Gordon James

Gordon James
What You Need to Know About Building a Lakefront Home

What do you see when you picture yourself in your lakefront home? Maybe you envision waking up to serene lake views, enjoying the morning sun while gentle waves lap at the edge of your property. You may have imagined the water reflecting the stars at night as family and friends gather around an outdoor fireplace. Do you have in mind various lake activities like fishing, boating, swimming, and wake surfing? Whatever your vision for your lakefront home, there are a couple of things to note before you get started. Gordon James provides some helpful information that will give you a glimpse into what this process entails. 

front of home front of home

Lakefront Homes are Extraordinary

It can be hard to choose the right lot based just on its appearance. For example, it’s not always obvious that the property is on a wetland or inadequate soil. This can be a challenge when building your lake home. Also, the regulations that govern the building of lakefront home aren’t typical regulations. The lake is a valuable part of the area’s natural environment and is home to many different types of wildlife. The local government establishes regulations that represent the interests of the lake itself. There are dozens of laws for lakefront properties, including laws that dictate how high you can build your custom home and whether or not you can add on additions like sunrooms. The “allowable hard cover” dictates how much of your property you’re permitted to use for building. That includes your home, the driveway, and any decks or outdoor spaces. It can be tricky. You’ll need builders who have experience with building lakefront custom homes. You need a builder like Gordon James.

lakefront bedroom and bathroom lakefront home interior

It’s All About the Views 

When taking all of these details into account, it’s important to maintain the original intent of the home. It can be challenging to pay attention to the details of various zoning laws while still creating your dream home. Part of what makes a lakefront custom home so exceptional are the views. Homeowners want to see the tranquil lake from as many rooms as possible. Ideally, the master bedroom, living room, kitchen, and dining area are strategically planned to take advantage of the waterfront. Septic placement, erosion history, flood plains and high water marks all need to be taken into account during the custom home design process. The key to balancing all of these elements is having an experienced team. 

lakefront living room bedroom

You Need Experienced Lakefront Home Builders

You’ll want a team with a strong background in building lakefront custom homes. Building on the waterfront calls for unique expertise. Experienced home builders will know how to balance all of these intricate components with efficiency. In addition to getting the process right, great builders bring the intangibles to the table as well. They’ll possess an openness to understand your vision, a willingness to make design modifications, and the wisdom to get it done right. 

lakefront home with fireplace bathroom

The First Step is Contacting Gordon James 

The journey might seem complex, but Gordon James makes it easy. The very first step in seeing your dream realized is reaching out. Whether you already know what you want your lakefront home to look like or you’re starting with a blank slate, we’re here to help. We can meet you wherever you are on your path to owning a beautiful custom lakefront home. Project structure, meeting deadlines, and detailed responsive follow-ups are the foundation of Gordon James’ personal and professional approach. Contact us to talk about your project. We love meeting new clients.