The Best Lake Home Additions for a Growing Family

Many of the older lake homes in Michigan were originally built as small family retreats or seasonal getaways. These charming cottages, log cabins, and lake houses served as perfect escapes from everyday life. However, as families grow with children and grandchildren, these once-cozy spaces can quickly become overcrowded. This makes it harder to enjoy quality time together, especially during peak seasons.

Older lake homes and cabins often have design features that were perfect for their original purpose but may not suit a growing family. Many have small kitchens, few bedrooms, or not enough bathrooms for everyone. These homes were built for short vacations, not for long-term living with multiple generations. However, by adding a lake cabin addition, you can update your home to meet today’s needs while keeping the warmth and charm of the original design.

A Michigan lake home addition can be the perfect solution to create more room for everyone to gather, relax, and enjoy lake life without splitting up visits. Here are a few key ways an addition can help:



• Extra Sleeping Space: Add bedrooms or a bunk room to ensure everyone has a comfortable place to sleep, whether kids, guests, or family members.
• Expanded Kitchen and Dining Areas: If meal times are getting crowded, a kitchen and dining room expansion can create more room for everyone to enjoy meals together.
• Common Areas: Adding a family room, lounge, or game room provides space for both kids and adults to unwind in their own areas, without feeling confined.
• Bathrooms and Amenities: Adding more bathrooms ensures comfort and convenience for large families, especially during busy mornings or evening routines.

A thoughtfully designed lake house addition increases the comfort and functionality of your home, while preserving the charm of its original structure. With the right design, your home can become the perfect place for multi-generational family memories.

1. Kitchen and Dining Room Expansion: If mealtimes feel cramped, expanding your kitchen and dining room can make a big difference. A bigger kitchen not only gives you more room to cook but also allows for a larger dining table where everyone can sit together comfortably. Picture enjoying family meals in a spacious kitchen with a beautiful view of the lake. This lake home addition creates more space for gatherings while improving the home’s overall functionality.
2. Bunk Room Addition Over the Garage: For families running out of sleeping space, adding a bunk room over the garage can be a great solution. It provides a dedicated space for kids or young adults to sleep, without having to turn common areas into sleeping zones. This lake cabin addition ensures that everyone has their own place to rest, making family visits more enjoyable for all.
3. Second-Story Addition for Bedrooms and Bathroom: If you have the space, a second-story addition can significantly expand your home. It’s perfect for adding more bedrooms and bathrooms, especially if your current home only has one or two. With this lake house addition, you’ll reduce the congestion during busy mornings and give everyone their own space to unwind. It also adds long-term value to your home, preparing it for future generations. 
4. Common Room Addition (Game Room, Family Room, Lounge): If you need more shared family space, a common room addition is a great option. Whether it's a game room, family room, or lounge, it gives everyone a space to relax, play, and spend time together. This addition offers flexibility for both adults and kids, creating a social hub that enhances bonding moments during family gatherings.
5. Master Ensuite Addition: For parents who need some privacy, a master ensuite addition is a perfect choice. This private retreat offers a peaceful space to relax, especially during busy family times. A master ensuite can include a spacious bedroom, a bathroom, and even a deck with a view of the lake. It’s a great way to ensure that everyone has a comfortable space, including parents and grandparents.

Expanding your lake home is a rewarding way to enhance family gatherings, creating a space that grows along with your family and becomes a place where memories are made for generations. Whether it’s a bunk room for the kids, an expanded kitchen for large family meals, or a master suite for added privacy, a thoughtful lake home addition can provide the perfect setting for these moments. At Bogard and Sons, we specialize in designing homes that connect generations, ensuring your family’s lake home remains a welcoming retreat for years to come. Ready to create your dream lake home? Contact us today to bring your vision to life.