Add-On Service · East Tennessee Lake Homes

Boat Dock Inspection

An above-the-waterline inspection of your dock’s structure, roof, electrical, water system, and safety features, bundled with your home inspection for lake-area property throughout East Tennessee.

Call (865) 748-9414 Schedule an Inspection

Systems checked: structure, roof, electrical, water, safety

24hr

Guaranteed turnaround, 95%+ delivered same day

CMI

Certified Master Inspector on staff

Covered boat dock with boat lift and lounge area on Norris Lake, TN — A covered dock with boat lift on Norris Lake, the kind of structure Bent Nail inspects above the waterline.

What a dock inspection covers

The same structured approach we bring to a home, applied to the dock: structural components, decking, electrical, and the water line, all documented with photos in your report.

Structure

Piles and supports, fasteners and fittings, bracing and connections, and decking. We check for movement, instability, corrosion, and loose or damaged boards or hardware.

Electrical

Wiring and cables, electrical panels and breakers, and lighting fixtures on the dock. Every GFCI outlet is tested, since GFCI protection is critical in a wet, waterside environment.

Roof

For covered slips and boathouse roofs, the covering, framing, and drainage are checked for damage, wear, and proper water shedding, the same way we’d check a home’s roof.

Water

The water line and fixtures serving the dock, checked above the waterline for leaks, damage, and proper function.

Safety features

Handrails, ladders, and cleats, checked to confirm they’re securely attached and able to support expected loads.

Local Context

Dock types common on East Tennessee lakes

Fort Loudoun, Tellico, Melton Hill, and Norris are all TVA-managed lakes, meaning water levels are drawn down seasonally. That makes the dock type itself a relevant part of the inspection.

Fixed docks

Permanently attached to shore on pilings. Stable, but a fixed dock on a lake with seasonal drawdown can end up high and dry, or fully submerged, depending on the time of year.

Floating docks

Rise and fall with the water level, anchored by cables or chains. This makes them well suited to TVA lakes specifically, since they adapt to the seasonal drawdown a fixed dock can’t.

Piling docks

Supported by vertical piles driven into the lakebed. Durable, but we check for marine borer damage, rust, and any concrete spalling at the piles.

Pipe docks

Use aluminum or steel pipe supports instead of traditional pilings. Lightweight and common on smaller residential docks, checked for corrosion and stability.

What we’re commonly looking for

The most frequent issues we find on lake docks in this region.

Decking wear and damage

Surface wear, cracks and splits at fasteners, and loose or damaged boards, which are both a safety issue and a sign of ongoing deterioration.

Rot and decay in wood components

Discoloration, softness, or sponginess in wood, checked with a probe and, where useful, a moisture meter to catch hidden moisture before it becomes structural.

Corrosion of metal components

Rust staining, pitting, and corroded fasteners on steel and aluminum components, which weaken connections over time in a constantly wet environment.

Floatation device issues (floating docks)

Waterlogged, loose, or misaligned floats can compromise a floating dock’s stability and, left unaddressed, its ability to stay afloat.

Impact damage from boats and debris

Dents, cracks, and damaged fenders from boat traffic or storm debris, common wherever a dock sees regular use.

What’s included, and what isn’t

Being clear about scope upfront, so there’s no confusion about what your report covers.

Above-the-waterline only

Our dock inspection covers everything visible and accessible above the waterline: structure, decking, electrical, safety features, and the water line serving the dock.

Underwater components, pilings below the waterline, and the lakebed anchoring system are not included. Inspecting those areas properly requires diving certification, an ROV, or sonar imaging, specialized services beyond a standard dock inspection. If underwater condition is a concern, we can help you find a qualified underwater inspector.

Dock inspection FAQ

Can I add a dock inspection to my home inspection?

Yes. It’s scheduled for the same visit as your home inspection, so you get one report covering the house and the dock.

Do you inspect underwater components?

No. This is an above-the-waterline inspection. Underwater pilings and anchoring require diving certification or sonar equipment, which is outside our scope.

What’s the difference between a fixed and floating dock, and does it matter?

It matters more on TVA-managed lakes like Fort Loudoun, Tellico, and Melton Hill, where water levels are drawn down seasonally. A floating dock adjusts with the water level; a fixed dock can end up high and dry or submerged depending on the season, which we’ll flag if relevant to the property.