Brevard Seawall Guidance for Home Inspectors
A useful referral says what you observed, where you observed it and what your agreed inspection did not cover. Keep the next technical question specific.
State the agreed scope before the observations
Identify whether the wall, dock, lift or submerged portions were included in the engagement. Record access and visibility limitations. Do not let a brief exterior observation imply that concealed anchors or embedment were evaluated.
If a structural opinion is needed, identify that referral question explicitly rather than assigning a repair method from appearance.
Write the observation, then the referral question
At the waterside return beside the dock, visible separation and a nearby ground depression were observed from the accessible yard. Concealed supports and underwater portions were not evaluated under this scope.
Refer the owner for evaluation of the affected wall and soil-loss area. Ask the appropriate professional to determine investigation needs and access restrictions.
Adapt only to conditions actually observed and the signed engagement. Do not reuse the sentence as a diagnosis or certify capacity from a photograph.
Home Inspectors – FAQs · EM 1110-2-2502, Flood Walls and other Hydraulic Retaining Walls
Document the concern by location
| Observation | Include | Leave to the appropriate assessment |
|---|---|---|
Crack or spall | Location and photograph, with visible extent. | Cause, structural significance and repair design. |
Ground depression | Location, visible dimensions and safe access limits. | Void extent, source of loss and treatment selection. |
Movement | Visible alignment or separation and comparison records. | Load capacity, concealed supports and corrective design. |
Water or drainage | Observed flow and conditions at the visit. | Approved drainage function and required modifications. |
Guide to Concrete Repair (2015) · Brevard County residential marine construction
Add the Brevard question that changes the referral
On a natural lagoon edge, ask the design professional to consider the county shoreline restrictions before describing replacement as routine. On Cocoa Beach oceanfront, identify the need to resolve coastal review.
For a public street-drain issue in Cocoa Beach, the city’s Stormwater contact is 321-868-3292. Keep that public-asset report separate from the private-wall condition finding.
Brevard Code chapter 62, article X, surface water protection · Coastal Construction Control Line · Faq
Ask for evidence of the last repair
Request the approved scope, final inspection record and any as-built or completion documents. An appearance of recent work is not evidence of what was retained below or behind the cap.
Use the record-system guide to direct the owner to the right office.
Brevard Surface Water Permit Application · Ldc Chapter Iv Article Ii Building Permit Application Procedures
What should the owner ask next?
“Which components need a closer investigation?” and “What evidence would change the recommended scope?” are more useful than a request to confirm a preferred product.
The assessment guide gives the owner a preparation list.
Show sourcesHide sources
- Home Inspectors – FAQsSource reviewed 2026-10-26
- EM 1110-2-2502, Flood Walls and other Hydraulic Retaining WallsSource reviewed 2026-10-26
- Guide to Concrete Repair (2015)Source reviewed 2026-10-26
- Brevard County residential marine constructionSource reviewed 2026-10-25
- Brevard Code chapter 62, article X, surface water protectionSource reviewed 2026-10-25
- Coastal Construction Control LineSource reviewed 2026-10-25
- FaqSource reviewed 2026-10-25
- Brevard Surface Water Permit ApplicationSource reviewed 2026-10-25
- Ldc Chapter Iv Article Ii Building Permit Application ProceduresSource reviewed 2026-10-25
Prepare your property notes
Add the location, the decision you face and the records you already have. Save a copy for your chosen professional.