Tag: lake living

Curtain Wall Construction: Building With a Lake View

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Most of the time when we think of a lake home or a boat house,  the first thing that comes to our mind is a great room with a fantastic view of the lake or surrounding area. In order to obtain such a view, we need a wall that is not obstructed by a lot of building post and other materials. One that will keep us from having that open feeling while we are in the room.

By using a method that has recently been adapted for smaller buildings, this effect can be obtained with no problem. A curtain wall with lots of glass will give you outstanding performance and provide many years of visual pleasure.

What is a curtain wall?

Curtain walls were developed for use on taller steel structures, such as multi-story buildings and skyscrapers. This method is one by which a steel structure is erected and a frame of lightweight aluminum and glass is hung on the side of the structure.

A metal frame would be custom built to the size and specifications to fit the building.

This frame is equipped with several different types of gaskets to hold the glass in place. The frame will then hang on the side of a building, much like a curtain would hang in your home.

In more recent years, developments have been made to adapt this same principle to smaller buildings such as residential dwellings.

Benefits of Curtain Wall Construction

There are several ways you will benefit when you choose to use a curtain wall in your construction or remodeling project. One of the best ways, is the opportunity to open your room up and give it a freeing, scenic view.

Most of the time when you design a lodge or a camp, you will have what is known as a great room. This is usually the first room you will encounter when you walk into a camp, lodge, or lake house.

When you look at the front of the room, you will more than likely be facing the lake or other important land features that are visible through a large opening in the building. This large glass filled opening can be obtained because of the curtain wall method.

You will also receive lifelong benefits from the glass and aluminum construction when it comes to maintenance. You will never have to worry about the frame rotting or it being in need of caulking and repainting each year.

You can also take advantage of the natural lighting that the glass will provide you, keeping the rooms nice and cozy during the winter months. The tinted glass will also help provide protection against the heat during the summer, lowering your cooling costs!

Get in touch with your local contractor and ask about curtain wall construction on your next lake home project, as it is a great option for lake living and the best views possible!

8 Amazing Lake Toys You Didn’t Know You Needed

Posted on Staff

The 2015 Atlanta Boat show has once again come and gone, and this year, it was bigger than ever! The Lake Homes Realty booth stayed busy with interested home buyers and sellers all weekend and was manned by corporate staff and a rotating list of lake expert agents from across five states.

While our primary goal at the show was to provide value to potential clients, I also took the opportunity to meet other exhibitors and learn about their lake focused companies.

Here is my list of the 8 unique lake toys that lake homeowners didn’t know they needed:

1. Quadski – Sports Amphibian

Located right across from our booth was the Gibbs Quadski, an ATV that transforms into a jetski in only 4 seconds! With this high end lake toy, you can go anywhere. It can reach speeds of 45MPH, both on land, and on the water. It is even rated for operation in salt water, so bring it with you on your next beach trip!

If you’re interested in checking out one of these bad boys, visit Hide Away Harbor in Tuscaloosa, AL, the regional vendor for Quadskis!

2. Bum Float

For a more affordable lake toy geared at relaxing in the lake, take a look at the bum float. It is a floatation device design to be worn where else? Your bum! While it may look like a big diaper out of the water, the bum float is the best way to relax in the lake with a cold beverage.

3. Floating Bar

Speaking of cold beverages, a great way to store and enjoy them while on the lake is the floating bar and cooler combo. This setup holds a 33 quart Coleman cooler, has 4 connectable table sections with cup holders, and is covered by a pop up canopy. Who wouldn’t enjoy having their own swim up bar at the lake?

4. Aqua Stairs

When it finally comes time to get out of the lake, nothing makes it easier than Aqua-Stairs. Instead of climbing a ladder to get back on the dock, the Aqua Stairs allows you to simply walk out of the water. It even allows pets a way to easily return to the dock; your canine pals will thank you.

5. Deluxe Patio Umbrellas

If you want to add some shade to an area, you may want to consider a patio umbrella from Vrienden. These monsters are up to 10’x10′. They are built to withstand winds up to 35 MPH, are quick and easy to reposition or take down, and come standard with LED lights built in.

6. Bob Light

For the fisherman, the Bob Light is a new type of bobber for night fishing. The LED on the float is pointed down into the water and illuminates the angler’s bait, helping to attract fish.

7. Ryan-O Dock Roller

Looking for a way to protect both your boat and your dock when entering or leaving your slip? The Ryan-O Dock Roller system prevents damage to both by placing a padded roller between your boat and your dock.

8. Softub

If you’ve thought about a hot tub for your lake home, you may want to consider a Softub. With 3 step installation you simply roll the spa where you want it, connect it to the Hydromate with a screw driver, and fill it up. It even operates off of a standard 120V outlet so you can set it up virtually anywhere.

Did you attend the Atlanta Boat Show this year? If so let us know what your favorite part of the show was, or if you have an item at the lake that you just can’t live without, send me an email and tell me about it!

Eli Kirkley is Director of Communications at Lake Homes Realty

Join Us At The 2015 Atlanta Boat Show

Posted on Staff

It’s that time of the year again! The Atlanta Boat Show runs from January 15th through the 18th, and we would love to see you there!

Lake Homes Realty staff and real estate agents will be available throughout the entire show and look forward to discussing all things lake living!

Considering a lake home?

If you are thinking about buying a lake home, we want to make the process as easy as possible!

LakeHomes.com now has over 15,000 properties for sale across 105 lakes. We will have local, specialized lake agents from states across the South including Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee!

Our agents know the ins and outs of their lake market and will be more than willing to help you find a lake property that best fits your needs!

Tell us about your experience with Lake Homes!

Have you used LakeHomes.com to find a property or used a Lake Homes Realty real estate agent? We want to hear about your experience! Stop by the booth and tell us your story! We will be glad to share a token of our appreciation!

The show.

The Atlanta Boat show is an annual event and is a great place with something for the whole family. For the kids there will be a surfing simulator, a kids sea park, and a chance to meet Dora the Explorer.

For mom and dad there are fishing seminars, home improvement and DIY demonstrations, sailing tutorials, and of course, boats!

The schedule.

The show will be 11am-9PM this Thursday and Friday, 10-am-9pm on Saturday, and 10am-6pm on Sunday. The event takes place at the Georgia World Congress Center, hall C.

Lake Homes Realty will be located in the same space as last year, in booth 332,

How to be the World’s Best Lake Neighbor

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

No matter whether you are new to the area or you have lived alongside your lake for decades, it’s always important to be a good neighbor. You can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your family. Or, the people you live next to. Here are a few tips to make living on your lake a pleasant experience for everyone. And, to make you the world’s best lake neighbor!

• If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association (HOA), the board will help enforce some standards about house and lawn maintenance. Trash in the yard will not be allowed, and neither will that bright pink roof.

If you don’t live in an HOA, don’t allow old lawn mowers or boat parts to stack up in your front yard. Your storage shed should also be tucked away and out of sight so your yard will be presentable at all times.

• Pets are great, but usually only if they are yours! If you have a pet that likes to wander, you will want to find out what it needs and try to get that for them closer to home. A “catio”, otherwise known as an enclosed patio, gives your cat that chance for breathing the fresh outdoor air, but she won’t be able to go over to the neighbor and torment his Chihuahua.

If instead you have a dog prone to barking, it is a good time to learn how to redirect that energy through an obedience class.

• Welcome newcomers to the area with a gift basket, but with added lake flair. Include a lake map, a gift card to the local marina, a list of nearby service providers, and a personal note explaining the ins and outs of the area.

• Be cognizant of your neighbors when it comes to parking cars. If you have a number of cars in your family, you may wish to let the neighbors on either side of you know. It’s also a good habit if you are having a party or get together to make your neighbors aware of the increase in the number of cars for that event.

• Be a person. In this digital age, it’s easy to shoot a message saying “Happy Birthday” or “Congrats”, but instead, walk next door and deliver the message yourself. Doing things like this in person carries much more weight than a Facebook post, and your neighbor will be very appreciative of your simple actions.

• Are you the local expert angler? Offer to take newbies on a fishing trip to share all your fishing hot spots.

• If you build on your property make sure that you are aware of just how big your structure really is. A tall tower or treehouse meant to give the kids a great hideout may prevent your neighbors from seeing out one direction or another. And you certainly don’t want to obscure the view of the lake, since after all, that lake is the big reason you all moved there.

• One of the big things that neighbors often argue over is where the property lines are really located. It’s very important to get a proper assessment from your county planning or land use office. With GPS tracking now, getting the boundaries right is easy. With that document in hand, no neighbor can succeed in disputing just where that fence can go.

• Finally, if you really want to be the world’s best lake neighbor, organize neighborhood “dock parties.” Think of it just like a block party. Instead of celebrating on the block, celebrate up and down the neighborhood shorelines by boat and on each others docks! This is a great way to get everyone together and do something as a community. All while enjoying the lake that you all love!

In the end, the easy way to think of neighbor relations is to adhere to the golden rule – treat others as you would wish to be treated. Then, act accordingly.

Festive Fall and Winter Decorations For Lake Homes

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Fall and Winter are great times to put out festive holiday decorations. A lake home is no different! Here are some tips and ideas to help bring your holiday style to the lake!

Warm Climates

If you live in a warmer climate, consider taking some Adirondack chairs out to the end of your dock and bring along a few bright red, yellow, or autumnal plaid throws to curl up in and watch the sun set. A few vintage lanterns on side tables to light the way make for a nice touch.

Consider dining in the open air with great views. Gone are the hot nights and the bugs that go with them. In are cool, pleasant nights just meant for weekend grilling get-togethers. Have some chairs set around the deck for people to sit in and visit, particularly if they are softly stuffed chairs.

A fire pit makes for a very welcoming add-on for crisp autumn nights. Tuck away outdoor speakers in planters and rock walls for surround sound music wherever your guests go. As for color schemes, think of soft neutrals like beiges, tans, or warm grays for fall.

Any Climate

Lights make for a lovely accent no matter what time of year it is, so don’t just save them for the winter holiday season. If you have any artificial trees or trees surrounding your deck, dot them with either hanging lights or wind strings of lights around the branches for a soft lighting accent.

If you are decorating for the holidays, think about metallic ornaments on trees near the water so they will reflect off the water and provide double the beauty, just make sure they are securely attached to the tree!

Along the path from the water up to your house is a great place to utilize landscape lighting to provide a gentle glow. A fall wreath on your door decked out in driftwood or fishing lures can be both festive and perfectly appropriate, especially when viewed from the lake.

Colder Climates

It might be appropriate to consider doing the majority of your fall and winter decorating indoors, to both protect your cherished items from being exposed to the elements, and to keep your guests warm and cozy at the same time.

Think about using small natural trees or artificial ones in guest rooms adorned with lights and small ornaments. Using white furniture in the guest room gives a brightness to even the coldest day as the light reflects off of it to illuminate the room.

Fire pits or fireplaces are great gathering centers for the season. Imagine serving warm cider after a day at the local football game, surrounded by all of the colors of leaves and the gentle ripples of the water.

Have some corn stalks set up in bunches around the area, and if you can get a hold of them, perhaps some hay bales draped in blankets to use as benches instead of regular ones. A bushel of apples nearby makes for great snacking as well as a colorful accent.

When it comes to fall decorating, let your imagination run free. Just think of what is appropriate to your area weather-wise and what makes sense in terms of local availability. Above all else, enjoy this relaxing time of the year at the lake with family and friends!

Things to Consider For First Time Boat Buyers

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

When you are looking for the ideal boat, there are lots of things to consider before you make the purchase.

A boat is a significant investment. You don’t want to squander your money on a boat that is not right or suitable for you. Buying a boat is not complicated either, but you do need to do your research and prepare before making your purchase.

So to help you, here are some things to consider as first time boat buyers:

The Type of Boat

The first thing you have to take care of is the actual type of boat that you will be using. This concerns the type of activities that you will be doing in your boat as well.

Will you be, for instance, sailing, fishing, skiing, or wakeboarding in your boat? Depending on how you answered, you may be looking for a sail boat, bass boat, pontoon, or something that meets in the middle.

The Brand of the Boat

There are thousands of manufacturers and models of boats in the market. Finding a suitable and reliable brand can be confusing for many people who are not affiliated with the market. Research about brands of boats is very important. This it will allow you to purchase a boat that is perfect for you.

Look at brochures and compare the prices of the boats online and read reviews about a particular brand or model of boat that you are considering before you seal the deal.

A Used or A Brand New Boat?

You will need to answer this question in order to purchase the right boat. This is generally associated with how much cash you are willing to spend on your boat.

A new boat will obviously cost you more money, but should not require as many repairs or maintenance costs. Used boats can be found at bargain prices and in good condition, but will usually require much more intensive shopping and research to ensure a good deal.

A Private Seller or A Dealer?

You will also have to consider this factor when you are purchasing a boat. Most people expect to pay less when dealing with a private seller. Dealers will add their own costs on top of the original price of the boat.

However, dealers are less likely to sell you a lemon without any issues, while securing a boat privately may end up with you having a boat that needs frequent repairs. Purchasing a boat from a dealer will also allow you to acquire a warranty for the boat. This option will not be afforded to you from a private seller.

The key point to remember for boat buyers is to put in the time and do your homework before making the purchase, every step of the way. From how you plan to use the boat, to expected prices, and even boat maintenance so you can check out your craft before you buy!

Tips for Keeping Your Lake Pollution Free

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

For those who currently own property on the lake, you probably  know the importance of keeping it clean and pollution free.

Not only does keeping it clean help maintain a balanced eco-system, but it also adds beauty to your neighborhood and your home.

In addition, it also keeps the nearby surroundings fresh and free of bad odor. These can occur due to dead fish or algae growth. To help make sure your lake stays as clean as possible, just follow these easy tips for keeping your lake pollution free!

Maintain Your Boat Engine

Much of the pollution which is spread into lakes is caused by boats which are extremely dirty or do not have proper engine maintenance. Oil leaks from boats are one of the most common causes of pollution in lakes. Make sure to maintain your boat engine and wash your boat regularly to ensure it is contamination-free and does not harbor creatures from other bodies of water.

Make sure to travel at low speeds where marked, as big waves erode shorelines. Also, when it comes time to replace your boat motor, opt for a 4-cycle engine rather than a 2-cycle one. With a 4-cycle engine, your boat will cause less air pollution and lose less gasoline in the water.

Have a Lake-Friendly Landscape

When possible, it is usually a good idea to plant a buffer strip of native plants along the waters edge. This can vary from lake to lake, and it is important to familiarize yourself with shoreline management laws and regulations for your lake before you take any action. A lake specialist real estate agent should be able to help you with this if you have any questions.

One of the best ways of preventing contaminants from entering lakes is by promoting lake-friendly landscaping. This can include planting flowers, destroying invasive plants near the lake, installing permeable walkways, and managing your storm water runoff. Also, make sure to avoid using pesticides and fertilizers in your lawn near the shore. These are all some effective, yet simple, ways you can use your landscape to keep your lake pristine and pollution free.

Clean up Immediately

Always clean up trash immediately. Though it may be obvious to most, avoid throwing any type of trash or litter into the water. Another tip is to always keep a garbage bag in your boat. This can be used for trash you create, as well as an easy outlet to dispose of any trash you may encounter while out boating.

Secure Your Belongings

Whether on your boat or on your dock make sure that your belongings are secured. At high speeds it is very easy for items to get blown out of the boat and fall into the water. This can also happen on your dock. Lakes can experience very high winds and items can easily end up in the water. Many items, such as floats, paddles, chairs, etc should either be secured to the dock or brought into the house when not in use.

Volunteer for Lake Clean-Up days

Most lakes have organizations that strive to keep the waters and shorelines clean. These organizations will often have scheduled clean-up days in which people get together and volunteer their time to clean up the lake. Find out if there are institutions like this in your area and contact them to find out more ways you can help.

When it comes to owning lake property, helping to maintain your lake is beneficial for you and everyone around you. Clean water means better fishing, more enjoyable swimming, better views, and in the long run better house prices!

Enjoying the Lake in the Off Season

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

On a lake, it is easy to find things to do on hot, summer days. Swimming, boating, skiing. The list is unlimited. But what about during the off season?

Forget about “winterizing” your lake home and staying away until spring. There are many things to do at a lake during the off season. Keep these activities in mind to enjoy your lake home year round!

Boating

Never underestimate the fun of a fast boat, but not the kind of watercraft into which you climb and speed away.

Consider giving an RC boat a try. Remote control boats are not just for children. There are plenty of models intended for “kids” of all ages.

Many are inexpensive and dependable, and some models are for those with a competitive streak requiring a small investment.

Whatever your level of interest, toss an RC boat into the cold waters during winter, grab that remote control, and prepare for a great time.

But why limit yourself to boats? The wide open spaces and low population at the lake during frosty months is the ideal time to try out RC planes as well.

Fishing

Although summer is the season for fishing, committed anglers will tell you that fish bite in the cold months as well. Specifically bass and hybrids.

The lake waters are much more calm because it isn’t crowded. A good tip is to use a small crankbait. Target rocks or wood structures, moving along slowly.

The fish may be sluggish, but they still have to eat!

Eating 

Okay, so you don’t have to necessarily be at a lake to eat during the brisk seasons. But, there’s nothing like cooking a large pot of chili and lounging by the fire in the evenings at your cozy lake home.

After dinner, bundle up and take a night walk to the bank and admire the way the waters glitter, reflecting the moon in the clear, winter sky.

Or build an outdoor fire using a fire pit or within a circle of stones. Roast marshmallows and exchange fun conversation, or a ghost story or two.

Or watch the sun rise in the still quiet from the back porch with a steaming mug of coffee.

Hiking

Although many animals hibernate during the winter, there is still plenty of wildlife to observe on a walk down a winding trail.

Deer, rabbits, and foxes can be spotted year-round as well as brilliantly colored species of birds.

Don’t be surprised if you encounter types of birds that are not indigenous to the area as they take a rest from migration.

Majestic eagles can still be spotted in the winter, but may not be as numerous as they are in summer.

Shopping

Nearby towns often have fall craft shows, Thanksgiving festivals or Christmas parades. What a great way to spend time with family attending a community event involving winter holidays.

Local shops often have an eclectic blend of Christmas selections that would make great unique gifts.

While you’re out, choose a restaurant to warm up in and order a winter dish that normally wouldn’t be available in summer months.

Lake homes are not just for summer fun. There are numerous ways in which a lake home can be a pleasure during the winter. This winter start a few new traditions that will allow you to return to your wonderful lake home in the cooler months as well as the warm ones.

Boating Etiquette for Beginners

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Boating is a way of life for water lovers, which is why there are certain rules that must be followed to ensure everyone’s safety.

If you’re new to boating, here are some general boating etiquette tips & advice (for both passengers and pilots) you should be aware of to ensure passenger safety, both on and off the water.

Launching and Returning Your Boat

It’s important to launch and return your boat as efficiently as possible.  Other boaters will likely be waiting in or around the ramp or dock, so exercising discretion and care while launching or returning is critically important. Important rules to remember:

  • Become familiar with the procedures of a particular facility ahead of time
  • Prepare your boat by taking off tie-down straps and covers in an out-of-the-way place. Load coolers, tackle, and other gear ahead of time as well
  • Once you have launched, move quickly aside (but not hurriedly) to allow other boaters to do the same

When returning, tie up your boat on the opposite side of the dock so that other boaters may take off while you are retrieving your tow vehicle.

Marina Etiquette

Marina etiquette is an integral part of boating etiquette to pay attention to.  After refueling or loading your boat at the marina, move to a temporary docking station and park if you need to go inside for groceries or other items. Don’t keep others waiting while you take care of business. At the marina, you should also:

  • Keep your area clean and free of debris
  • Assist other boaters who are docking and de-boarding
  • Put carts and other equipment intended for common use back where it belongs when you are finished

Boating Safety On the Water

Boat wakes can cause damage to floating docks, can cause seawall damage, and have even thrown children off floating docks. Keep in mind that you are responsible for your own wake, and should be accountable for any damage you cause by it.

If your wake causes other boaters distress, knocking items (or people) off a dock, you could be held liable for damages or injuries. Be mindful of wake zones at all times and remain in compliance.

When overtaking a boat, allow for as much room as depth conditions allow for. Consider your wake, and slow your speed if necessary to ensure you don’t rock the other vessel. If that vessel is a sailboat, overtake it by passing astern to avoid blocking its wind. If you are the vessel being passed, slow your speed to a reasonable clip to allow the other boater to get around you safely.

Leave plenty of anchorage between yourself and other boaters, especially when carrying multiple passengers or playing loud music. Sound carries much farther on the water, and you want to avoid disturbing your neighbors if at all possible. Avoid traveling between a fishing boat and the bank, even if that watercraft does not appear to be moving.

Rules of Anchoring Your Boat

When first entering an anchorage, reduce your speed significantly so as not to create any wake at all. The rules of anchoring deem that the first person into the anchorage is the one who determines the swing radius. Mimic the leader in how you tie off and anchor, and use roughly the same amount of distance between boats.

These boating etiquette rules will go a long way toward ensuring your time on the water is as pleasant as possible. Boating consists of a tight-knit community of individuals, which is why good manners are so important.