Stock photo (Unsplash), not a job photo.
The 12 lines every bulkhead quote should have
| Line | What it should say |
|---|---|
| Scope and length | Exact linear feet, plus returns on each side. |
| Material and specs | Vinyl, timber or steel. Sheet profile and length, embedment depth, wale and cap material. |
| Anchoring | Tie-back rods, deadmen or helical anchors: how many, how long, what material. |
| Height | Finished top-of-wall elevation, and whether it's raised (up to 18 in. under DEC's general permit). |
| Demolition | Removing and disposing of the old wall (or leaving it in place if resheathing). |
| Backfill and fabric | Clean fill, filter fabric, regrading and lawn restoration. |
| Dredging | Included or not. Depth, distance and disposal. |
| Permits | Who files (DEC, Army Corps, town or Trustees), which fees are included, and what happens if a permit is denied. |
| Schedule | Target start after permits, and how long the work takes on site. |
| Payments | Milestone-based, not front-loaded. |
| Warranty | Workmanship warranty in writing, plus manufacturer warranty for vinyl sheet. |
| Licenses and insurance | County home improvement license number(s), town licenses where required, liability and workers' comp. |
Red flags
- A big deposit months before permits can possibly be issued.
- "Permits are your problem" with no help, or no mention of permits at all.
- No anchoring detail, or no mention of what happens to the old wall.
- No license numbers, or a refusal to show proof of insurance.
- A per-foot price far below the published Long Island ranges with no explanation.
Frequently asked questions
How much deposit is normal for a bulkhead job?
Terms vary. Because permits can take months, tie payments to milestones (permits issued, materials delivered, wall installed, final cleanup) rather than paying a large amount long before work can start. Get the schedule in writing.
How do I check a marine contractor's license on Long Island?
Ask for their Nassau or Suffolk County home improvement license numbers and verify them with the county. In Southold, they also need a Town coastal contractor license, and some contractors list a Town of Southampton license. Ask for proof of liability and workers' comp insurance too.
Why is one bid so much lower than the others?
Usually it leaves something out: demolition and disposal, tie-backs and deadmen, returns, backfill and fabric, dredging, or permits. Line the quotes up item by item before deciding.
Sources
- Access Marine Construction — Bulkhead Repair & Replacement on Long Island (published cost ranges)
- Maison Pawli — Holding Back the Sound: North Shore bulkhead costs (early-2026 ranges)
- NYSDEC — General Permit: Bulkhead Removal and Replacement
- Town of Southold Code Ch. 275 — Wetlands Law (coastal contractor licensing § 275-3.1)