Ready for Inspection

With the exception of the final inspection, my new dock is complete, just in time for springtime boating! All I am missing is the "seal of approval" from Duke Power.

Surprisingly, the dock inspection process is longer than I expected. After notifying Duke Power that the work was complete, I received a letter that the inspection would take place "sometime in the next three months." I had expected a quicker turn-around, but that really doesn't matter, I guess.

Overall, I'm very happy with the design and construction. I've seen only a couple on Lake Wylie with the same design, one on Allison Creek, and one in Woodland Bay up in Belmont. The durability and low-maintenance features of this Alumadock is certainly appealing, and it was very cost-effective as well.

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Build a Bridge and Get Over It

Winter has set in, and my "little" project has taken a bit more time than I anticipated. That's how it goes with do-it-yourself projects. Take the anticipated completion time and multiply by four. Works every time.

Over Thanksgiving, I was fortunate enough to benefit from my next-door neighbors' stir crazy houseguest, who was more than eager to get out of the house and give me a hand with the ramp to my new dock. Since he is an engineer by trade, it was helpful to have his expertise and attention to details. We finished the ramp, and it looks a bit like the Cooper River Bridge, don't you think?

The folks at Alumadock continue to be helpful as well, and I have their phone number on speed dial.

Right after New Year's, I attempted to install the roof. I picked a windy day, which was unfortunate, as the firt thing that happened was the wind picked up a large section of the roof and deposited it into the lake. Once I fished it out, I dropped a piece of my neighbor's drill into the dink. Fished that out. Dropped my fishing tool; caught it just before it went under. Decided that was enough fishing, and called in professionals to install the roof. Great wisdom comes from experience.

Stay tuned. The end is near.

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To Build A Dock - Part 4

As the days turn colder (and shorter!), my dock project is progressing. Although I'm becoming more and more proficient with all of this "on the job training," I don't think I'm going to give up my day job to become a dock installer later in life.

As you can see by the picture, the decking is done, and the roof is underway. I've been working on the gangplank as well.

The folks at Alumadock have been extremely helpful, which is good because this dock kit was not really designed for a "do-it-yourselfer". For instance, I had problems with aluminum bolts breaking off until I learned that professional dock installers use a product called "Anti-Seize" spray to treat the aluminum during installation.

Neighbors have been extremely helpful as well, as I found that some tasks required an extra set of hands. When I'm finished with this phase of my life, I plan to publish a summary of what I've learned! Stay tuned . . .

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Neighbors Join in the Fun (?)

It didn't take long for curious neighbors to come and see what I was up to. After all, what man can resist the sound of power tools, the thrill of a 4WD pick-up near large bodies of water, and potential calamity?

Quicker than you could say "Tom Sawyer", onlookers were joining in to help. We used my truck to push large pieces into position. No bodies, equipment, or power tools ended up in the water. It was a good day.

Be sure to watch Building a Dock: The Movie when you finish reading the blog! Click on the link up top.

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Building a Dock on Lake Wylie – the Adventure Continues

The materials arrived for my new dock! Last Friday, an 18-wheeler arrived from Alumadock, loaded with what looked like a giant erector set. It was a bit precarious offloading the pieces, including some pieces measuring over 25’ in length. The truck driver was extremely helpful and courteous.

As the truck drove away, I felt a little overwhelmed as I surveyed the project in front of me. I set up a couple of tables so that I could organize all of the bolts and small pieces.

This company normally works with dock installation companies, so there was no installation manual included for Mr. Do-it-Yourself. Still, I figured, how hard can this be? I think I'm about to find out!

When you finish reading the posts, be sure and click on "Building a Dock: The Movie" at the top!

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To Build a Dock - Part 1

After 20 years of living on Lake Wylie, the time has come to build a new dock! The old one served us well, but is now badly splintered, loose in many places, and in need of much more than a fresh coat of paint.

Once I decided to totally replace my dock, I investigated design and material options. I wanted something that was low maintenance, durable, and easy on the feet. No splinters or blisters from hot surfaces!

I decided on an aluminum dock with a covered boat slip, with a gangway from a small landing on shore. I got price quotes from several different companies for materials and assembly. To save money, I decided to handle the assembly on my own. (This made my wife a little nervous, but she’s used to me making her nervous.)

Whether you’re building a new dock or refurbishing an old one, you must apply for a Lake Wylie dock permit from Duke Power. I am very familiar with the regulations for building docks and know my way through the dock permit process, as I am a real estate agent and have helped many of my clients in this area.

I called to get a dock permit application from Duke Energy Lake Services (800-443-5193). The requirements are all outlined in the Shoreline Management Guidelines, which are sent with the dock permit application. The allowed length, size, and boat slip capacity of the dock depends on such factors as water frontage of the lot, cove width measurements, and environmental considerations.

I found the York County GIS system very helpful in determining the requirements for my dock. (www.yorkcountygov.com). I was able to measure my lot’s waterfront dimensions as well as the dimensions of our cove. Then I was able to determine the maximum length and size of dock allowed, based on the Shoreline Management Guidelines.

When I filled out the dock permit application, I submitted required details: style of dock, proposed measurements, and total surface area. Then I had to make an appointment with a representative from Duke Energy Lake Services to review the site and plans. The representative met me at my house about 2 weeks after submitting the application, and was very helpful in helping me conform my design to Duke Energy dock guidelines. He pointed out that the angle of my planned dock would intersect my neighbor’s property line, so I needed to obtain my neighbor’s permission. He emailed me a Projected Property Line Approval Letter form, which my neighbor signed. I was set.

Within 3 weeks after submitting my dock permit application, I received a letter of approval authorizing the building of my dock! According to the letter, I have 12 months to complete the project. (According to my wife, I have about 3 weeks!).
Before anyone changed their minds, I ordered my materials. Stay tuned!

When you finish reading the blogs, see all the fun pictures by clicking on "Building the Dock: The Movie" at the top of the screen.

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