Building on the Water: 5 Design Tips for Lake DuBay & Wisconsin River Custom Homes
There is nothing quite like waking up to the mist over Lake DuBay or the quiet flow of the Wisconsin River. Waterfront property in places like Wausau, Stevens Point, or Mosinee is a premium investment, and your home design should reflect that. If you are planning a custom build on the water, here are five essential design tips to maximize your investment.
1. Prioritize the View Corridor
When building on the Wisconsin River or local lakes, your floor plan should be water-centric. This means utilizing floor-to-ceiling windows in the Great Room and Master Suite. At Jones & Jones, we use site-specific orientation to ensure that your most-used rooms capture the sunrise or sunset over the water, rather than the street side.
2. Navigating Wisconsin DNR Waterfront Regulations & Setbacks
Waterfront building in Wisconsin comes with strict DNR and local zoning regulations regarding how close you can build to the shoreline. We help you navigate these "setback" requirements early in the design phase to ensure your home feels close to the water while remaining fully compliant with environmental protections.
3. The "Walk-Out" Lower Level
Most waterfront lots in the Wausau area have a natural slope toward the shore. This is the perfect opportunity for a finished walk-out basement. Imagine a secondary entertaining space with a wet bar and "lake bath" that leads directly to your dock, keeping sand and water out of your main living areas.
4. Durable, Weather-Resistant Exteriors
Homes on the water face higher moisture levels and stronger winds. The freeze-thaw cycles of a Wausau winter can be brutal on lakefront homes. We prioritize moisture-resistant materials and recommend high-performance materials like James Hardie siding or natural stone accents that can withstand the unique micro-climate of the Wisconsin River valley without requiring constant maintenance.
5. Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Transition
A luxury waterfront home isn't complete without a transitional space. Whether it’s a screened-in "Wisconsin Room" or a multi-tier Trek deck, your home should offer a seamless flow from the kitchen to the campfire pit.
The Wausau building season moves fast. Whether you're eyeing a lot in Marathon County or ready to break ground on Lake DuBay, contact Jones & Jones for a site-specific consultation. Let's make your riverfront dream a reality before the spring rush.
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