Lakefront Living

Photo: Al Petersons Lakehouse photos – May shoot

Considerations for building on the lakefront

Living in Niagara, many of us are fortunate to be a quick drive away from the lake to take in the incredible views or to enjoy a day at the beach. With so much lakefront real estate available in the area, lakefront living could be a reality. If you have recently purchased or are thinking about purchasing a lakefront property on which to build or renovate, congratulations! There is nothing like waking up in the morning having the beach in your own backyard. If you’re ready to get started on your lakefront property construction project, there are some considerations to make to ensure it is done right:

Hiring an experienced team

There is the potential for complications and surprises when building or renovating on any property, but lakefront properties tend to present a whole new set of unique challenges that require experienced contractors to do the job properly. Harsh weather, building conditions, safety precautions, and appropriate building materials are just a few factors of which your contractor must have a strong command as they pertain to building on the lake.

Preparing for the weather

The stunning views and luxury lifestyle of living on the lake is also accompanied by sometimes less than ideal weather conditions that could damage your home if not constructed properly. To ensure your lakefront home is protected from the elements, specific materials will need to be used. During almost any time of the year, it is not uncommon for the southern shores of Lake Erie to experience storms with wind speeds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour. While most vinyl siding can typically withstand wind speeds of up to 110 kilometres per hour, any higher and the siding will be damaged. A composite siding or wood siding that has the durability to stand up to winds exceeding 110 kilometres per hour should be used on lakefront homes. These conditions will also affect the materials you use for your roof as well as your windows.

Nice, sunny days on the beach will also affect materials used on your lakefront property. For example, many homeowners will have a UV resistant film put on their windows to combat the sun’s reflection off of the lake. Work closely with your contractor to determine what materials are required to ensure your home is protected and comfortable for your optimal lakefront living experience.

Be ready for additional costs

All of the unique elements involved in building or renovating a luxury lakefront property typically come with higher price tag which must be budgeted for accordingly. A lot of this cost is due to the materials that are required to withstand the harsh weather that accompanies lakefront living. The siding, roofing, windows, etc. require more expensive materials than when you are building away from the water. There are also cost considerations to make when making decisions for the aesthetics of your home. For example, if you have a porch, or balcony, that faces the lake, you may want to enclose the space with glass rather than a steel railing for a more seamless view. The glass is a more expensive option, but ideal for optimal views.

There are a lot of considerations when building or renovating on the lakefront, but when the project is complete and you can wake up every day with the beach in your backyard, the process will have been worth it. To get started with a team that is knowledgeable and experienced in luxury lakefront living, call the experts at Thompson Construction. We can’t wait to hear from you!