If you’re an owner of a waterfront property itching to create your dream dock, you’ve probably wondered how long it takes to create a custom dock design. Well, grab your favorite beverage, kick back, and let’s go into the nitty-gritty of custom dock design and construction.
Understanding the Dock Design Process
Designing a custom boat dock isn’t just about slapping some boards together and calling it a day. It’s a process that is detailed and involves a bunch of steps to ensure you end up with a dock that looks good and also serves its purpose—whether that’s providing a fishing spot, docking your custom boat, or being the finest hangout for summer barbecues.
Initial Consultation & Planning
The very first step in the boat dock construction journey is sitting down with an experienced, preferably local and professional dock builder from an experienced marine construction company. This initial consultation generally takes a couple of hours to a few days. During this meeting, discuss your vision, the dock’s functionality, and specific requirements like dock accessories or boat lifts with the professionals.
The dock construction contractor will also assess your water depth and the area where you want to install the dock. Understanding these factors is super important, as they will influence the materials and design needed for your traditional dock or floating dock. Take your time to discuss everything in detail, as this phase will determine the final results.
Design Development Phase
Once you’ve shared your ideas and preferences, the dock builder will begin developing the design. This stage can take anywhere from one week to several weeks, depending on the complexity of your custom dock. For instance, if you want a simple floating dock, the design process will likely be quicker than if you’re aiming for an elaborate structure with multiple levels, seating areas, and boat docks.
During this phase, the dock builder will create blueprints and possibly even 3D models to help you visualize your future dock. You’ll have the chance to review these designs, suggest changes, and finalize the layout. It’s essential to be clear about your expectations here, as this will set the tone for the rest of the dock project.
Permits & Approvals for Custom Boat Dock
Once you’ve chosen a design for your dock, the next step is to get the right permissions from the relevant authorities in your area. This can take some time, from a few weeks to several months, depending on the rules in your area.
Since docks have to follow environmental laws, your dock construction company will need to make sure your project meets all the national, local, and state rules. If you’re in an area with strict rules, this might delay your project, but don’t worry! A good dock builder contractor will understand these rules well and will help you through the approval process. If you are looking for the best dock construction company in South Carolina, just call Foothills Docks and get a free estimate now.
Selecting the Right Material
While waiting for permits, it’s the best time to discuss materials with your dock builder. Premium-quality materials are a must for any dock construction project. You want your traditional boat docks or floating docks to withstand the elements and the test of time.
The dock builder contractor you have selected will likely present various options for support systems, decking, and framing, each with its pros and cons. Choosing the highest-quality materials for your dock may extend the timeline a bit, as some materials might need to be ordered. Still, this step is the real game changer to ensuring the functionality and life of your dock.
Construction Time for the Dock
Once all the approvals are in place and the materials are ready to go, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Well, you don’t have to work; the dock construction company and their team will be the ones working. The actual dock-building phase can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. This time frame depends on factors like:
- The availability of the dock builders and their crew.
- The size and complexity of the dock.
- Weather conditions—rain or storms can delay construction.
- The type of dock being built (floating dock vs. fixed dock).
A simple custom boat dock project might be constructed in a matter of days, while a more detailed design with multiple features could take weeks to complete. During this time, the dock builder will ensure everything is constructed according to the design that has been approved, utilizing the best and high quality materials to guarantee durability.
Final Inspection & Touch-Ups
The last step in dock consultation, like all other projects, is the final inspection and the final touch-ups. The dock builders will check and confirm that everything is up to code and functioning correctly. You might need to make some minor changes and adjustments or add some finishing touches, like installing safety features, dock accessories, etc. This inspection phase can take a few days, and once it’s done, you’ll be ready to enjoy your brand-new dock on your property!
The Total Timeline
So, how long does it actually take to create a custom dock design? While the timeline varies greatly and depends on many factors, a rough estimate might look something like this:
- The initial consultation takes around 1-3 days
- The design development phase takes around one week to several weeks
- Permits and approvals might take a few weeks to several months
- Material selection takes generally 1-2 weeks (often overlapping with permits)
- Construction typically takes a few days to several weeks
- The final inspection will take a few days, too.
In total, you might be looking at anywhere from a couple of months to half a year from start to finish, depending on the expertise of the dock construction company, the availability of the material, the complexity of your dock project, and any unforeseen delays.
Why Choose Experienced Dock Builders?
When it comes to something as important as your dock, it pays to hire experienced marine construction companies. Why? Well professional boat dock builders bring industry knowledge, expertise, and the skills needed to ensure your dock is built efficiently and safely too. They’ll know the best practices for dock building, including how to handle unique challenges like changing water depths, environmental regulations etc.
Making Your Dream Dock a Reality
At the end of the day, building a custom dock for your waterfront property—whether it’s a dock on the lakeside property, riverfront property, coastal property, marina, or estuary and wetland—is all about creating a dock that meets all your needs.
Whether you want a grand floating dock for hosting summer parties, or a simple boat dock for tying up your custom boat , understanding the timeline and process involved will surely help you plan in the right way.
So, if you’re ready to get the ball rolling, start by reaching out to a reputable but experienced dock construction company and make sure that they have local experience. With their help, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your dream dock in no time! And remember, patience is the real key; the best things in life—like custom docks that meet all your relaxing and boating needs—are worth the wait.
Call Foothills Docks: The Dock Masters of Lake Keowee & Lake Hartwell
Foothills Docks has been in the docking game for over 20 years, hustling on the lakes upstate. We’ve thrown together and set up more than 1,500 docks, so when it comes to Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell, we really know our stuff.
We’ll also have your back with the whole permitting process with Duke Energy, ensuring our boat dock designs get the green light from the engineering teams. As a family-owned business, we take great pride in our team and our work. Whether you need a dock for your coastal property, inland waterways resort, vacation rental, fish camps, recreational properties, or rural properties with access to water bodies, you can count on us.
If you need expert dock services like construction, fabrication, manufacturing, installation, or custom building, We’re all in for you. Our crew has over 55 years of combined experience, and we’re all about delivering the best docks around. So, give us a call now to find out more about what we can do for you!