Refer a Lake Martin seawall concern with useful evidence.
Describe what you observed, what you could not inspect and what the client needs to resolve. Keep diagnosis within the agreed inspection scope.
Describe the shoreline at the time of the visit.
Record recent rainfall, the visible waterline and which wall surfaces were accessible. Photograph the affected joint, cap or ground depression with enough surrounding context to locate it again. Avoid an estimated diagnosis based only on a cosmetic crack.
Seasonal reservoir changes can expose or conceal the base of the wall. State whether a lower-water visit, underwater inspection, survey or engineer’s review remains necessary.
Pass on the drawing when it is available.
With the client’s permission, include the shoreline sketch and any Alabama Power approval supplied by the owner. Mark differences as questions for review rather than declaring the work legal or illegal.
If repair involves excavation or grading, direct the owner to the Lake Martin stormwater checklist. A small disturbed area is not enough to rule out permit coverage.
Martin, Yates & Thurlow residential guidelines · Lake Martin special construction stormwater rule
Define the boundary of your inspection.
Check the agreed standard and signed scope before describing a seawall as inspected. Note which surfaces you viewed and whether foundations, ties, retained ground or submerged areas were outside that scope.
Give each observation a location.
- Use a wide photograph followed by a closer view.
- Mark the affected segment on the owner’s sketch.
- Record visible movement, soil loss or joint openings without guessing a mechanism.
- State any limitation caused by access, vegetation or lake level.
Ask for the investigation the client needs.
Explain the concern and allow the specialist to recommend the next method. A visual assessment, survey and engineering design answer different questions. Document the referral, client permission and agreed route for delivering findings.
Check your inspection standard.
The ASHI Standard of Practice does not require seawall, break-wall or dock inspection in its minimum exterior scope; additional services may be agreed. Check the standard and scope named in your agreement.
Define the written deliverable before the visit.
Ask for a marked shoreline sketch, dated photographs and findings tied to each inspected wall segment. The report should distinguish what was observed from a proposed explanation and identify components that could not be assessed.
For Lake Martin, record the water conditions and access limits at the visit. If another lake level, underwater investigation or survey is needed, have the report explain the question that follow-up would resolve.
- Agree on the authorized report recipients and delivery date.
- Confirm whether repair priorities, design or construction pricing are included.
- Keep the inspection price separate from any later work proposal.
Check the right wall measurement.
Thinking about raising or replacing the wall? The height guide explains which survey measurement to use and where to check local requirements.
Common questions
Does a good-looking cap rule out a structural concern?
No. A clean surface does not establish the condition of concealed supports or retained soil. State what was visible and what remains unknown.
What if an edge appears unstable?
Keep clear and advise the client to restrict access and obtain prompt professional help. Do not enter the affected area to improve a photograph.
Should I call a crack a foundation failure?
Record the crack and its location. Reserve a causal diagnosis for the investigation and competence needed to support it.
What should the specialist receive first?
The client’s authorized contact details, location, dated observations, inspection limits and decision deadline are a useful starting package.
Should I recommend waiting for drawdown?
Explain what lower water might expose and let the qualified specialist advise on timing. Visible movement or ground loss should not be left unattended while waiting for a seasonal change.
Show sourcesHide sources
- Lake Martin reservoir facts and operationsSource reviewed 2026-11-04 · official indexed text
- Martin, Yates & Thurlow residential guidelinesSource reviewed 2026-11-04 · official indexed text
- Lake Martin special construction stormwater ruleSource reviewed 2026-11-04 · official indexed text
Refer a seawall concern
Record what needs checking and when. Confirm the assessment, price and date directly with the professional you choose.