Free guides
Plan your waterfront project before you call
Plain English guides on costs, permits, materials and storm damage for waterfront homes in Hampton Roads, the Middle Peninsula and the Eastern Shore. Written for homeowners, free to read and share, with new guides added regularly.
For realtors, loan officers and inspectors
Free checklists for waterfront buyers and sellers
One page checklists that walk your clients through the bulkhead, dock and boat lift, from what to look for before making an offer to what to fix before listing. Free to print and share with clients.
Before you hire
Check a contractor’s license in five minutes
Which licenses cover docks, piers and bulkheads, what Class A, B and C mean, and the simple DPOR and SCC search I use to find a license filed under a different company name.
Storm damage
After a hurricane or nor’easter
Storms are hard on docks, piers and bulkheads. Know what to check, what can’t wait, and how insurance and permits work after the water goes down.
After a Hurricane or Storm: Checking Your Dock, Pier and Bulkhead for Damage →
What to check, what can’t wait, insurance and permit basics, and how to find a licensed contractor fast.
Planning a project
Costs, materials and upkeep
What new docks, bulkheads and boat lifts cost here, which bulkhead material to choose, and how long a wall really lasts in salt water.
What Does a Bulkhead Cost in Hampton Roads? →
What drives the price of a new or replacement bulkhead, and what to ask before you sign.
What Does a Dock or Pier Cost? →
What goes into the cost of a new pier, a rebuild or a repair.
Boat Lift Costs and Options →
Types of lifts, what they cost, and how to choose the right one for your boat.
Vinyl vs Wood vs Steel Bulkheads in Hampton Roads →
How each material compares on upfront cost and lifespan in salt water, and what to ask before you build.
How Long Does a Bulkhead Last? Signs Yours Needs Replacing →
Typical lifespans, the warning signs to look for, and simple ways to help your wall last longer.
Permits and shorelines
Permits and living shorelines
Who approves waterfront work in Virginia, how long it takes, what the Bay Act buffer allows, and when a living shoreline is the better choice than a bulkhead.
Waterfront Permits in Virginia: Where to Start →
Who approves waterfront work in Virginia and how the permit process usually goes.
After You Apply: How Waterfront Permits Get Reviewed →
What reviewers look for, common questions and conditions, hearing day and realistic timelines.
Do I Need a Permit for a Dock or Pier in Virginia? →
Who reviews a new dock, pier or boat lift, how long it takes, and what to ask your contractor.
The Chesapeake Bay Act and Your Waterfront Project →
What the 100 foot buffer means for docks, bulkheads, trees and patios, and how to check your property.
Living Shorelines in Virginia →
Why the state prefers them, when they work and when they don’t, and programs that help pay for one.
Free tool
Getting estimates?
Three estimates rarely quote the same job. Our free printable form gets every contractor to answer the same questions, including license, insurance, permits, price and warranty, so you can compare them side by side.
Common Questions
Is 757 Waterfront free?
Yes. Browsing the directory and contacting contractors is free for homeowners.
Do you do the work?
No. 757 Waterfront is a directory. You contact contractors directly and make your own arrangements with them.
Does a listing mean you recommend a contractor?
No. A listing isn’t an endorsement. Always check licensing, insurance and references before you hire.
What do the license badges mean?
Each badge shows the contractor’s Virginia license as the state lists it. Our license guide explains what each one means.
How do I suggest a contractor or report an error?
Email info@757waterfront.com. If you’re a contractor who wants to be listed, use the form on our For Contractors page.