Building a vacation home is one of life’s biggest dreams — a place to unwind, make memories, and escape the daily grind. But building a second home comes with its own unique set of challenges. After decades of building custom and lakefront homes throughout Wisconsin, we’ve seen firsthand what can go wrong — and how to avoid it.

Lake Country is the informal name for the northwestern part of Waukesha County, Wisconsin, a region known for its many lakes and surrounding communities. It includes towns such as Pewaukee, Hartland, Delafield, and Oconomowoc, and is popular for recreational activities like sailing, kayaking, and fishing.

Here are the top five mistakes to avoid when building your dream vacation home, along with expert tips from the Burg Homes team.

1. Choosing the Wrong Location or Lot

The location of your vacation home will shape how you experience it — from how often you visit, to how much maintenance it requires, to how well it fits your lifestyle.

Common Mistakes:

• Falling in love with a property before understanding local zoning, flood zones, or shoreline regulations

• Not considering travel distance or ease of access (especially during Wisconsin winters)

• Overlooking topography challenges like steep slopes, drainage, or limited lake access

Pro Tips:

• Work with a builder familiar with Wisconsin lakefront regulations — setbacks, erosion control, and permitting can be tricky

• Visit the lot multiple times at different times of day and during different seasons

• Consider your long‑term use: will it be a full‑time home someday, or strictly seasonal?

2. Underestimating the Budget (and Overlooking Hidden Costs)

Even experienced homeowners can underestimate what it takes to build and maintain a second home. Beyond construction, there are costs tied to utilities, landscaping, and seasonal upkeep.

Common Mistakes:

• Setting a budget before understanding full site development costs

• Forgetting to include utilities like septic, well, or shoreline protection

• Assuming finishing touches (furniture, landscaping, window coverings) can “come later”

Pro Tips:

• Build a comprehensive budget early — including land prep, design fees, and interior finishes

• Leave a 10–15% contingency for unexpected expenses

• Choose a builder that offers transparent estimates and clear communication throughout

3. Hiring a Builder Without Local Experience

Your vacation home isn’t just any home — it’s likely built on unique terrain, near water, or in a remote area. These factors make local expertise invaluable.

Common Mistakes:

• Working with an out‑of‑area builder unfamiliar with Wisconsin’s lake regulations

• Hiring solely on lowest bid instead of proven experience

• Overlooking the importance of local subcontractor relationships

Pro Tips:

• Partner with a builder who knows the area inside and out — from soil conditions to local permitting offices

• Ask for photos of past lakefront or vacation builds

• Verify that the builder has long‑standing local trade partnerships to keep your project on schedule

4. Overlooking Maintenance and Seasonal Durability

Vacation homes often sit vacant for parts of the year — which means they need to handle the elements and occasional downtime.

Common Mistakes:

• Choosing materials that don’t hold up to moisture, snow, or sun exposure

• Skipping details like drainage systems or backup generators

• Ignoring ease of maintenance in favor of aesthetics

Pro Tips:

• Use low‑maintenance materials such as composite decking, metal roofs, and engineered siding

• Install smart home systems for temperature, humidity, and security monitoring

• Consider durable interior finishes — waterproof flooring, washable paint, and easy‑care countertops

5. Designing for Today Instead of Tomorrow

Many families build a vacation home for weekend getaways — but over time, these homes often become gathering spaces for kids, grandkids, and even future retirement living.

Common Mistakes:

• Building too small or overlooking future sleeping space

• Ignoring accessibility for aging family members

• Skimping on storage or multi‑purpose rooms

Pro Tips:

• Plan flexible spaces that adapt as your needs change — bunk rooms, convertible offices, or guest suites

• Include main‑level living and easy access to outdoor areas

• Add storage for recreational gear — kayaks, bikes, and seasonal décor

Building a Vacation Home the Right Way

Building a vacation home should be exciting, not stressful. With careful planning and an experienced builder by your side, you can create a lakefront retreat that feels effortless, timeless, and uniquely yours.

At Burg Homes, we help families throughout Wisconsin design and build custom lakefront and vacation homes that reflect their lifestyle — from Green Lake, Elkhart Lake, and Lake Winnebago, to Lake Country, Door County, and beyond.

Ready to get started?

Contact our team to schedule a consultation or explore our gallery of completed homes for inspiration.