8 Northern Michigan Waterfront Home Must Haves

Posted on November 29, 2017August 19, 2022 by Chris Mason

Northern Michigan is known for its scenic rivers, beautiful lakes, and pristine beaches. Places like Glen Arbor and Glen Lake, Empire, Sutton’s Bay, Leland, Frankfort, Traverse City, Crystal Lake, and the Old Mission Peninsula have become destinations for those looking for the ultimate waterfront home lifestyle.

Some people look to this area for the peace and serenity that water can provide. In contrast, others are eager for the recreational opportunities that abound on water and land.

Here are a few ideas that can enhance your waterfront living experience in your new home or a home remodeling project.

Picture Windows

There’s no better way to bring the outdoors to the indoors and enjoy the scenery. But, of course, energy-efficient windows help make your view comfy even in the winter!

Decks and Patios

Enjoy the outdoors with all the comforts of home close by and convenient.

Fire Pits

A campfire on the beach is fun but sometimes relaxing around a fire in your own backyard is more relaxing. Gas firepits are an excellent option as they are easy to start, have no fuss cleanup, and never have to worry about wet firewood.

Outdoor Kitchens

Nothing compares to an outdoor cookout or backyard BBQ, from a simple grill to a full feature outdoor kitchen.

Walkways to the Water

Take your time and make your path to the water’s edge more relaxing. Winding pathways can also help control erosion. Maybe add a bench along the way to take a break and relax. Don’t forget light-scaping the path to enhance mood and easy navigation at night.

Docks

Docks are essential even if you’re a landlubber. Today there are many options for dock materials and designs. Non-slip surfaces, motorized boat lifts, canopies, hammocks, slides, lighting, the possibilities are endless. But, on the other hand, you might never come back inside!

Private Garden

Create your own sanctuary. Relax in the tranquility of a space landscaped with your favorite shrubs, bushes, flowers, and trees. A fountain or water feature can be a nice touch too! Add a few benches, a pergola, or a gazebo, and this can become a quiet gathering space.

Sauna

Winter is no reason to stay indoors when Northern Michigan has many places to ski, snowshoe, or hike. A cozy sauna is a great way to warm up after an invigorating day on the trails.

Please view our portfolio to see examples of some of the finest homes in Northern Michigan.

Are you ready to make your dream home a reality?
Contact us today to make an appointment to discuss your home building plans. We’ll be with you every step of the way to guide you to the perfect home.

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From Concept to Print; from Print to Construction

Posted on October 7, 2013February 20, 2024 by Chris Mason

(Updated 2/12/2023)

The idea of custom construction can be overwhelming. From inception to creation, many steps are taken to ensure the vision becomes a reality. Your residential project is the same.

You are unique; your needs and desires stem from every aspect of your personality. Your family is unique. Your identity together sets the tone for your family’s legacy. Your home is unique. From location and layout to brick and wood, your home is the extension of who you are and your family.

You are going to build a home that meets who you are. Lakeshore Custom Homes helps bring the reality of your and your family’s identity by making your vision a reality. One crucial step in that process is structure and design.

The design of your home touches you personally on every level. Your project may require the help of experienced engineers and architects. Here is a list of a few local firms that could help. All are reputable and could be an asset in planning your dream home.

Cornwell Architects, “Cornwell Architects is a second-generation, practice-led business of architects focused on the goals of our clients and the growth of our community.” Over the past sixty-five years, the firm has earned a reputation as a comprehensive, multi-disciplined firm with successful projects throughout Northern Michigan.

We provide every service your project needs – from planning, architecture, engineering, and program management, to construction assistance and environmental design.”
http://www.cornwell-architects.com/

Cornerstone Architects, “Cornerstone Architects was established in 1989 by Tom Nemitz to provide creative design and full-service architecture. With offices in Grand Rapids, Detroit, and Traverse City, Michigan, Cornerstone has established a reputation of exceptional client service, design excellence, and results that work.”
http://www.cornerstone-arch.com

N. J. White Associates, Architects – Our Mission

N.J. White & Associates, “Nicholas White has been providing high-quality residential and resort architectural services since 1979. Our project scope ranges from small residential additions to large estate residences, commercial buildings, and institutional projects.”
http://www.nickwhite.com/

John Dziurman Architect Ltd., “John Dziurman Architects Ltd. Is comprised of skilled professionals trained and experienced in the art and science of architecture. Our knowledge, experience and vision will guide you through the entire planning, design and construction process—from helping you define what you need to do, exceeding your expectations with the products we provide, and ensuring that you receive value for your planning, design and construction costs.”
http://www.dziurmanarchitects.com/

These teams solidify the vision of your project on paper, extending your personality and needs into the project itself.

Lakeshore Custom Homes will build your vision and bring it to life!

Please view our portfolio to see examples of some of the finest homes in Northern Michigan.

Are you ready to make your dream home a reality?
Contact us today to make an appointment to discuss your home-building plans. We’ll be with you every step of the way to guide you to the perfect home.

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5 Ways to Go Green On Your Next Home or Remodel

Posted on December 31, 2012February 12, 2023 by Chris Mason

(Updated 2/12/2023)

Energy-efficient homes save homeowners money on their monthly utility bills while improving their overall comfort by reducing drafty spots and extreme temperatures.

When we build new homes, we follow green building practices to ensure an efficient home design that will help reduce energy usage. As a result, green homes are both cost-efficient and sustainable.

When considering your next home or remodel, here are five easy ways to go green, reduce your energy bills, and save up to hundreds of dollars each year.

How to Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient

Energy Audits

The first step to making your home more energy efficient is hiring a professional to assess your home’s energy performance. Energy audits identify where your home may be leaking hot and cool air and show you the most cost-effective ways to reduce energy waste and increase energy efficiency in your home. Some utility companies offer this as a free service.

Insulation

Installing or adding insulation to a home’s walls, floors, and attic is typically one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce energy loss and improve your home’s energy performance.

Many types of insulation are available, including fiberglass batts, cellulose, spray foam, blown-in fiberglass, rigid foam board, and mineral wool. The type of insulation used will depend on where it needs to be installed, its thickness, and whether it needs to be sealed.

Air Sealing

Like insulation, air and duct sealing provide an excellent bang for the buck for its low costs and significant energy savings. Air sealing involves finding where hot and cool air may be seeping out of holes in walls, ceilings, or ductwork and sealing them with caulk and weatherstripping to stop the air leaks. This also helps to improve comfort by eliminating drafts.

The best way to seal leaks is by using a combination of caulking and weather stripping. Caulk fills gaps between materials and seals around doors, windows, vents, pipes, electrical outlets, etc. Weatherstripping is used to seal cracks and crevices.

Upgrade Appliances and Electronics

Most home appliances and electronics use electricity. Thanks to technological advances, most appliances and electronics now have a high-efficiency counterpart. When in the market for a new home or remodel, look for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star label, indicating that an appliance performs the same function for less energy.

Simple things like changing to LED lights can reduce energy costs. Smart thermostats are an easy upgrade as well.

Tankless water heaters may also be an option, especially in larger homes or areas that don’t consume large amounts of hot water.

See our in-depth article on Smart Home Technology for more information.

Space Heating and Cooling

The energy to heat and cool homes typically accounts for more than half of all energy consumption. Like your home’s appliances, Energy Star has also created high-efficiency air conditioners, water heaters, and furnaces to keep your home at optimal temperatures while using significantly less energy.

Please view our portfolio to see examples of some of the finest homes in Northern Michigan.

The team here at Lakeshore Custom Homes would love to help you evaluate the best ways to “Go Green” on your next remodel project or new home. We have built LEED-certified homes and stay current on the best practices for energy-efficient home building. If you have any questions about energy savings and quality home construction or remodeling in northern Michigan, don’t hesitate to contact us today to make an appointment to discuss your home-building plans.

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When Honey Do’s Become Honey Don’ts

Posted on December 31, 2012February 20, 2024 by Chris Mason

Do you have “the list”? You know, the “honey do” list. This is the list of things that need to be done around your house, but you never seem to get to any of them. You may be able to handle some of the smaller projects – paint touch-up or changing a door knob – but what about the bigger projects that you know will create a mess? Or the projects that you fear, you know, the ones that involve moving plumbing, or wiring, taking down walls, or putting up walls.

Here are some questions to ask yourself before you start any home improvement project. How much time will it take? Do I have the right equipment? How much will it cost? Do I have to turn off the main water supply? Is this a load-bearing wall?

What appears to be a job you can handle can soon turn into a job that is out of control. Hiring a licensed professional contractor to handle your project can be the difference between “honey do” and “honey don’t touch me!” Professional licensed contractors know the building codes. In addition, they have experienced craftsmen to ensure all aspects of the job are correctly completed. At Lakeshore Custom Homes, we pride ourselves on finishing a job on time and on budget.

If you’re looking for a reliable and well-tested contractor in the Grand Traverse, Benzie, or Leelanau county area, give us a try. There is no job too big or too small. But, then, we leave you to spend time with your family and keep “Honey” smiling.

Call me at (231) 642-0724.

Sincerely, Chris Mason

Please view our portfolio to see examples of some of the finest homes in Northern Michigan.

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Quality is More Than Skin Deep!

Posted on December 31, 2012February 16, 2023 by Chris Mason

(Updated 2/16/2023)

Oh, the many adventures of being a contractor. Time and time again, the good guys are coming behind the bad guys fixing poorly built structures and attending to leaks that all could have been prevented had the previous builder taken an extra five minutes.

My advice as a homeowner is instead of going through the painstaking process of having to get things re-done on your house. Start your new remodeling project by digging deeper into the track record and client history of the builder you’re considering hiring.

Calling on your contractor’s client references is an excellent start. I would also encourage you to have them show you some step-by-step processes of any similar job that they have done. Check these pictures out. Is the job site clean in the photos? If not, that trashed yard is going to be your house next. What kinds of materials are being used? In what ways are they preventing water from entering the home?

I also recommend getting bids from several different builders you have been referred to. Really check out the differences in how they answer these questions and the references they provide.

Flashing done right!

Doing your due diligence can save thousands of dollars in frustration, real structural problems, and even lawsuits. A good contractor will be OK with letting you peer deeply into their past work history and should be OK with calling on some past clients, and of course, they better be licensed and insured.

If you’re looking for a reliable and well-tested contractor in the Grand Traverse, Benzie, or Leelanau county area, give us a try. No job is too big or small; we ensure each client is satisfied along the road to successful relationships and beautiful homes. Call me at (231) 642-0724.

Sincerely, Chris Mason

Please view our portfolio to see examples of some of the finest homes in Northern Michigan.

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This Week at Lakeshore Custom Homes

Posted on December 31, 2012February 16, 2023 by Chris Mason

Our New Website has arrived! Welcome, and please let us know what you think. You can leave us a comment at the bottom of this post; we would greatly appreciate it.

Change can be good. We hope to use this website as a tool, not just a splashy brochure. Each of our clients is important to us. We want to continue educating you and sharing information that can help with your home projects and maintenance. Look for a weekly update from us covering all home construction and upkeep areas. We will also look at current projects that Lakeshore Custom Homes Inc is currently working on. We thank you for coming to our website and hope you can use it as a resource in the coming months.

Sincerely, Chris Mason
Please view our portfolio to see examples of some of the finest homes in Northern Michigan.

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