Waterfront Homes and Dock Inspections In Bellingham, WA

One aspect of being a home inspector that I like, is that, periodically, I am able to help clients locate other professionals who can help them solve problems. I keep a list of roofers, plumbers, electricians, landscapers, general contractors and others, who have good reputations and have been looked upon favorably by my past clients. In some cases I have met those contractors on-site, while conducting an inspection.

I had an interesting request the other day. You have to realize that in my area we have many waterfront homes. That includes homes on the bay -- Birch Bay, Chuckanut and Semiahmoo -- and on Lake Whatcom, Lake Samish and also in Sudden Valley and Glenhaven. Many of these homes have docks and, being waterfront homes, some of them are high-end properties.

 My client asked if I would also inspect the dock. That is an important part of the lakefront home.  I know a lot about homes but the idea of inspecting the dock was out of my area of expertise. The neat thing about being a lifetime Bellingham resident is that I knew exactly who I would refer. 

Peter Zuanich of Sound Marine Surveyors comes from a family that is well-known in the boat business. Pete is an experienced marine surveyor -- a highly respected boat inspector. He owns Sound Marine Surveyors Inc. and Pete is a member of  the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors. While his main business is boats, Pete will also help people who need a professional dock inspection.

By the way, if you live in Whatcom County, that last name, "Zuanich". may sound familiar. Pete's father, also named Pete, was a long time port commissioner and he was instrumental in establishing some of the great waterfront parks and attractions that we have in this region. One of our most popular parks, Zuanich Point Park, is named to commemorate the memory of Pete's dad. My wife, when I told her I was referring Pete for the job, said to tell him that she really likes the park that is named after his father. She walks there each weekend.

I was on-site when Pete arrived. I watched as he inspected the dock. While a dock is different than a home, Pete was looking at some of the same things I would look for in a home. It all starts with a sound foundation, even though the dock's foundation is below the water line. Here is a photo of Pete, on a beautiful day, at the dock of this Lake Whatcom home.

With the number of waterfront homes in our region, I think that more and more of my clients will be wanting dock inspections. And, when they do, I will be happy to refer them to Pete Zuanich. He does a great job and his work, like the home inspection, gives them valuable information on the overall well-being of the property that they are purchasing. This is the information age and Pete can provide the client with specialty information that is beyond the realm of a standard home inspection. I enjoy, very much, being able to refer competent people.

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