6 Features Every Lake House Should Include

Lake Sunapee is home to a variety of waterfront architectural styles, including craftsman, colonial, Cape Cod, contemporary rustic, and farmhouse. People who use these lakefront properties as their full-time or vacation homes love the unique lifestyle and recreational opportunities they offer.

At some point, many decide to remodel or expand them to accommodate modern living needs and capitalize on a lakeside location’s full potential.

If you’re thinking about investing in a lake house remodeling project, congratulations! It’s a wise decision that can improve your quality of life and provide a more functional living space.

By incorporating lake house ideas like oversized windows, outdoor living areas, and an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), you can make your home more enjoyable for friends and family alike.

Ready to get started on your lake house renovations? Here are the features we think every waterfront home remodeling project should include.

1. AN OUTDOOR LIVING AREA

Many Lake Sunapee homes are designed to take advantage of scenic views and outdoor lifestyles. Building one or more outdoor decks and patios provides relaxing spaces to unwind, enjoy the waterfront, and gather with loved ones.

With the right design and features, a “deck with a view” can become a focal point and valuable extension of your existing home.

Outdoor kitchens are another popular option and range from simple to elaborate versions featuring sinks, storage, food prep areas, and full-size appliances. Outdoor dining areas with pergolas, shade sails, or canopies provide shelter from sun and rain.

2. A SUNROOM OR THREE-SEASONS ROOM

When you want to make the most of your lake house’s surroundings all year, adding a sunroom or three-seasons room can be just the solution you’re looking for. These bright and comfortable spaces often become a home’s most favored hangout.

Working with experienced lake house remodelers like Foremost Builders helps you create a functional and inviting space that perfectly complements your lake house lifestyle. Our talented design team guides you in choosing the ideal location, considering factors such as sunlight exposure, ease of access from the main living areas, and the surrounding views.

We also show you how energy-efficient glass, insulation, ceiling fans, and fireplaces can maintain desired temperatures, whatever the season. We even help you choose lake house décor that creates an inviting atmosphere.

3. LARGE WINDOWS

There’s no better way to bask in the natural light and take in gorgeous lake views than with oversized windows. Remodeling your lake house to incorporate larger windows transforms the existing space, allowing you to enjoy the surrounding area’s natural beauty.

There are countless window styles to choose from, including sliding glass doors, bay windows, floor-to-ceiling windows, and pivot windows that provide ventilation and an interesting architectural element.

4. AN ADU OR DADU

Remodeling your lake house to include an ADU or DADU (detached accessory dwelling unit) is typically a larger-scale remodeling project, but it offers many advantages:

• ADUs are an excellent investment when you want to add more livable space to your home. Typical ADUs include in-law suites, rental units, home offices, and areas for adult children. They can also be a significant source of rental income that helps offset home expenses. ADUs promote sustainable living by using existing infrastructure and reducing new construction.
• DADUs, or stand-alone living units, can be used for lake activity storage, extended family living, studio space, or rental income.

If your property allows for it, consider adding outdoor decks and patios to your ADU or DADU to enhance the space’s overall livability.

You might also want to weigh the benefits of incorporating universal living or accessibility design elements like wider doors, ramps, and grab bars for those with mobility challenges.

5. OPEN CONCEPT LAYOUTS FOR ENTERTAINING

Exterior open layouts have become just as popular as interior ones. For instance, if you’re remodeling your home’s kitchen, you can extend the room to the outdoors, making it easy for family and friends to move smoothly between the spaces.

Outdoor speakers and a TV monitor or projection screen create outdoor entertainment areas where everyone can enjoy music, movie nights, and sporting events while enjoying the lakefront setting.

6. FLOORING THAT CAN WITHSTAND WATER

Where there’s water, there’s the risk of water damage to a home’s flooring. You can protect moisture-prone rooms by installing tile, vinyl, LVF, ceramic, cement, and other water-resistant materials.

All are available in various styles, colors, and textures, so you’ll have no problem achieving your desired aesthetic.

Design Your Dream Lake Sunapee, NH Lake House With Foremost Builders

Innovative design, expert artistry, and a streamlined design/build process are just some of the traits that set Foremost Builders apart. When it’s time to transform your lake house, you can depend on us to deliver high-quality results that provide years of enjoyment.

Call 603-763-1344 to schedule a waterfront remodeling design consultation.