I need State and County permits to have work performed at my waterfront?
A: The Governor has recently enacted laws under House Bill's: #973, #1056, and #1253 that require all waterfront work to be permitted by either State and County, or both for certain projects and depending on the magnitude. These laws went into effect on July 1, 2008. The new permit fees will provide a great service to the Chesapeake Bay and help aid to restore the Bay.
Q: What happens if I don't obtain or apply for a work permit?
A: Doing the work without a permit is just not worth it! There are hefty fines involved as per these new laws of which involve the homeowner and the contractor as well as anyone else involved with the project. These fines can range up to $10,000 depending on the magnitude of the work performed.
Q: How Long does an application take to acquire?
A: Depending on the magnitude and type of project that is being requested - the State permits usually take about 50 to 60 days, (with non-standard type projects taking possibly longer). When the State permits are received they are then submitted to the County in which the work will be performed in, of which then usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks, unless a variance is required.
Q: Why do the permits take so long at the State Level?
A: When we apply with the Maryland Department of the Environment, they submit copies to all agencies involved such as, but not limited to: DNR, Tidal Wetlands, Corp of Engineers and so on. Once all agencies have completed their reviews the final approval is mailed to the Contractor.
Q: After both State and County permits are received by the Contractor when will work commence?
A: Once the Contractor has both permits in hand, he will then place you on the working schedule and you will be contacted. **Please note the Contractor will not start work until all permits are in hand.
Q: I am contemplating having shoreline work performed. With the permits time frame when should I contact a marine contractor?
A: Spring and Summer prove to be very busy time frames for Marine Contractors. Call us anytime and we'll discuss your project and work through the permits process for you. If you are contemplating work in the Spring or Summer of any year - please call the Contractor in the winter so that permit paperwork can be well on its way to nearing completion between the State and County, and you'll be set up for Spring and Summer. Spring or summer work requests that require permits would most likely be able to be performed in the Fall. Call us anytime for any repairs that do not require permits and we'll work them into our schedule.
Q: I have, or want a boat lift - what should I do?
A: If you don't have a boat lift and wish to have one installed, give us a call and we'll visit your jobsite and discuss your needs and provide you with a proposal. If you have a boat lift and want it checked over, we offer yearly spring maintenance commission contracts of which the boat lift will be greased, and checked over for any cable fraying and so on to make sure your boat lift is in optional working condition for the Spring boating season. If you have a boat lift and want it changed out to fit a larger vessel - give us a call and we'll see what we can do to upgrade your boat lift to fit your new vessel.
Q: I have shoreline erosion and want to know what my options are?
A: Give us a call. We will replace your bulkhead, rip-rap and/or install living shoreline whichever is appropriate for your site as well as whatever is permitted and approved by the State and County regulations.
Q: What is bird migration and fish spawning and how do these terms relate to my waterfront?
A: Both of these terms apply to most of the Eastern Shore. The bird migration and fish spawning areas will have certain restrictions placed of when work can be performed in your particular creek or waterway. These restrictions fall at various times throughout a 12 month year and vary from creek to creek. These restrictions will be placed on either your State and county permits. Another good reason to call ahead and obtain permits so that all involved know just when the work can be performed.
What kind of piling tops are available?
Piling tops that are available are copper tops, aluminum tops, plastic tops, and epoxy gluvit.
What is the standard cost for a pier, bulkhead, boatlift?
Each project is different, due to varying sizes, dimensions, wants and so on. Give us a call and we will provide a written proposal as to your project specifications.
How long does it take for a pier or bulkhead to be built?
Again, each project varies due to length, size and so on. But many other factors come into play due to working with Mother Nature everyday such as wind, tides, rain. Your contract will detail the time frame that it is expected to complete your project in.
How long does it take for a boat lift installation?
Normal boat lifts can range from 1 to 1 1/2 days. Most boat lifts are installed in a day, as long as no unforseen weather or other conditions arise.
I have a hill and would like to make an accessible walkway down the hill to my pier - what can I do?
We build stairways down hills (see picture in this website). When building stairways usually the County where the work is to be performed will require some type of native plant mitigation. We have the native plant list and will provide you with your choices upon signing the proposal for the permit applications.
I want electric and/or plumbing on my pier - what should I do?
Our Company utilizes an electrician and a plumber to install lights and faucets on your pier. If your house is far away from the pier - the electrician will trench in the electric and the plumbing. Not a problem - give us a call! (**Please note - electric and plumbing does require a permit to a pier as well.)