Embarking on a new waterfront construction project in Louisa, Spotsylvania, Orange, Bedford, or Franklin County involves a series of crucial steps to ensure a smooth transition from concept to reality. Whether you're envisioning a new dock, boathouse, or shoreline stabilization around Lake Anna, Smith Mountain Lake, or the surrounding areas, understanding the initial phases can significantly impact your project's timeline and success. Here's a detailed breakdown of what to expect during the early stages of your collaboration with Mid Atlantic Dock Builders: Initial Meeting with Client Our journey begins with an in-depth initial meeting where we listen to your vision, assess your waterfront property's unique characteristics, and discuss specific project requirements. Proposal Sent to Client for Approval/Revisions (1-2 Weeks) Following our initial discussion, we prepare a comprehensive proposal that outlines the scope of work, design concepts, materials, and project timelines tailored specifically to your needs. Client Approves & Proposal is Sent for E-signature Upon your approval of the proposal, we facilitate the electronic signature process to formalize our agreement, ensuring clarity and mutual understanding of project expectations. Proposal is Signed & Invoice is Sent for Deposit With the signed proposal in place, we send an invoice for the initial deposit. This deposit initiates our services and enables us to begin necessary paperwork and preparations for your project. Deposit Received & Paperwork Process Starts Upon receipt of the deposit, we expedite the paperwork process, including gathering essential documents and initiating necessary approvals to move forward seamlessly. Sketch and Drawings Preparation We proceed with creating detailed sketches and drawings based on our agreed-upon scope. These visual representations serve as the blueprint for your waterfront construction project. Dominion Approval and Permitting Process For projects within Dominion's jurisdiction, specific approvals are critical. This involves meticulous submission of documentation, including site plans and any previous Dominion approvals where applicable. Site Plan Process (1 Week): We promptly initiate the site plan process upon receiving all necessary information and approvals. Drawings Sent to Dominion for Approval (1 Month): Finalized drawings and plans are submitted to Dominion for thorough review and approval. Spotsylvania County Specific Requirements In Spotsylvania County, additional steps include sending drawings to an engineer for review and stamping, ensuring compliance with local regulations and standards. Dominion's Construction & Use Agreement Upon Dominion's approval, a Construction & Use Agreement is issued, requiring signatures from both owners. Timely completion of this step is crucial to prevent delays in the project timeline. County Permitting Process Following Dominion's approval, we proceed with the county permitting process, tailored to the specific requirements of Louisa, Spotsylvania, Orange, Bedford, and Franklin counties. Louisa County (1 Month): Documentation is promptly submitted to Louisa County for efficient processing. Spotsylvania County (1-2 Months): Permitting in Spotsylvania County may require additional time due to specific procedural requirements. Orange County (1-2 Months): Permitting in Orange County involves adherence to local regulations, with a focus on minimizing delays. Smith Mountain Lake Specific Requirements For projects around Smith Mountain Lake, primarily within Bedford and Franklin Counties, there are additional requirements: Boathouse Plans & Survey: You must have boathouse plans and a survey with a site plan for AEP (Appalachian Power) approval. AEP Approval Process: AEP approval typically takes about 6 months if you are familiar with their requirements. If not, the process can extend up to 2 years. County Permitting After AEP Approval: Once you have the AEP permit, you can obtain a same-day permit for your boathouse with Bedford or Franklin County. Permit Approval and Issuance Upon successful review, the county issues the necessary permits, marking a significant milestone in the progression towards project commencement. Client Scheduling and Project Commencement With permits secured, we notify you promptly, initiating scheduling for construction or implementation according to the agreed-upon timeline, ensuring minimal disruption and timely completion. Navigating the initial stages of your waterfront construction project in Louisa, Spotsylvania, Orange, Bedford, or Franklin County demands careful planning and adherence to regulatory requirements. By following these outlined steps, Mid Atlantic Dock Builders aims to streamline the process, ensuring efficient project management and delivering results that align with your vision.