There’s nothing quite like the allure of Lake of the Ozarks – the shimmering water, endless sunshine, and the promise of a really good time. For many Kansas City residents, a lake home is the ultimate escape, a place to create cherished memories with family and friends. However, the dream of lakeside living often comes with a common challenge: many beautiful, older lake homes are charmingly dated, needing significant updates and ongoing maintenance.
That was exactly the situation for our clients when they purchased their Lake of the Ozarks retreat in 2018. They loved the location and the potential, but knew the 1978-built home, having seen essentially no updates since it was built, was in desperate need of modern love and a comprehensive refresh.
Join us for this two-part blog series where we dive into the details of the changes: both interior and exterior. This blog post will cover how our Handyman Services Team transformed the exterior, dramatically enhancing curb appeal and allowing our clients to shed the burdens of an outdated property and truly enjoy their lake life.
The "Before" - Identifying the Need for a Refresh
When our clients first approached us, their Lake of the Ozarks home carried the hallmarks of its 1978 construction, untouched by modern trends. The original siding was showing its age, faded and worn with wood rot in several areas. The deck, a crucial element for lakeside enjoyment, was equally tired, with signs of wear and tear that made it less inviting for relaxation and entertaining. The overall aesthetic was, quite dated, creating an initial impression that belittled the beauty of its surroundings.
Our clients had a clear vision: they wanted a contemporary, refreshed retreat that reflected their taste and maximized their fun at the lake. They dreamed of a home that felt fresh and inviting from the moment they arrived, rather than presenting them with a never-ending "to-do" list. This desire to shift from home maintenance to pure enjoyment was a driving force behind the entire exterior renovation, highlighting a common dilemma for many lake homeowners who just want to relax and soak up the sun and water, not tackle repairs.
The Transformation: Key Exterior Changes
Our approach to this Lake of the Ozarks exterior refresh was comprehensive, focusing on impactful changes that delivered both beautiful aesthetics and lasting durability.
Siding Replacement: The Game Changer
The original siding was more than just an aesthetic issue; it was deteriorated and outdated. We knew a complete siding replacement would be the most impactful change. For this project, we opted for durable, LP Smart Lap Siding with a shingle style accent up top. This material not only stands up exceptionally well to the lake elements – sun, humidity, and varying temperatures – but also provided a clean, fresh look.
Existing lake home exterior
We started the exterior refresh by replacing the dated sliding glass doors on the main floor with new Marvin ones.
Once the doors were in, we began replacing the siding in the surrounding areas.
Our clients opted for a light grey shade for the new siding that adds to the modern refreshed feel.
The transformation was dramatic; simply replacing the old siding and fresh paint color instantly modernized the home's aesthetic, boosting its curb appeal. This upgrade not only created a beautiful new facade but also ensures long-term protection and significantly reduces future maintenance for our clients.
Dock and Deck Revitalization: Enhancing Outdoor Living
A lake home’s deck and dock are its heart, the primary connection to the water and outdoor living. Our client’s existing deck was worn, and the paint was showing signs of age. Some minor repairs and a fresh coat of paint has the space looking brand new!
Lakeside exterior view of the refreshed home
As for the dock, it's a similar story. The dock boards were painted the same rusty orange color as the above deck on the home. Many of the dock boards were warped and splintering, which was a safety hazard especially for bare feet.
We removed all of the existing deck boards in sections and replaced them with fresh smooth boards. Our clients preferred a natural wood look, so we kept them bare.
Finally, the dock looks fresh and is safe for our clients to enjoy the water and lake views!
The Power of Small Details
While the siding and deck were major components, it’s often the small, thoughtfully chosen details that truly elevate an exterior and tie the whole look together. We carefully selected and installed new, modern light fixtures outside each door. These weren't just about aesthetics; they enhanced nighttime safety and created a warm, welcoming ambiance for evening arrivals.
Additionally, fresh trim, updated house numbers, and strategic landscaping around the foundation further contributed to the home's revitalized curb appeal. These seemingly minor changes collectively made a monumental difference, bringing a polished, contemporary feel that perfectly complemented the larger renovations.
Why a Professional Remodel is Key for Lake Homes
For any homeowner, taking on a large remodel can be daunting, but for those with a Lake of the Ozarks getaway, the desire to escape maintenance takes precedence. This is where a professional remodeling partner truly shines. Our core mission is to take the entire "to-do" list off your plate, managing complex renovations from start to finish. We manage everything from design and planning, scheduling, the construction process along with managing any needed sub-contractors or special vendors, along with any post construction questions or concerns with our 2-year warranty. Learn more about our process here.
If you're looking for simple upgrades or repairs our Handyman Services Team is ready to help! Have a more complex project with high design? Work with one our designers and let's make your dream home a reality.
The goal for our Lake of the Ozarks clients, is clear: to arrive at their lake home and immediately dive into enjoying the sun, the water, and precious moments of relaxation, without the added stress of home projects looming. Our expertise and efficient project management ensure a high-quality, timely completion, allowing you to bypass the headaches and directly embrace the joys of lakeside living.
Ready to level up your Lake of the Ozarks home? Contact us and hand over the to-do list, we're ready to bring your vision to life so can enjoy the lake the relaxing way!
Follow along for exciting project updates @remodelagain on Instagram.