Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What services do you provide?  Do you ever work on land?

A: WWC is a full service General Contractor specializing in Marine contracting. That means we can do anything based on your permit.
WWC specializes in pile driving and repairs to piles.  We can build most anything including but not limited to: retaining walls, sheds, decks, grubbing / clearing, demolition, bridges ( large
and small ), etc...
We also offer diving services for salvage and inspection, boat lift installtion, pier rehabilitation, transport of materials and crane services

Q: Will you provide a free estimate for a project?

A: Of Course.  A written estimate is provided based on your individual site and plans.  We do not give written estimates without plans for new builds.

Q: I want my waterfront project built as soon as possible, what is my first step to get started?

A: Start permitting now! Permitting times vary but permitting regulations always increase.  Start your permits now.  We can provide you with the permit forms for free.  Basic assistance
is free.  Full facilitation of permits is also available upon request.

Q: Are permits required for my project?

A: Yes. There are several permits and we can assist you or fill out and file your permits for you ( permit facilitation ).

Q: Do you provide dredging services?

A: Yes. We provide dredging services, anywhere, based on permits.

Q: What brands of jet ski lifts and boat lifts do you carry?

A: Primarily we recommend Basta.  The Basta company is local and shipping is minimal.

Q: What type of engineering is required for my project?

A: For new piers or pile drivng in Whatcom county, a structural engineer is required to draw and stamp your drawings before a building permit is issued.
We can recommend Ashton Engineering as they specialize in this type of work. Please visit our links page for their contact number.

Q: What are the kinds of decking that you work with?

A: Any type of decking.  However for over the water applications your HPA will dictate what is allowed on your project.
In the salmon areas of the Northwest most HPA’s ( the hydraulic permit application ) require grating for light penetration.

Q: What options are available in the framing of piers and floats?

A: Traditional material has been wood but we now can build in glue lam beams ( both regular and pressure treated ), Steel, and Aluminum.  As a preference we suggest aluminum or steel.
Presently no pressure treated wood can be used over the surface of Lake Whatcom

Q: If there is a low water period for the body of water that I live on and the water depth is low, can I still build a pier and float?

A: Absolutely.  Our operators can drive our machines right off the barge or have the machines delivered to your site if road access is available.

Q: What deposit do you require before you begin work on a piers and floats?

A: This varies slightly from job to job but payment details are always written into the contract

Q: My piles are falling apart on my pier and / or my float.  What can I do?

A: Your all of your piles can be repaired if they were truly driven piles.  We usually don’t need to tear apart the pier.  We repair in both steel and fiberglass.

Q: How about emergencies?  What if my pier or float is at risk or is tearing apart in a storm?

A: You should call us ( 360 927 5070 ).  Generally we can stop the damage and get it repaired ASAP.  This usually results in the client saving thousands of dollars.

Q: How long does it typically take to finish a pier and float?

A: This really depends on materials used and complexity of the job.  The average aluminum 60 foot pier takes 2 weeks, unless there are complications with the weather.


Q: What if my float or dock is in deep water and piles are not an option?

A: No Problem.  We recommend SeaFlex for deep water moorings and for deep floats / docks where piles are just too expensive or the bottom is rock.  Call us for a review of your site.
Welcome to Whatcom Waterfront Construction, located on Lake Whatcom just outside of
Bellingham, WA.  
We build docks and much more!  360 927 5070
info@dillercorp.com