Building a House on Lake Michigan

What’s better than building your dream home? Building your dream home on Lake Michigan. Living on Lake Michigan is a dream for many. The lake offers a stunning natural setting, serene views, and an unmatched lifestyle. Southwest Michigan, with its picturesque coastline and peaceful communities, is the ideal location to make that dream a reality. However, building a custom home along one of the Great Lakes comes with its own set of unique considerations. From finding the perfect plot of land to navigating building regulations, it’s important to understand the process before breaking ground. Let’s dive into what it takes to build your dream home on Lake Michigan.

The first step in building a house on Lake Michigan is finding the right piece of property. Southwest Michigan offers plenty of beautiful spots for a lakeside home. Some key areas to look at are New Buffalo, Union Pier, and Sawyer.

When choosing a location, it’s important to consider how much frontage you want on the lake. Properties with direct beach access are highly desirable and can command a premium, but there are also inland lots with elevated views of the water. The right plot depends on your priorities—whether you want to walk straight from your door to the beach or simply enjoy the view from your home’s windows.

Real estate in Harbor Country, the area encompassing much of Southwest Michigan’s lakeshore, offers a variety of lot sizes and options for buyers. Some parcels come with ready-to-build amenities like utility access and cleared land, while others may require more preparation. Buyers should also account for zoning regulations and building restrictions, which vary from town to town.

For those new to Harbor Country real estate, working with a local expert who understands the specific challenges and opportunities of lakeside building is key to finding the perfect property.

Building on Lake Michigan means navigating a variety of building regulations and environmental protections, especially given the proximity to the shoreline. Southwest Michigan takes preservation seriously, and homeowners will need to comply with local, state, and federal guidelines to protect the natural landscape.

In some areas, the shoreline is protected under Michigan’s Coastal Management Program, which means there are restrictions on how close homes can be built to the water. Setback requirements often dictate how far from the shoreline a home can be placed to avoid erosion and protect the natural habitat. These setbacks can vary, depending on the local municipality and the specific parcel of land you’re building on.

In addition to setbacks, property owners will likely need permits from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). This is especially true for homes that involve altering or building near critical dunes, wetlands, or other protected areas.

It’s essential to factor in these regulations early in the planning process. Working with an experienced builder who has knowledge of these requirements is crucial to avoid delays and complications as your project moves forward.

Once you’ve secured the land and navigated the permitting process, the fun part begins: designing your Lake Michigan home. The design should reflect not just your personal style but also take advantage of the incredible setting that Lake Michigan provides.

Many homeowners opt for floor-to-ceiling windows, expansive decks, or outdoor living spaces to take full advantage of the lake views. Another popular feature is to build the home with an open-concept design, allowing natural light to flow through the house and creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Living on the lakefront is an incredible experience, but it’s also important to prepare for the unique challenges that come with the territory. Erosion, fluctuating water levels, and severe storms can impact homes built close to Lake Michigan.

Coastal erosion is one of the primary concerns for lakefront homeowners. Over time, the natural process of the waterline moving inland can threaten homes that are built too close to the shoreline. This is why building setbacks and erosion control measures are so important.

Homeowners can invest in seawalls or other erosion control structures to protect their property, but these options may require additional permits and engineering.

Choosing the right builder is essential when taking on a project as significant as building a home on Lake Michigan. You’ll want to find a team that not only specializes in custom homes but also has experience with lakefront properties. Building along the lake presents unique challenges—especially when it comes to erosion control, weather-proofing, and local regulations.

When interviewing builders, ask about their experience with lakefront projects and how they handle the specific needs of Lake Michigan properties. A builder familiar with Harbor County real estate will be able to guide you through the zoning, permitting, and environmental requirements and help you avoid common pitfalls.

It’s also important to work with an architect who understands how to design a home that blends with the natural landscape. Many lakefront homeowners want their house to complement its surroundings rather than disrupt them. An architect who specializes in lake homes can design a structure that is both functional and beautiful while respecting the integrity of the land.

Are you ready to turn your dream of building a house on Lake Michigan into reality? The Choose Chad Team is here to help you navigate the local real estate market and find the perfect plot of land to build your custom lakeside home.

With their local expertise and knowledge of Harbor County real estate, the Choose Chad Team can guide you through the process and connect you with trusted builders and architects. Contact the Choose Chad Team today to start planning your dream home on Lake Michigan!

_{*Header image courtesy of the Choose Chad Team}