Dock/Over Water Deck Replacement
 

After being in place for possibly 40 years or more, our docking (30' x 6'), over-water decking (~330 SF) and breakwater (40') long ago saw their best days. We're looking to replace this system in next two or three years. I know the process can be lengthy but broadly speaking I assume the steps are (1) design, (2) permitting, (3) proposals/award, and (4) construction. We're looking to get a start now on design.

It's been awhile since I've seen any threads on recommended contractors for dock side design/construction. Ideally, we'd work with a single entity for the entire project but would definitely consider going with one firm for design and another for construction if that's more typical. We're in Meredith.

Can you provide contractors that you've worked with and would highly recommend? Any other advice is also appreciated.

Thanks.

Register it
 

You may be able to register your existing dock and that will allow repairs or replacement as long as the dimensions stay the same. That will make it exempt from permitting. I think the main requirement is that the dock remains the same size and you can document that it has been in place since 2020. In addition to any documentation you submit they will look at Google Images to see what has been in place. I just did one and it was not that difficult. I got the registration back in less than a month.

Purpose
Voluntary registration is an alternative to getting a permit for every repair or replacement of existing non-tidal permanent docking structures. It also offers owners an easier way to prove compliance with certain state statutes and rules when buying or selling properties that include these structures.

Applicability
The repair or replacement of legally existing docking structures in non-tidal waters shall be exempt from the permitting requirements of RSA 482-A:3, provided that the structures have a valid registration filed with the department by the owner of the property, in accordance with RSA 482-A:11, XI, as described in RSA 482-A:3, IV-a(b).

https://onlineforms.nh.gov/app/#/for...nhdes-w-06-096

I am not sure which Town you are in but your first stop may be with the building inspector.

If in fact they have your dock on file (maybe old building permit) then it should be an easy situation for you in that all you want to do is make repairs and need not to have the State involved.

The Town should have dated satellite images of your property (and dock) and that should also be evidence of your particular situation.

Hope it all works out!

Never heard of this. Great information. Thank you TBB.

We just did this and it is much easier than the old permitting process.

Resending My Recent Question
 

I'm resending a key part of my original ask which, shortly after I posted, got caught up in some of the periodic issues where one cannot gain access to the forum. So, I'm trying again to secure feedback as follows:

"It's been awhile since I've seen any threads on recommended contractors for dock side design/construction. Ideally, we'd work with a single entity for the entire project but would definitely consider going with one firm for design and another for construction if that's more typical. We're in Meredith.

Can you provide contractors that you've worked with and would highly recommend? Any other advice is also appreciated."

Thanks.

We’ve used Watermark Marine in Laconia (ask for Coby) and also Douglas Marine in Alton.

Both are good and generally responsive if you call vs email - though I know Watermark is very busy at present with Fall dock removals, etc.