Frequently Asked Questions

Dock costs in North Carolina range from around $10,000–$15,000 for a small access pier or observation platform up to $100,000 or more for a larger pier with a gazebo, floating dock, and boat lift. The biggest cost drivers are size, complexity, and added features like lifts or covered structures. Because every waterfront property is different, Intricate Marine Construction provides a free on-site estimate for homeowners in Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, and Brunswick County so you know exactly what your project will cost before work begins.

Seawall construction typically costs $300–$600 per linear foot, depending on the material used and the overall length of the wall. Vinyl, concrete, and wood options each fall in different places within that range, and site access can also affect pricing. Contact us for a project-specific quote based on your shoreline.

Piling replacement runs about $1,000 per piling, which includes removing the old piling and installing the new one. Exact cost can vary based on water depth, access, and how many pilings need replacing on a given dock. We inspect each piling individually so you're only paying to replace what actually needs it.

Not necessarily, floating docks aren't automatically cheaper than fixed docks. Fixed docks are generally easier to permit, while floating docks require a minimum mean low tide water depth under CAMA regulations, so they're only an option where the water is deep enough. The better fit for your property depends on water depth and how you plan to use the dock, which we assess during your site visit.

Yes, new dock construction in coastal NC requires both a CAMA permit and a county building permit. Requirements vary by location and project scope, but nearly every new build or major rebuild needs at least one of these approvals. Intricate Marine Construction handles permit coordination for our clients so you don't have to navigate it alone.

A CAMA permit is required under North Carolina's Coastal Area Management Act, and most new docks and dock rebuilds need one. Permitting can be one of the more confusing parts of the process, which is why we manage CAMA permitting from start to finish, taking the complexity off your plate entirely.

Most CAMA permits are issued in less than 30 days. Larger-scale projects, or those in areas with environmental impact concerns, can take up to 90 days for approval. Because timelines vary by project, we recommend starting the permitting process as early as possible,  something we help kick off during your initial consultation.

In most cases, yes,  routine dock repairs can be made without pulling a new permit. Whether a permit is required depends on the scope of the repair and what's being replaced, so we review each situation individually to make sure the work is done correctly and stays compliant. Contact us before starting repairs and we'll tell you exactly where your project stands.

Call Intricate Marine Construction first. We'll come assess the damage and clean up any debris or compromised sections that could pose a safety hazard to nearby docks, boats, or people in the water. Fast assessment after a storm helps prevent a manageable repair from turning into a bigger problem. Call 910 7891499 for a post-storm inspection.

It depends on the material. A seawall built with composite material can often be repaired rather than replaced, while older wood seawalls (like sloped V-style walls) have a shorter lifespan and tend to fail sooner. Once a wood seawall starts to fail, the best long-term fix is replacing it with vinyl sheet piling, an engineered product built to last far longer than wood. We can inspect your seawall and tell you which category it falls into.

Above the waterline, look for visible wear on pilings where floating dock guides rub against them. Most piling failure actually happens right at the mudline, below the surface, so a full inspection often requires a diver or checking at dead low tide when more of the piling is exposed. Wood-boring organisms are the most common cause of failure, and the average piling lasts 20-25 years. If your dock is approaching that age, an inspection is worth scheduling before a problem develops.

The best first step is calling us for an inspection; we'll build a checklist specific to your dock's age and condition, then help you prioritize and complete any repairs before storm season arrives. Older docks or those with known wear should be inspected every year, not just after damage occurs. Schedule your pre-season inspection with Intricate Marine Construction to head off storm damage before it happens.

It depends on your water depth. Floating docks work well for docking vessels where there's enough water depth to keep the dock afloat at low tide, while fixed docks are the better choice for accessing consistently deeper water. We evaluate your waterway's depth and tidal range on-site to recommend the right type for your property.

Vinyl sheet piling is the longest-lasting and lowest-maintenance seawall option available, which is why it's generally the recommended replacement when an older wood seawall starts to fail. Wood seawalls are less expensive up front but wear out faster, and concrete falls in between. For a wall built to last, vinyl is the strongest long-term choice.

Inspect and lubricate boat lifts once a year. Lifts that have been in service for more than five years should also get their supporting pilings inspected regularly, since piling condition affects the safety and performance of the lift itself. Regular service catches small issues before they turn into lift failures.