FAQ

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Archimedes discovered the principal of buoyancy about 2,000 years ago; and we've been building boats, ships, and lots of other floating structures ever since! The key to ensuring that a structure floats is not an issue of weight, but rather of displacement and density. Our floating homes are heavy (typically weighing between 100,000 - 200,000 pounds!); but they are engineered to always remain above water.  

No. Not unless you intentionally try, and go to great lengths to do so. 

Each of our floating homes are designed, built and inspected by a team of licensed professionals, including residential architects, naval architects, structural engineers, marine engineers, general contractors and third-party inspectors. Our team is comprised of top-tier, award-winning professionals in every discipline. Each member of our team has at least  20+ years of  experience in their respective field.

Further, our concrete hulls are "unsinkable", engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions and designed to last 100+ years. 

Our floating homes live like a house, with all of the creature comforts you are used to on land -- solid foundations, insulated walls, central heating and cooling, full size designer kitchens, laundry, and yes, "normal" toilets that flush!  However, they are still considered to be boats  

In legal terms, they are considered personal property, not real property.

Short answer: Most of our floating homes are priced in the $500,000-$700,000 range. 

Longer answer: Just like homes on land, floating homes vary widely in terms of size, finishes, layouts, etc. We can design and build to any budget (within reason).  As with homes on land, the prices for floating homes are somewhat dependent on location. In general, most of our homes are priced competitively to similar-quality, new construction product on land, in the neighborhood. 

Because they are built like traditional homes on land, the construction costs are nearly identical. We have fewer "site development" costs (clearing/grading the land, utilities, etc.), but additional logistical costs (launching, towing, shipyard rental space, etc.). 

Our homes are built to last for 50+ years, and that is reflected in the quality and the cost. If you are looking for one of the modular "kit homes" that have been popularized on  Instagram and HDTV for $30,000; we are not the company for you. If you are looking for a new construction, high-quality home that you will be proud to live in for the next 50+ years, then give us a call.

This is dependent on where your floating home will be located. If you purchase a home in one of our purpose-built Floating Home Villages, your total ownership costs are detailed HERE. Standard monthly expenses include loan payments (if applicable), slip rental fees, utilities, insurance and occasional repairs/maintenance. 

For a detailed Side-by-Side analysis of the monthly ownership costs of a floating home, versus a similar-quality new townhouse or condominium on land, click HERE. In general, the monthly savings should be around $700-$1,000/month. 

If you purchase a home to be delivered to your slip at another marina, you would be responsible for verifying the ongoing expenses (we are glad to help!). Most marinas typically have monthly Slip Fees around $10-$15 per linear foot (however long your boat is). So if you purchase a 20'x50' floating home to be docked in a marina with $11/foot slip fees, your monthly slip fee would be $550. This fee grants you the exclusive right to use and occupy that space; and typically includes water service, sewer/pumpouts, and basic services such as security, mail, package acceptance, use of common areas and marina facilities. Most marinas require slipholders to pay their own electricity bill. 

Because you own the home, you would be responsible for insuring it, and for minor repairs and ongoing maintenance (just like owning a house on land). 

There are no property taxes or HOA/condo fees, which typically provides a cost savings of $700-$1,000+ per month!

There are multiple financing options available. Because our floating homes are not considered Real Property, they are not eligible for traditional Fannie/Freddie mortgages (30-year terms, 4% interest rates). However, there are multiple local banks and credit unions that can offer portfolio loans, boat loans, personal loans and lines of credit. These loan terms are dependent on your personal income levels and credit history. 

In general, most loan programs will require you to put down 20% and the interest rates are slightly higher than traditional mortgages. However, the increased interest expense is more than offset by the lower monthly costs in other areas (property taxes, condo fees, etc.).