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Boat docks need maintenance every year. Get an inspection at the end of each warm weather season, and remove the dock from the water if possible (if it’s made of wood) when not in use. You can also treat the wood to lessen the impact of moisture damage.

In most areas, dock builders need some type of license. In some states, only a general construction license might be necessary, while a marine construction license is required in others. You can check online to see which is mandatory in your area, and then you can use Angi’s contractor licensing tool to make sure the company holds the proper license. Since dock construction is inherently dangerous, confirm with your builder that they are fully insured for everyone’s protection.

Here are a few other considerations before you build, even if you're convinced you're in compliance with the law:

• Are you damaging the environment? Bodies of water are often delicate ecosystems, and building a dock can be destructive and disruptive to the wildlife.

• Are you blocking access? Lots of people like to use a lake, so you need to make sure your dock doesn't block public access to the water.

• Can you enclose the dock? Just because you can build a dock doesn't mean you can build any dock you want. Some areas don't allow enclosed docks, for example.

• Do you need to follow any specific rules or guidelines? Check with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) Office for Coastal Management for any guidelines you’ll need to follow, including size and type restrictions.

Docks can last between 20 and 30 years, provided regular maintenance has been performed. Upkeep tasks like staining your dock annually to prevent water damage, repairing broken elements quickly, and using dock covers regularly will help extend your dock’s life. Your dock is likely nearing the end of its lifespan when it shows signs of rot, rust, and foundation damage.