Life at the Lake: Slower Mornings, Sunny Afternoons, and What We’re Working on at Lake of the Ozarks
Lake of the Ozarks home remodeling looks a little different than traditional remodeling. Whether you live at the lake year-round, own a second home, or escape for weekends and summer holidays, homes here are built around gathering, entertaining, slowing down, and making memories.
There’s a rhythm to life at the lake that’s hard to explain unless you’ve experienced it yourself. Peaceful mornings on the dock somehow turn into afternoons filled with boat rides, sunshine, live music, and your favorite people.
One moment you’re enjoying a quiet sunrise over glassy water, and the next you’re meeting friends by boat for lunch, catching live music, or squeezing in one more sunset cruise before heading in for the evening. Life moves a little slower here but somehow packs more into every day.
At Schloegel Design Remodel, we understand that rhythm because we’re not just remodeling homes at the lake—we’re helping create spaces designed around the way people actually live here. From full-time residents to vacation homeowners, we understand that life at the lake looks different for everyone.
As warmer weather returns and lake season officially ramps up, we wanted to share a few things we're up to around the lake.
Table of Contents
- Meet Our Lake of the Ozarks Remodeling & Handyman Team
- Finding the Fun Around the Lake
- Deck Upgrade in Progress
- Second Home Refreshes Without a Full Remodel
- A Modern Lakeside Home Nearing the Finish Line
- A Unique Whole-Home Transformation Begins
- Handyman Updates Around the Lake
- Getting Ready for Lake Season
- Why Remodel with Schloegel Design Remodel?
- FAQ: Remodeling & Handyman Services at Lake of the Ozarks
Meet Our Lake Team
One of the reasons we’re able to stay closely connected to Lake of the Ozarks projects and clients is simple—we have a dedicated team actively working in the area year-round.
Right now, our core lake crew includes Peter, Keith, Emily, and Lester.
Each person brings a unique role and strength to the table, and what makes this group especially effective is how easily they work together on a wide range of projects.
- Peter Schloegel – Lake of the Ozarks Sales & Business Development, helping clients bring early ideas to life and guiding the vision for each project
- Keith Brockman – Lake of the Ozarks Field Director, overseeing schedules, coordination, and execution in the field, serving as Project Director for our design-build remodeling projects
- Emily Robbins –Handyman Team, supporting day-to-day project work, repairs, installations, updates, and on-site project needs
- Lester Withers – Handyman Team, supporting day-to-day project work, repairs, installations, updates, and on-site project needs
- Kevin Gibson - Handyman Team, supporting day-to-day project work, repairs, installations, updates, and on-site project needs
Peter Schloegel
Keith, Lester, and Emily at our Lake of the Ozarks shop
While each team member has a defined role, lake projects move quickly and often overlap between design-build remodeling, smaller refreshes, and handyman services or repairs. Because of that, this group works closely together to keep projects moving smoothly from start to finish.
Whether it’s a deck update, home refresh, repair, or larger remodeling project, our approach at the lake mirrors the same standard of service we’ve built in Kansas City over the past 45+ years.
Most importantly, we approach each project with a clear understanding of how lake homes are actually used—spaces for gathering, entertaining, and spending time with the people who matter most. You can learn more about our process here.
That perspective shapes how we design, build, and support every home we work on.
Finding the Fun Around the Lake
One of our favorite things about lake life is that there’s always something happening.
Whether it’s a weekend concert, local event, favorite dockside restaurant, community gathering, or hidden gem worth checking out, summer calendars fill up quickly.
Back in Kansas City, one of the ways we stay connected to our community is through our Find the Fun Lists—seasonal guides we put together highlighting local events, places, and experiences worth checking out.
We loved the idea so much that we brought it to the lake.
So, if you’re looking for inspiration on what to do this season, check out our Lake of the Ozarks Find the Fun List. It’s a collection of the places, events, and experiences that make lake life so memorable.
We had a blast at Captain Ron’s Pirates Plunder a few weekends ago and are looking forward to plenty more lake weekends ahead. Around here, there’s never a shortage of things to do!
Deck Upgrade in Progress: Outdoor Living Done Right
Warm weather means outdoor spaces become extensions of the home.
Our handyman team is currently working on a deck project at the lake, creating a space designed for gathering, relaxing, and taking advantage of those incredible views. Lester and Emily have been making great progress and are on track to wrap this one up quickly. While larger remodels naturally take more time, many handyman repairs and smaller-scale projects can often be completed in just a few days to a week(s) depending on the scope.
Lester working on deck demo
Demo complete
New deck boards being installed
Whether it’s coffee in the morning, family dinners outside, or hosting a summer weekend with friends, outdoor living spaces often become the heart of a lake home.
We’ll be sharing a full blog post soon with more behind-the-scenes details and project progress, so stay tuned.
Looking for more exterior home inspiration? Check out our exterior gallery.
You Don’t Always Need a Full Remodel for a Fresh New Look
One thing we hear often from second-home owners: "We want an update, but we don't necessarily want to gut everything."
And honestly? That approach can make sense.
Many Lake of the Ozarks homeowners are looking for high-impact refreshes rather than complete renovations—especially when it comes to second homes or vacation properties.
A smart refresh can preserve what still works while upgrading the details that make the biggest difference.
Think:
- New countertops
- Updated backsplash selections
- Fresh fixtures
- Cabinet hardware
- Lighting updates
- Paint and finish changes
- Select flooring improvements
Sometimes keeping existing cabinetry or preserving flooring can stretch your investment while still completely changing how a home feels.
We recently completed a whole home refresh that proves you don't always have to start from scratch to create a beautiful transformation. Small updates can create a dramatic impact!
Before: Basement bar after a leak
After: Custom Cabinetry and new floors for a refreshed basement
Read the blog post "Modern Updates for a Generational Lake of the Ozarks Home by Schloegel's Handyman Team" for the full story and more photos.
Of course, a refreshed home is nice—but this is what it’s all about: happy clients who truly get to love the space they live in. This project wrapped with clients so happy, they even joined the team for a celebratory lunch to mark the finish!
Our Modern Lakeside Whole Home Remodel Is Getting Closer
Progress continues on one of our larger modern lake home projects, and we’re getting closer to the finish line.
If you’ve followed along with this project, you know this home was designed to maximize views while blending modern architecture with the relaxed nature of lake living.
Since our last update, exciting progress has continued throughout the home and we're beginning to see more of the vision come to life. Keith has been doing a great job keeping this project moving smoothly!
View of main living area and kitchen
Living room fireplace prep
Framing and drywall are done, and cabinets are about to go in.
We can’t wait to share more as this project nears completion. If you missed the earlier updates, you can catch up on the first two blog posts below.
Blog post 1: "From 1979 to Right Now: A Lake of the Ozarks Home Revival Story"
Blog post 2: "From 1979 to Right Now: Demo Begins on Our Lake of the Ozarks Whole Home Remodel"
A Historic Lighthouse Property Meets a Whole Home Refresh
We’re also beginning a whole-home refresh for a truly unique property—and this one comes with a story.
The home features a cool lighthouse structure that was relocated and moved onto the property years ago, creating a one-of-a-kind feature and weaving a piece of history directly into the home itself.
Projects like this are part of what makes remodeling at Lake of the Ozarks so interesting. Every home tells a different story, and we’re especially excited about this one.
Rather than a full down-to-the-studs renovation, this project focuses on a thoughtful refresh that will brighten the home, introduce more modern finishes, and create a more updated feel while preserving the character that makes the property so special.
Kitchen before the whole home refresh
Living room before the whole home refresh
Peter has already been working with the homeowners on selections, and the vision is beginning to come together. Between the refreshed direction and carefully selected finishes, we already have a feeling this one is going to be a good one.
Take a look at some of the selections below—this one is just getting started, and we can’t wait to share more as it continues to take shape!
Some of the design selections for this whole home refresh!
Keep an eye on our blog and socials for more.
Handyman Updates Around the Lake
Our handyman team stays busy helping lake homeowners tackle projects of every size.
Recently, the team completed siding work while installing new windows in this lake home.
New Pella window installed
Replacing siding
Lester doing a balancing act to paint the new siding
Fresh siding and paint have this home looking brand new!
Whether it’s maintenance work, repairs, updates, exterior improvements, or supporting larger remodeling projects, our team helps homeowners keep moving forward without unnecessary headaches.
Bring On Official Lake Season
As the weather warms up and calendars start filling with weekends at the lake, we’re looking forward to another season of sunshine, boats, live music, good food, and making homes even better places to gather.
Because while we love beautiful remodels, what we really love are the memories people create inside those spaces.
We’re excited for everything this season has in store—and we’re just getting started.
Remodeling at Lake of the Ozarks with Schloegel Design Remodel
Whether you're planning a whole-home remodel, a kitchen or bathroom update, home addition, outdoor living upgrade, or handyman improvements, our team brings thoughtful design, craftsmanship, and a personalized process to every project.
At Schloegel Design Remodel, we understand lake homes because we spend time here too.
We know the lifestyle. We know the pace. We understand how people gather, entertain, relax, and live at the lake.
That perspective helps us create homes that feel authentic to the way our clients actually use them.
Our services include (click below to learn more about each service):
- Whole-home remodeling
- Kitchen remodeling
- Bathroom remodeling
- Outdoor living spaces
- Home additions
- Basement finishing
- Vacation home updates
- Handyman services
- Exterior improvements
- Accessibility and aging in place updates
- Custom carpentry and trim work
- Installations and home updates
- Replacing windows and doors
- Repairing wood rot
From full remodels to the small fixes that never seem to get done, Schloegel brings one team from design through construction and handyman services, helping create a smoother experience from start to finish. With thoughtful planning, clear communication, and daily updates along the way, we help protect what matters most: your time, your budget, and your peace of mind.
Because weekends at the lake should be spent making memories—not managing projects.
Ready to hand us your home to-do list and take back your weekends?
Let’s create a lake home you love living in.
Contact us today to start the conversation!
Frequently Asked Questions About Remodeling at Lake of the Ozarks
What remodeling projects add the most value to a Lake of the Ozarks home?
Kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, outdoor living spaces, decks, covered patios, updated siding, and whole-home refreshes tend to provide strong value. At Lake of the Ozarks, improving views, functionality, and entertaining spaces can significantly enhance both enjoyment and resale appeal.
Do I need a full remodel for a second home or vacation property?
Not always. Many Lake of the Ozarks homeowners choose targeted refreshes instead of complete renovations. Updating countertops, backsplashes, hardware, fixtures, lighting, and finishes can dramatically improve a home without a full gut renovation.
Can Schloegel Design Remodel complete projects in phases?
Yes. Phased remodeling is common, especially for vacation homes and seasonal properties. Some homeowners prefer to complete updates over time based on schedules, budgets, or how frequently they use the home.
How long does a Lake of the Ozarks remodel take?
Project timelines vary based on scope, selections, and project complexity. Smaller refreshes may take weeks, while larger whole-home remodels often require several months. Early planning helps create a smoother process.
Why work with a remodeling company experienced at Lake of the Ozarks?
Lake homes function differently than primary residences. Understanding vacation-home living, entertaining needs, seasonal schedules, and lake-specific design considerations helps create spaces that support how homeowners actually live.
Why choose Schloegel for Lake of the Ozarks home remodeling?
Schloegel combines remodeling, design, and handyman services into one connected team. Instead of coordinating multiple contractors, homeowners work through one organized process with clear communication, planning, and updates throughout the project.
Can Schloegel help with small projects and handyman work at Lake of the Ozarks?
Absolutely. Not every project requires a full remodel. Schloegel helps Lake of the Ozarks homeowners with deck repairs, siding updates, home maintenance, carpentry, exterior improvements, window and door work, refresh projects, and many of those smaller tasks that tend to pile up over time.
Can I remodel my lake home if I live elsewhere?
Yes. Many lake homeowners use their properties seasonally or live elsewhere full-time. Schloegel provides regular communication and daily updates so homeowners can stay informed even when they are not physically at the property.
What makes remodeling a Lake of the Ozarks home different?
Lake homes often function differently than traditional homes—whether they’re lived in year-round, used as a second home, or enjoyed as a seasonal retreat. They’re frequently designed around gathering, entertaining, hosting family and friends, maximizing views, and making the most of life at the lake. Understanding how people actually use their homes helps create better spaces and better remodeling outcomes.
What areas around Lake of the Ozarks does Schloegel serve?
Schloegel serves homeowners throughout the Lake of the Ozarks region, from Bagnell Dam through the Gravois Arm and beyond, helping homeowners with remodeling, handyman services, home refreshes, and larger design-build projects. Not sure if we'd service your area? Contact us through this form or give us a call at 573-375-4014 and we'd be happy to talk through your location and project details. We have also been serving greater Kansas City metro areas since 1980.