So far, we’ve talked mostly about cabins in the mountains. It makes sense– when you think about log cabins, what comes to mind is gorgeous vistas, wind through the pine trees, and hot coffee on cold, alpine mornings.
But what if that’s not your cup of tea? How about a nice, serene, water-front cabin?
The trouble is, water-front property is going to be a lot more exclusive than any given mountain-side property. Especially in a semi-arid place like Colorado– we’ve got mountains in spades, but not so many lakes. So how do you grab up that wonderful lakeside property?
The best way to get that beautiful waterfront property
First of all, it’s important to remember that every lake is different. Not just in terms of nature, either– you have to keep in mind the zoning, the building restrictions, access rights, and so on. For instance, does your prospective property have construction access for a dock, or is it limited in certain ways? Do you have exclusive rights to the shoreline abutting your property, or are you a part of community swimming and boating access? Regardless of the property in question, make sure you’re asking the right questions. If you’re looking for a good starting place, take a look at this list of questions from a realtor to ask before buying lakefront property.
On the other side of the equation, you’ve got to pay attention to the actual features of the property and the lake itself. Depending on what you’re looking to do, there are a lot of different things you have to keep in mind. For example, are you someone who wants to boat? Make sure that there’s enough space for a dock! Beyond that, is the lake some place you can boat? Too many weeds, too rocky, too shallow, and so on? Where’s your boat going to launch from, anyway? Do you have a private ramp, or will you have to rely on public access?
Always, before you commit to a location, make sure that you can use it for what you intend. It’s no fun to sit on the porch of your log cabin and watch other people enjoying the lake if you can’t!
Waterfront property can be a big investment
Then, of course, once you’ve gotten your lake-front slice of heaven, it’s important to remember that you’re there for the duration. Meaning, are you ready to take care of a cabin that’s been exposed to higher-than-average levels of wind, water, and sun? Buildings out in the open–like the ones on any shoreline–tend to soak up more than their fair share of elements, which can add up to costly repairs. There are also some legal issues, like the obligation to maintain the waterfront itself. Take a look at this list of issues from waterfront law professionals for more info!
Of course, if you’d prefer not to worry about wind or rain, insects or mold, you might want to take a look at our TruLog steel log siding. Not to toot our own horn, but no matter where you build it’s important to keep in mind the bottom line– TruLog can keep your cabin in ship-shape, no matter which waterfront it’s on!
