Scope comparison table
| Category | What should be clear |
|---|---|
| Problem statement | Observed condition and assumed cause |
| Design | Wall type, elevations, embedment, anchors, cap, drainage and filters |
| Professional responsibility | Who supplies survey, engineering, sealed plans and inspections |
| Permits | Which agencies, who applies, fees and excluded approvals |
| Existing structures | Docks, lifts, pools, pavers, fences, utilities and neighboring walls |
| Construction | Access, equipment, water work, demolition, dewatering and controls |
| Closeout | Disposal, restoration, final inspections, documents and warranty |
Red flags worth slowing down for
- A major structural conclusion without a site basis
- “Permit included” without naming the responsible jurisdictions
- Material named but no section, profile, reinforcement or system detail
- Large deposit or urgency pressure before scope is defined
- No explanation of soil loss, drainage or transitions
- Verbal promises that conflict with exclusions in writing
Ask each bidder the same questions
What failure are you correcting? What will remain? Who designed the work? Which conditions could change the price? How will water and soil be controlled? What is specifically excluded? What documents will I receive at completion?
Use the interactive comparison tool
Evidence
Primary sources
These links support the regulatory, historical or technical context on this page. Open the live official page before acting on time-sensitive information.
- Residential Seawall Permit RequirementsCharlotte County Community Development · County checklist for residential seawall drawings, engineering, site plan and survey.
- Environmental Permitting and ProjectsSarasota County · County environmental review entry point for coastal, shoreline and Myakka River construction.
- ERP Dredging and FillingFlorida Department of Environmental Protection · Overview of Environmental Resource Permitting for work in wetlands and other surface waters and coordination with federal review.
Professional boundary
This page provides general homeowner education. It does not determine structural safety, prescribe a repair or replace agency and professional review for a specific property.