CABIN RENOVATIONS

FOUR DO’S AND ONE DON’T

WHETHER YOU ARE PURCHASING YOUR DREAM LAKEFRONT FIXER-UPPER OR MAKING SOME MUCH-NEEDED UPDATES TO THE CABIN THAT’S BEEN IN YOUR FAMILY FOR GENERATIONS, HERE ARE OUR BIGGEST TIPS FOR WHAT TO DO AND WHAT NOT TO DO- WHEN RENOVATING YOUR LAKE PROPERTY.

DO CONSIDER THE WHOLE PROPERTY

The most important part of a lake home is the lake. You can always change a countertop or a light fixture; you can’t change the view. The best way to add value to your lake cabin is to upgrade your outdoor spaces. Build a spacious dock with outdoor seating where you can soak up the sun while watching the kids play in the water, or add an outdoor kitchen to keep the fun going through dinnertime.

DO CHOOSE YOUR MATERIAL WISELY

Even if you envision elegant mahogany floors for your lake cabin, consider cost and longevity before you buy. Especially if your property is right on the lakefront; kids, animals, and adults alike will be tracking in water, sand, and mud all summer long, resulting in potentially pricey damage. Vinyl or linoleum flooring is much more resistant to damage at a fraction of the price. And, forget about those tacky yellow tiles your grandmother’s kitchen; with the vast array of options on the market today, you can find a beautiful pattern to fit any budget.

DO PROTECT YOUR CABIN FROM THE OUTSIDE, IN

Before you get started on any aesthetic changes make sure that you are working with a sound structure. Start your renovation project by having your cabin’s roof, foundation, and siding inspected for any water or wind damage or general wear and tear. Then, make any necessary fixes to protect your property from the elements.

DO GET SMART WITH SPACE

While many of us dream of owning a large, luxury lake home, an under-1,000 square foot cabin can provide cozy comfort at a much lower cost. The key to a smaller cabin is to maximize what square footage you do have. Install high shelving units to keep floor space open. Utilize bunk beds for the kids’ room. Make the most of every square foot, even those unexpected, often wasted spaces- how about a reading nook under the stairs, or built-in show cubbies in the entryway?

DON’T CHASE AN INVESTMENT

At the end of the day, your lake cabin should be a reprieve from the stress of day-to-day life; a place for you and your family to relax, rejuvenate, and take advantage of the natural beauty that lakes county has to offer. Unless you are purchasing your property for the express purpose of flipping it to sell, don’t get caught up in the return on your investment.

Focus on what works best for your family, not what’s trending. For some, it may be a luxury like a wine cellar; for others, it may be as simple as a fire pit ring, a stick, and a bag of marshmallows. Any renovations you make, as long as they are tailored to you and your family, will become memories that last a lifetime.