Thank you for considering WaterTop Homes!

We look forward to helping you design your dream floating home.

 

 

1. Can I tour a WaterTop Homes model?

We do not offer model tours as each WaterTop Home is uniquely designed for individual clients and their specific locations. What we have are projects purchased by other clients, which are their personal assets.

 

2. What is the process to get a WaterTop Home?

Our process is as follows:

• Phone interview: This helps establish your desires and answer any initial questions. 

• Initial Appointment (IA): If both parties feel it's a good fit, our head designer will meet you at your site to gather the necessary details.

• Design Session – Live: You'll be invited to our showroom to finalize the design, pick finishes, and establish a budget.

 

3. How long does it take to build a WaterTop Home?

The floating foundation takes about 3 months. The complete home construction ranges from 3-6 months based on size, finishes, and location specifics.

 

4. What is the pricing structure?

• Design process cost: $1,000-$10,000 (based on size and complexity).

• WaterTop Home cost: Starts at $195,000 and can go into the millions, depending on what you desire.

 

5. What are the foundations made of?

The foundations are made of hollow floating concrete. They are anchored to special piles, making them flood-proof. The tops of these foundations are sealed to ensure they are unsinkable.

 

6. How is insurance handled for WaterTop Homes?

We have several insurance companies we can refer you to.

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7. How are taxes for WaterTop Homes managed?

WaterTop Homes are not considered real estate as they float over state waters. Hence, there are no real estate taxes. They are viewed as "vessels" and may have personal property taxes unless federally licensed.

 

8. How can I set a phone appointment?

If you're interested in setting a phone appointment, please provide your phone number, and we'll reach out to you shortly.

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9. How would sewage be handled? Pump out?

 

Here's how sewage is typically handled for floating homes:
 

• Holding Tanks: Many floating homes are equipped with holding tanks that collect wastewater. These tanks need to be periodically pumped out and the waste transported to a treatment facility. Some areas have pump-out boats that come directly to the home to remove the waste.

 

• Connection to Municipal Sewer Systems: In some developed areas with a high concentration of floating homes, there might be a municipal sewer system in place. Floating homes can connect to this system using flexible pipes that can move with the tide and other water movements. The sewage is then treated in the same way as it would be for homes on land.

 

• Composting Toilets: Some floating homes use composting toilets, which break down waste into compost over time. These systems don't produce sewage in the traditional sense and can be a more environmentally friendly option, especially in areas without access to sewage treatment facilities.

 

• Septic Systems: In some locations, floating homes might be close enough to shore to connect to a septic system. This is less common, but it's a possibility in areas where homes are permanently anchored near the shoreline.

 

• Portable Toilet Systems: Some smaller floating homes or houseboats might use portable toilet systems, similar to those found in RVs. These systems need to be emptied at designated dump stations.

 

• Treated Onboard: There are advanced systems that can treat sewage directly on the boat or floating home. These systems can clean the wastewater to a level where it's safe to release into the surrounding water, though they are more common on larger vessels than on typical floating homes.

 

• Regulations and Best Practices: It's essential to note that in many areas, there are strict regulations about dumping untreated sewage into waterways. These regulations are in place to protect water quality and the broader environment. Floating home communities often have best practices and systems in place to ensure compliance with these regulations.

 

In all cases, the key is to prevent untreated sewage from entering the water, as this can lead to pollution, harm aquatic life, and pose health risks to humans. Proper sewage management is crucial for the sustainability and health of floating home communities and the surrounding environment.