Seawall Construction Check List

1. Materials

• What type of seawall materials do you use? (vinyl, composite, concrete, steel, wood, riprap)
• Are your materials marine-grade and ASTM/USACE compliant?
• Where do you source your materials from? (Industry supplier vs. retail store)
• What is the expected lifespan of the materials you recommend?

2. Licensing & Insurance

• Are you a licensed marine contractor in the State of Florida?
• Do you carry general liability insurance and workers’ comp? (Ask for proof)
• Do you handle the permits with the City of Palm Coast and the Florida DEP?

3. Engineering & Installation

• Do you provide engineered drawings or stamped plans?
• How do you handle tie-backs and anchoring to prevent wall failure?
• What type of concrete cap do you use? (Fiber-reinforced, poured, or precast)
• How do you handle drainage/weep holes to relieve water pressure behind the wall?

4. Experience & References

• How many seawalls have you built/repaired in Palm Coast canals?
• Do you have local references I can call or visit to see your work?
• How long have you been in business, and what percentage of your projects are seawalls vs. docks/decks?

5. Warranty & Longevity

• Do you offer a written warranty on materials and labor?
• What is covered under the warranty (settling, cracking, panel failure)?
• How long should I expect the wall to last with proper maintenance?

6. Cost & Timeline

• Can I get a detailed written estimate with materials, labor, and permitting broken out?
• What is your typical timeline from permitting to completion?
• Do you require a deposit, and what is the payment schedule?

7. Compliance & Environmental

• Will the seawall meet or exceed local and State requirements and inspections?
• Do you take measures to protect the waterway environment during construction (silt screens, debris control)?

Bonus Red Flags to Watch Out For 🚩

• Contractor avoids giving written estimates or only offers verbal quotes.
• They use non-marine-grade materials or buy from big-box retailers.
• No proof insurance for liability or workers comp if someone gets hurts on your property.
• Pushes for large deposits (over 30%) before permits are approved.
• Can’t provide recent local references.

👉 With this checklist, you’ll be able to compare Elite Marine Seawall Construction with any other seawall companies apples-to-apples and quickly spot who’s cutting corners.