5 Things to Consider When Building a Lake Home
Imagine waking up to the tranquil sound of rippling water and stepping outside to a panoramic view of the stunning Carolina mountains. Building a lake home is a dream come true for many, and when it’s nestled in the picturesque Carolina mountains, it becomes a rare privilege. The serene surroundings, the refreshing breeze, and the endless outdoor activities make it an ideal location to build your dream home.
However, before you can start laying the foundation, there are some crucial factors to consider to ensure that your lake home meets your expectations. Whether you are building a vacation home or a permanent residence, taking the time to plan and make informed decisions is critical to achieving your dream of a perfect lake home. Together, we will explore five key things you should consider when building your lake home in the Carolina mountains.
1. Research the Lake
When it comes to real estate, location is key. Where you decide to build your lake home will influence your entire experience. With this said, the first thing you should do is research the lake where you plan to build.
First, take into account the local laws. This will ensure you will be allowed to include everything on your wish list. As you do your research, think about the shoreline and depth of the lake. Is the lake prone to flooding? How close to the shoreline can you build? Will you be able to build a dock? Will your boat be allowed on a lake of this size? Be sure to ask any and all questions that you can think may affect your quality of life later on. The answers will give you valuable information that will be useful when choosing your perfect homesite.
The Cliffs and Lake Keowee
If you’re considering building a lake home in The Lake Region at The Cliffs, it’s important to do your research on the surrounding area, and Lake Keowee is an excellent place to start. Situated in the stunning Upstate region of South Carolina, Lake Keowee boasts a range of recreational activities and a wealth of prestigious homesites, making it an idyllic location to build your dream lake home.
One of the most enticing aspects of Lake Keowee is the sheer variety of activities available to residents. The lake itself covers over 18,000 acres and has more than 300 miles of shoreline, providing ample opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming. For those who enjoy being on land, the area surrounding the lake is home to numerous hiking trails, parks, and golf courses, ensuring there is never a shortage of outdoor entertainment.
In addition to the wealth of recreational activities on offer, Lake Keowee is also home to an impressive selection of homesites, ranging from cozy lake cottages to luxurious lakefront estates. The Cliffs is a particularly desirable location, as it offers access to an exclusive community with amenities like a marina, golf course, and clubhouses. The combination of a stunning natural setting, abundant recreational activities, and luxurious homesites make Lake Keowee an attractive choice for anyone considering building their dream lake home in The Lake Region at The Cliffs.
2. Choose an Experienced Builder
The next most important thing you can do is choose the right builder. This can be a challenge in and of itself. It is best to choose a builder with years of experience working in the local area. This way, they are already familiar with the local laws and regulations when it comes time to start construction. Additionally, they will know how to work with any challenges that the land comes with.
The Cliffs Preferred Builder Program
At The Cliffs, we created the Preferred Builder Program in order to help future residents choose a trusted and experienced builder. We have comprised a list of the top builders in the area with years of experience building in the Carolina mountains. You can even choose builders that specialize in lake home construction, so you can feel confident that your new home is in good hands.
Cliffs Builders
We have developed a unique construction program that combines custom-built homes with turnkey ease, providing our members with an unparalleled ownership experience. With a team of skilled local architects and craftsmen, Cliff Builders are proud to offer a range of luxurious homes throughout The Cliffs communities.
Our innovative process allows for a more efficient and streamlined building experience, reducing the time between selecting a floor plan and moving into your dream home. By marrying custom-build gratification with built-for-sale simplicity, we are revolutionizing the home-building industry. Whether you are seeking exceptional quality or the convenience of a turnkey home, Cliffs Builders is dedicated to providing you with the ultimate luxury living experience.
3. Homesite Capabilities
Each homesite is unique, and just like the lake itself, the one you choose will ultimately shape the design of your future home. It is crucial to understand the land and what you can and cannot do when it comes time to build. Continue to ask questions about the land, especially as you visit different homesites with your builder. Their expertise will be able to guide you and determine what land is best for your dream lake home.
4. Communicate with Your Architect (and Builders)
Communication is an essential part of the building process. You may have an idea of what you want in your head, but now it is time to share that vision with the people who are going to help you make it a reality. For some, it’s quite the challenge to envision their dream lake home, especially when all you see are trees and land on an empty homesite.
This is where the experts come into play. They have years of experience working with clients looking to design a home, and it is up to you to give them all of the information they need to create a design that matches your style and personality. Asking specific questions, giving lots of details and providing examples of things you like and don’t like are fundamental to getting the design for your lake home right.
When you build a relationship with your architect, it will help you feel more connected to the project. You will also be more comfortable through each step because you know that you are both on the same page. Remember that once you have a design, the builders will be the ones bringing the blueprint to life. It is just as important to build a relationship with them, as it is with the architect. Together you form a team, so communication throughout the process will help things run smoothly.
5. Highlight the Views
When designing your lake home, be sure to take into account the views. Highlight your favorite views by incorporating them in areas of your home where you plan to spend the most time. Good communication with your architect will come into play during this phase of the process. If you have always dreamed of waking up and stepping out on a private porch from your master bedroom, tell them. Or maybe you love to host dinner parties and want a dining room where the view is the conversation starter.
To truly highlight the views, take into consideration the types of windows you use while building. Frameless windows create the illusion of a picture frame, bordering the stunning lake views. Use varying perspectives to create different feelings in a space. While some windows may overlook the water, some can highlight other impressive natural views, such as the mountains. The views you choose to accentuate will allow you to get closer to the outdoors, without even having to step foot outside.
Experience Lake Living at The Cliffs
At The Cliffs, we have a number of homesites available on the pristine shores of Lake Keowee. With views of the water and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background, your lake home will have no problem highlighting these views. The Lake Region at The Cliffs is home to three lake communities that offer unique experiences for those who call them home. The Cliffs at Keowee Falls, The Cliffs at Keowee Springs and The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards. Each community brings the wonders of lake living right to your front door.
So what are you waiting for? If you’re ready to take the next step in making your dream lake home a reality, contact our Real Estate Sales Team to start discovering available homesites in our Lake Region.
