Waterfront properties command higher real estate values, but come with greater environmental risks. Shorefront structures, such as docks, piers, bulkheads, and revetments, are coastal-engineered structures that are subjected to greater natural forces and environmental exposure than most residential buildings will ever experience in a lifetime. For this reason - coupled with the complexity of environmental regulations that affect the installation and maintenance of such structures - waterfront property owners should consider an evaluation inspection of their shorefront for both existing conditions and longer-term risks that may impact property values.

Typically, such an evaluation includes a conditional assessment of all existing coastal structures - which involves not only an engineering evaluation of the structures, but also a complete environmental permitting compliance assessment - as well as a review of long-term shorefront protection and maintenance issues.

And when it comes to regulatory requirements, local zoning regulations, building code compliance, and other environmental and health code statutes raise the bar of standards for waterfront properties.  Whether engineering- or wetlands-related, issues concerning regulatory compliance and complex assessments of environmental impacts - such as flood zone and wastewater treatment issues - are involved when evaluating waterfront properties and shorefront structures.

In addition to these coastal engineering considerations, if a waterfront property owner is contemplating an addition, alteration, or change in use for any buildings, there are site development and structural building issues that also need to be addressed.  A thorough property analysis can not only determine the construction cost impacts for compliance with the state's new residential building code regulations, but can also help homeowners in assessing the full development potential of their property.