Designing for Water, Wind, and Weather

There’s something timeless about waking up to water just beyond your window. Whether it’s the quiet stillness of an inland lake or the expansive views of Saginaw Bay, building a home by the water isn’t just a location choice—it’s a lifestyle.

But building near water also demands thoughtful, resilient design. Michigan’s waterfront homes face everything from heavy humidity and storm winds to ice, snow, and summer heat. If you’re dreaming about lake life (and want to protect your investment while you’re at it), here’s how we design homes that are built to last—and built for you.

1. Design That Works With the Land, Not Against It

From Wixom to Secord, no two waterfront lots are the same. Some require elevation for flood protection, others demand careful orientation to balance sun, wind, and privacy. We work with your site to create:

• Elevated or pier-style foundations in low-lying or flood-prone areas
  
• Wind-rated structures to handle storm gusts and open terrain
  
• Natural drainage and erosion control for long-term stability
• Strategic window and porch placement for year-round enjoyment

Whether it’s sunrise over the lake or an evening breeze off the Bay, your home should capture what you love and handle what nature throws at it.

2. Durable Materials Made for Waterfront Life

Water brings beauty—and moisture. That means rot, rust, and wear are real risks without the right materials. Our go-to selections for lakeside durability include:

• LP SmartSide or fiber cement siding: Built to handle weather without warping or swelling
• Standing seam metal roofing or impact-rated shingles: Long-lasting and storm-tough
• Composite decking and aluminum railings: No rotting, warping, or splinters—just worry-free outdoor living
• Corrosion-resistant fasteners and flashing to prevent hidden damage

We also factor in high-humidity ventilation, long-lasting finishes, and weather-resistant trim for a clean, polished look that holds up.

3. Storm-Resistant, Four-Season Living

Michigan’s waterfront doesn’t shut down after Labor Day—and neither should your home. We build to handle every season with:

• Impact-rated doors and windows that protect during storms
• Hurricane ties and structural anchors to reinforce framing
• Optional whole-home generators for peace of mind during outages
• Air-sealed roof and attic systems to keep moisture and ice dams at bay

Your home should feel like a retreat—even when the forecast says otherwise.

4. Energy Efficiency Tailored to Lake Life

With open space, direct sun, and lake-effect weather, waterfront homes need energy-smart design. We incorporate:

• Exterior insulation and vented rainscreens to reduce heat loss and moisture build-up
• Zoned heating and cooling for comfort where and when you need it
• Energy-efficient windows and doors that frame the view without leaking your heat or AC
• Smart home monitoring to help keep tabs on things when you’re away

Whether it’s your full-time residence or a weekend getaway, we help you stay comfortable—without the sky-high utility bills.

5. Design Features That Embrace the Outdoors (and Keep the Mess Out)

Waterfront homes need more than just good views—they need function. Some of our favorite ideas for lakefront living:

• Drop zones or mudrooms for sandy feet and wet towels
• Four-season sunrooms with insulated glazing for bug-free lounging
• Built-in storage for kayaks, paddleboards, or fishing gear

• Screened porches and patios that protect against bugs and wind
• Outdoor showers or hose-down stations for quick cleanups

If you’re building your dream, it might as well be practical and pretty.

Let’s Build a Home That Feels Like a Vacation—Every Day

At Benner Builders, we craft homes that honor the land, elevate the lifestyle, and endure through Michigan’s ever-changing seasons. Whether you’re planning a quiet retreat on an inland lake or a legacy home on Saginaw Bay, we’ll help you design something beautiful, functional, and built to stand the test of time.

Have a lakefront lot in mind? Let’s talk about your vision.

 Benner Builders: Family-Forward, Detail-Driven Renovation & Builder in Midland, Michigan.