A lake house is more than just the perfect setting for a time-traveling love story. For many people, it’s their dream home. A place to relax, take in nature and make lasting memories. So if you’re serious about designing and building the lake house of your dreams, here are some critical steps from budgeting to repairing docks by Decks & Docks to consider.
1. Set Your Budget
Before shopping for a new home, you must look closely at your finances and figure out how much you can afford to spend. Start by evaluating your income and debts, then compare your findings to the current market to get an idea of what kinds of homes are within your budget.
Keep in mind that you’ll also need to factor in the costs of maintenance, furnishings, and utilities when determining how much you can afford to spend. Once you’ve chosen your budget, you’ll be able to start your home search confidently, knowing that you’re looking at properties that fit your price range.
2. Find The Perfect Location
The location of your lake house will likely be the most crucial factor in your decision. Take some time to research different areas, looking for things like walkability, access to shops and restaurants, nearby recreational activities, and community attractions. Think about how the site will be in all four seasons: will you be able to take advantage of winter activities, or is the lake prone to flooding?
Another thing to consider is proximity. Do you want to live with neighbors nearby or completely secluded? Are you close to friends, family, and essential services? How long of a commute will you have? Researching the neighborhood before you buy will help ensure that your lake house is in a place that suits your needs.
3. Choose Your Home
Once you’ve determined your budget and the perfect location for your lake house, it’s time to start shopping for homes. If you’re in a hurry, consider using an online real estate search engine like Zillow or Trulia to find properties that match your criteria quickly.
But if you have more time, consider contacting a real estate agent to view available homes. They’ll be able to provide insight into the local market, including potential pitfalls and advantages of specific properties.
4. Know The Rules
Before you finalize your purchase, ensure you understand the rules and regulations governing lake houses in the area. This will help you avoid any costly surprises down the road.
For example, some states require lake house owners to maintain their docks and boats according to certain standards. Others may have restrictions on improvements or additions that can be made to the property. Knowing these rules will help ensure that your lake house meets all local requirements.
5. Plan For Renovations And Repairs
No matter how perfect that lake house may seem, it’s essential to plan for renovations and repairs. Start by thoroughly inspecting the property and noting any signs of damage or disrepair. Then, create a budget and timeline for improvements, making sure to factor in costs like paint, fixtures, appliances, furniture, and labour.
Lakehouses have unique features that require routine maintenance, such as docks, seawalls, decks, and boat lifts. Consider hiring a professional to inspect the docks by Decks & Docks and any other structure for damage and make necessary repairs.
6. Make It Your Own
Once you’ve taken care of any necessary repairs and renovations, it’s time to put your stamp on the property. For example, consider adding a porch or deck to take advantage of the beautiful views. Or, you may want to plant some flowers, install a firepit, or add lawn chairs and outdoor furniture to create a cozy backyard oasis.
Finally, remember to install any necessary safety features like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. These will help keep your family safe in case of an emergency.
Final Thoughts
By taking the time to research the market, determine a budget, choose the perfect location for your lakehouse, finalize renovations and repairs, and make it your own, you’ll be able to enjoy your new lake property for years to come. With the proper preparation, you can turn that dream of living on a lake into a reality.
