In northwest Washington we have many waterfront homes. Homes so situated include wonderful bay and lakeside lots. Lake Whatcom, Lake Samish, Sudden Valley and Glenhaven come to mind. As one would expect, when water views are involved, the prices may go up.

When a home is right on the water, a dock might be involved in the real estate sale. I was scheduled for a home inspection the other day, for a past client, and he asked me if I could also inspect the dock. Well, "no" on that one. Inspecting a dock is, shall we say, "way over my head." That is a specialty field.

In doing some research, I found a good resource for dock inspections in this region. Peter Zuanich is a lifetime Bellingham resident. Those of us, in Whatcom County, will recognize the name. His dad was a longtime Port Commissioner and Zuanich Point Park, is a premier outdoor recreational area in Bellingham. Pete and his family have spent a lifetime in the marine industry and with boats. Pete is the owner of Sound Marine Surveyors Inc. and he is a member of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors. Zuanich is a top boat inspector in the northwest. Even though his primary services involve inspecting boats of all kinds, Pete will, as an adjunct part of his business, perform quality dock inspections as well. This is a much needed service in our maritime region. The photo below shows Pete Zuanich checking a dock at a luxury home on Lake Whatcom.

Pete Zuanich is a name to keep in mind, if you are a realtor, a loan officer or an inspector who might be asked to refer a competent party for a dock inspection. Sound Marine Surveyors, Inc. may be reached at 360-734-2807.

Steven L. Smith

Bellingham WA Home Inspections