Before Buying a waterfront home, get the bulkhead, seawall or dock inspected! Undermining, caused by natural erosion (tidal flows, currents and land-sided water introductions) or "man-induced" erosion (boat propeller wash) and hydrostatic pressures (lack of management, poor drainage design, leaks from pools or extra-heavy precipitation) all can cause seawall failure on lake, river or ocean/bay construction assemblies. Poor original construction can also lead to premature failure. The above afflictions, as well as marine organisms, corrosion and soil pH can damage marine structures in ways that are not evident to the average home inspectors. Though they are often an overlooked system during a home inspection on waterfront properties, or purposely omitted because of the inspector's lack of expertise, training or in-water skills, marine structures certainly affect the property's value.

The condition of marine structures must be taken into consideration in the overall assessment of the property improvements. Early discovery of failing conditions (that often are not readily apparent) can mean the difference between moderate-cost repairs and the major expense of complete reconstruction by a marine contractor.