December 21, 2023

How Much Value Does a Dock Add to a Home?

Written by ShoreMaster Marketing

Understanding the Value of a Boat Dock

Homes equipped with well-designed docks inevitably draw the attention of potential buyers seeking waterfront properties. A boat dock home signals a lifestyle of leisure and aquatic adventures, which adds an aspirational allure to the property. 

Here are other ways a boat dock can add value to a home:

• Enhanced Aesthetics and Appeal: A dock extends your home’s living space outdoors, creating a welcoming and inviting space for relaxation and recreation. A premium boat docking system is more than a functional fixture; it visually enhances a property, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication. 
• Increased Marketability: Homes with docks are in high demand, especially in popular waterfront areas. It provides prospective buyers with built-in access to the boating lifestyle, minus the administrative and regulatory hassles of applying for dock permits. This instantly makes your property more attractive, increasing its desirability and marketability. 
• Outdoor Living Space: Docks effectively extend a home’s living space, creating a versatile area for entertaining guests, recreational activities like fishing and kayaking, or simply enjoying the serenity of the waterfront. 
• Convenience and Accessibility: A boat dock offers unparalleled convenience for a plethora of water-related activities. It eliminates the need to transport your boat or fishing gear to a public launch, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the waterfront property. 
• Higher Asking Prices: In more popular waterfront areas, a boat dock house is often what sells a property. Akin to a pool, people are willing to pay a premium for the built-in amenities a boat dock provides. Prospective buyers don’t have to worry about where to store their boats. They can jump straight into planning all the fun things they can do on the water. 

Ultimately, water access sells. And if your property features a quality boat dock, it instantly elevates its asking price.

Factors That Influence the Added Value of a Dock

Several factors contribute to the increased value associated with having a boat dock. These include the following:

• Type of Dock: Fixed docks, floating docks, multi-slip docks, and sectional docks each have their own advantages and can add varying degrees of value to your property. For instance, our sectional Infinity Dock System offers endless configuration options and compact storage for the off-season.  
• Build Quality: The engineering and quality of materials used in dock construction significantly impact its durability, aesthetics, and overall value. For example, our floating dock system sets the industry standard for stability, reliability, and ease of ownership. Their precision welded construction and premium floatation provide boat owners with peace of mind.
• Dock Size: The size of a dock determines how many watercrafts it can accommodate and how much additional living space it provides. ShoreMaster dock accessories maximize the space available, allowing you to design a dock that looks beautiful and performs effortlessly. 
• Location and Waterfront Characteristics: The size, type, and popularity of the waterfront influence the value added by a dock. As is the case with real estate, location often dictates how much value a boat dock adds to a home. For instance, a boat dock house in Smith Lake, AL, significantly benefits from having a ready and well-maintained dock.    

When it comes to waterfront properties, the question isn’t “Is a dock a good investment?” But rather, “How much value does it add to a boat dock home?”

Calculating the Return on Investment for a Boat Dock Home

While it’s challenging to attach specific monetary values, studies consistently show that properties with docks command higher prices and tend to have a competitive edge in the real estate market. Experts estimate that a quality dock can add USD$14,000 to USD$20,000 to a home’s price tag. In certain regions, the Wall Street Journal even suggests a dock can be worth more than the house. 

To determine the ROI for a dock, consider the following factors:

• Cost of installation
• Ongoing maintenance expenses
• Potential increase in home value

While different types of docks and the factors mentioned above can tilt a dock’s ROI, the increased home value typically outweighs the ownership costs, resulting in a positive ROI. 

How to Build a Dock That Maximizes Home Value

Constructing a dock that maximizes home value involves careful planning and thorough attention to detail. Apart from catering to functional needs, the best docks complement the property’s architecture and natural surroundings. 

Here are a few more tips:

• Choose the Right Dock Type: Select a dock type that aligns with your needs, preferences, and waterfront characteristics. For example, wheel-in docks are ideal for waterfronts with firm, sandy, or gravel bottoms. They’re also a good option for properties with a gentle slope, making it easier to roll the dock in and out of the water. 
• Opt for High-Quality Materials: Investing in durable and aesthetically pleasing materials will undoubtedly enhance the appearance and longevity of your dock. For example, our Infinity Curve Dock combines unmatched stability and safety with unlimited configurations – allowing you to create a unique dock system that makes your property the envy of the lake. 
• Comply with Local Regulations: Obtain all the necessary permits and ensure compliance with local regulations to avoid potential issues. 

Finally, it’s always best to hire experienced professionals to ensure your dock performs as it’s designed to. For inquiries about the perfect docking solution for your waterfront property, contact one of our knowledgeable local dealers. They can help match one of our premium boat docks with your unique property characteristics and lifestyle. 

Maintenance Tips to Preserve Dock Value

Regular maintenance is critical to ensuring a dock’s longevity and preserving its value. This involves the following tasks:

• Regular Inspection: Regularly inspect the dock for signs of damage, such as loose connections, broken railings, or corrosion. 
• Regular Cleaning and Treating: Periodically clean the dock to remove algae, mildew, dirt, and other debris. In addition, treat the dock with protective coatings to enhance its durability. 
• Winterizing: If your dock is in an area with harsher winter conditions, properly prepare it for the off-season by removing loose items, securing it to prevent movement, and covering it to protect it from more extreme weather conditions. For any questions about winterizing and proper storage, contact your local dealer. 
• Promptly Addressing Issues: Address any maintenance issues immediately to prevent further damage. 

Making a habit out of these regular maintenance tasks can help you maximize your investment both during and after ownership. 

ShoreMaster has been in the business of reshaping waterfront properties, one boat dock at a time. If you want to learn more about our docking solutions, contact us or one of our local dealers. We’re always ready to help.