What to Know Before Building a Custom Lake Home in Kalamazoo
There’s nothing quite like waking up to the gentle lapping of waves and a pristine lake view—few things say “Michigan living” better than a custom home by the water. But while lakefront properties are undeniably dreamy, designing and building one brings along a unique set of considerations that don’t typically come up with inland homes.
At Magnuson Build & Design, we’ve spent years helping homeowners navigate the challenges of lakefront construction across Southwest Michigan. In today’s blog post, we’re covering a few key factors to keep in mind before you break ground on your Kalamazoo-area lake home.
The Shifting Sands of Lakefront Living
For many first-time lake home builders, dunes can become a huge issue if you don’t plan around them. While they might seem picturesque and harmless, dunes are constantly on the move thanks to Michigan’s strong winds and lake-effect weather. That slow, steady movement can encroach on a poorly planned home, leading to issues that are costly—and difficult—to fix after the fact.
And it’s not just nature you’ll have to consider. The state has designated certain dune areas as “Critical Dunes,” which come with strict building restrictions. If you’re not familiar with where those protected areas lie, you might run into trouble with permits—or find yourself unable to make necessary adjustments to your home later on.
How Water Levels and Rainfall Could Affect You
Another essential thing to consider is how the lake behaves throughout the year. Water levels can rise and fall with the seasons, and ignoring that fluctuation could put your home at risk. Building too close to the shoreline without accounting for seasonal highs might leave you vulnerable to flooding or erosion.
You’ll also want to look at the property’s drainage. Every drop of rain has to go somewhere—and near a lake, poor water management can spell serious trouble. Ensuring your home is properly positioned and elevated can prevent the kind of pooling or runoff issues that turn dream homes into soggy disasters.
Build Your Custom Lake Home with Magnuson
Designing a lakefront home isn’t as simple as picking out paint colors and window styles—it requires in-depth knowledge of the land, the water, and the climate. That’s where we come in. At Magnuson Build & Design, our team brings local expertise and years of experience to every custom build.
Thinking about building your own Kalamazoo lake home? Click here to reach out to us today—we’ll help you turn your vision into a home that’s truly built to last.
