Real Estate and Home Services 2024

The under $850,000 market for lakefront properties is definitely tight … but it’s a dream that’s still achievable.

—JESSICA BRUTZMAN, PRESIDENT OF ASPIRE NORTH REALTORS

Waterfront property prices are through the roof, but with these 6 tips, you can still find your dream cottage.

by CARA MCDONALD

When Jessica Brutzman and her family bought their current Traverse City–area home in 2021, it wasn’t quite their lakefront dream made real: The house sat on the busiest part of Silver Lake Road and had a 25-foot slice of shared Silver Lake access within their neighborhood. But she knew the 1970s fixer-upper had great potential, and was the perfect way to dip a toe in the waterfront homeownership experience.

“The area and neighborhood are great, and I don’t have to pay for any frontage maintenance,” she explains. “I know I can eventually fix up the house, sell it and trade up to a waterfront parcel within the neighborhood.”

Brutzman looks at waterfront homebuying as a long game—one informed by years of know-how gathered in the real estate industry. She’s the president of Aspire North Realtors (the premier Realtor association of Northern Michigan) and an associate broker with Key Realty of Traverse City.

those in town. “Waterfront buyers are slower, more cautious buyers who want to make sure what they are buying has a decent return on investment—either for personal use, rental or resale,” she says. She adds that most of these buyers have been nurturing this dream for a long time and are ready to wait for the perfect place—an attitude she encourages.

“If you have the goal, the dream— keep it.”

“The under $850,000 market for lakefront properties is definitely tight,” Brutzman admits. “It’s a massive financial decision, but it’s a dream that’s still achievable.”

Brutzman notes that the lakefront market is different from

“The worst thing a waterfront buyer can do is settle—and that’s either grabbing the wrong property, or just giving up on the dream completely.”

But is it a dream that’s just not attainable anymore, and should buyers redirect toward more affordable home options? “I would hope not,” she says. “If you have the goal and the dream, keep it.”

Her best piece of advice? Hire a financial planner. “My expertise is to help you find the home that fits you; theirs is to help you gain access to that.” She adds that even with high demand and high interest rates, it’s still a good time to buy. “Land builds generational wealth, period. Whatever you’re comfortable with doing is something that will bring positive financial stability to you and, if the cottage stays in the family, the next generation.”

Here, Brutzman shares her best tips for dipping a toe in the water of the lakefront cottage market.

photo by Dave Weidner

Buy a bungalow. By which Brutzman means “the smallest little two-bedroom property you can live with; just enough to get you on the lake.” Our cottages used to be just that—tiny, humble structures with screen doors that banged and barely enough space to sleep. “If you had the cash today, but not a budget over $850,000, I’d say let’s go find you a 1950s bungalow and fix it up, make it your own, and just start enjoying the lifestyle,” she says.

CASE STUDY: CHARLEVOIX CHARMER

While not exactly cheap, this $529,900 2-bedroom 752-square-foot bungalow in East Jordan boasts deeded, private frontage on super-desirable Lake Charlevoix. And as a year-round cottage with fresh beachy updates, it’s turnkey ready.

Work the interior. Non-waterfront homes/lots can deliver a waterfront lifestyle if they have shared frontage—a much less expensive way to enjoy a very desirable stretch of shoreline, Brutzman advises (and a strategy she used to land her own piece of the beach). You’ll still walk to the beach, catch the loons calling, even enjoy waterfront views, without the price tag of actual frontage.

CASE STUDY: WALLOON WATER WONDERLAND

Walloon Lake has become staggeringly expensive— unless you consider an interior lot like this one, just a minute’s walk to shared neighborhood frontage/ a private beach. There’s dedicated dock space for homeowners, too. It’s a commitment at $599,000, but on a lake where homes routinely list for $2 to $18 million, still a total steal.

Consider a canal. Big-water beaches and sunset views command big price tags (like millions-plus big). But if you just want a dock and a great place to keep the boat, and don’t mind motoring out to play, canal properties are considerably more attainable, Brutzman says.

CASE STUDY: MAGIC NEAR LAKE MITCHELL

This 2-bedroom 992-square-foot cottage has an extra-large lot on a canal leading straight to Cadillac’s Lake Mitchell for $269,500. The huge back deck overlooks the water, and the peaceful setting snuggles up to Manistee National Forest, so wildlife and quietude abound. Bonus: an extra-cool sleeping loft with ladder is perfect for kids.

Take me to the river. Crystal-clear waters, sandy footing, acres of room to roam, hundreds of feet of frontage—sounds like a water-lover’s dream … except it just might be sitting on one of our fabled stretches of river instead of an inland lake. “In this market, you need to rethink what waterfront means to you,” Brutzman says. “You can still have wonderful swimming, boating and recreation on a river, and the prices are nowhere near what lake frontage is going for.”

CASE STUDY: PERFECTION ON THE PLATTE

With four acres and 400 feet of frontage on the sandy, sparkling Platte, this parcel just outside of Honor is a waterfront haven at the bargain price of $149,000.

Go slow or no motor. A sandy-bottom, allsports lake may be the dream for boaters, but you can find all the perks of lake life with a much lower price tag if you opt for no-wake lake frontage; you’re automatically ruling out a whole class of buyers looking for a boat-friendly lifestyle. The upshot? You still get to paddle, swim and bask in the beauty of a lakefront breeze, without the drone of jet skis or motorboats to break the spell.

CASE STUDY: A PERFECT PERCH

This one-acre lot near Gaylord has a roomy 288 feet of frontage on quiet Perch Lake, a no-wake lake; it’s priced at just $119,000. The private lake has great fishing for perch, bass and pike, and the lot has access to natural gas and high-speed internet.

Drive farther north. The more distance you put between your dreams and vacation hot spots like Leelanau County, Traverse City or Charlevoix, the more interesting the options get. Although the U.P. is not the bargain it used to be, there are still a lot of properties in the Straits and beyond that offer way more big-water value than the tip of the mitten.

CASE STUDY: ST. IGNACE–AREA STEAL

This welcoming bring-your-friends cottage with sandy beachfront footage on the Straits was listed for $525,000. The roomy 2,400-square-foot home has three bedrooms and plenty of space to gather— a sweeping waterfront deck is a perfect sunbathing or barbecue spot.

When it comes to pricing, the lake bottom matters. The most expensive home you can yearn for? “A McMansion on an allsports, sandy-bottom lake,” Brutzman says. But you’ll pay less for lakes that are rocky- or grass-bottomed, which may be just right if you love to paddle, fish or simply dream away the day on the dock with a lounge chair and a good book.

Photo by Maconochie Photography

by ALLISON JARRELL

plant a prairiepocket

Manicured lawns are out; wild, pollinator-friendly meadows are in.

ACOSTA

gThe pocket prairie—sweet miniature meadows filled with whimsical beauty and plants that help bees and butterflies thrive.

one are the days of defending thirsty, water-guzzling lawns. These non-native yards are essentially dead zones for wildlife; and let’s not get started on the pesticides and fertilizers that can run off into local waterways.

Cue: native plants. These local grasses and flowers support an array of pollinators and insects, which in turn feed our regional birds and other critters. Landscaping with native species is no secret, but some folks may find the prospect of replacing your entire lawn a tad intimidating.

If that’s you, may we present: the pocket prairie—sweet miniature meadows filled with whimsical beauty and plants that help bees and butterflies thrive.

“Pocket prairies are areas dominantly planted with native short prairie grasses and a variety of short perennials (all under 24" high) in clusters or drifts throughout the planting,” says Carolyn Thayer, a landscape designer based in Frankfort. “This planting can take the place of a lawn, fill a sunny area or provide a planting in tough areas along a road or drive.”

Thayer owns Designs in Bloom, a landscaping business with a focus on helping clients create habitats that come to life. She’s been landscaping professionally since 1988, became a founding member of the native plant nonprofit “Plant It Wild” in 2001, and in 2011, she completed the Michigan Natural Shoreline Professional Training and Certification Program.

Here, Thayer shares tips for choosing native species, intel on when to prep and plant, how to establish your prairie, and how to keep it thriving throughout the year.

Q: What are the best plants for a pocket meadow?

A: Start by selecting Michigan native plants, which were here before the logging era (pre-1850s). These plants are tough! They thrive in sandy-loamy soil and need less water once established.

I would recommend using live plants—these can be plugs in 38-cell flats, 2"–4" size pots, or gallon-size pots. It’s best to purchase locally, and we have great native plant growers and nurseries across Northern Michigan and the Midwest. (If you decide to use seeds, that’s a different type of installation than we’re discussing here.)

Choose plants that are approximately 24" tall or less. Next are some examples of a few of my favorites, but there are many more choices out there.

Select a dominant grass:

Little Bluestem Grass, Schizachyrium scoparium

Add perennials (that bloom from spring to fall):

Butterfly Weed, Asclepias tuberosa

Lanceleaf Coreopsis, Coreopsis lanceolate

Hairy Beardtongue, Penstemon hirsutus

Dotted Mint or Horsemint, Monarda punctata

Grey Goldenrod, Solidago nemoralis

Wild Lupine, Lupinus perennis

You may also add another grass or two. For example, Junegrass (Koeleria macrantha) for early spring color, or Purple Lovegrass (Eragrostis spectabilis) for additional fall interest. These plantings will make your space come alive; from the sound of buzzing bees and the movement of fluttering wings to the variety of colorful blooms—a feast for the eyes. Native plants create a healthy habitat that supports beneficial insects, which are the center of the food web.

Q: When is the best time for planting?

A: You can plant a pocket prairie in spring through fall— you just need to be prepared to water for establishment. And remember to only take on whatever size project is right for you; you can always add to it. In fact, you may find yourself seeking out that next native planting sooner than you think!

Q: What site prep do you need?

A: Clear all unwanted vegetation from the site before planting. Even one non-native plant that you don’t fully remove can take over an area quickly, and you will be battling it for years to come. An example of such vegetation on a recent project was Crownvetch, Securigera varia. The rhizome root is deep and continues to sprout even after aggressive pulling or digging; it’s almost impossible to get out once it’s entwined with a new planting.

After the site is cleared of vegetation, spread mulch about 2" thick. Mulch will keep moisture in the soil, prevent weed seeds from germinating and add nutrients back to the soil. I use pine bark mulch on most projects. It has a natural look, light structure, it’s easy to spread, doesn’t create a “hard pan” as other mulches can, and is less messy (I don’t get as dirty). You can also use shredded, smaller leaves or another type of mulch. >

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Spread the mulch either before or after planting, depending on the size of the area. If it’s a large area and you’re planting mainly plugs, it’s easier to spread the mulch first and plant afterward. If you’re using a lot of one-gallon plants, you may want to mulch after, as it’s harder to keep the mulch from mixing with the soil.

Once the ground is graded, consider mulching soon after. Ground that sits bare will erode and invite unwanted plants to seed quickly. Even if you’re not ready to plant, mulch to protect the bare soil. You can come back and plant later when you’re ready.

Q: What’s the best way to feed new plants?

A: There’s no need to fertilize a pocket prairie; that will just cause the plants to push growth, become top-heavy and fall over. And be sure to match the type of soil, light and moisture to each plant’s needs. To learn more about your soil nutrients, take a soil test.

Q: How do you establish your garden?

A: You must water for establishment—if you install in the spring, water through the spring and summer. If you plant in the fall, often you can back up the planting to align with autumn rains in mid- to late-September through early November, depending on the year. Overall, you just need to make sure the plants are watered by a soaking rain, or manually water when planted. Often the fall rains and the following spring rains will allow roots to establish without watering again (unless there is an extreme drought the next year).

Each site is different and each season is different, so it’s important to carefully monitor your pocket prairie. When you water, water less often and for a longer period of time. Move mulch away and dig a couple inches down in the ground to see if there is moisture in the soil. If there is moisture, then typically it will be all set—this will promote deeper root growth.

The deep roots of the prairie grasses and perennials will seek water deep in the ground.

Q: What’s the most important maintenance for a pocket prairie?

A: Weed out invasive plants! Typically, it takes three years for plants to become established—filling the root zone and shading the ground to out-compete unwanted vegetation. Keep on this!

Cut back grasses and perennials to the ground in the spring—preferably once insects have emerged, after 50-degree days. Or alternatively, don’t cut anything back (Mother Nature doesn’t!). If you do cut back plants, make a few cuts on the stems to allow for smaller length pieces, and let them drop to the ground to create mulch. If the layer of stems you create is really thick, then gently rake and distribute them elsewhere. The goal is to mulch when the site is planted, and then use the stems and leaves that collect in the planting as future mulch— but don’t let a thick layer of leaves smother the plants.

For cutting back plants, you can use scissors, pruners or a weed whipper. If using a weed whipper, cluster perennials in smaller areas that can be hand-pruned. Note: Some perennials can be harder to weed whip than others. Butterfly weed has stringy, tough stems, and Goldenrod has thick, stiff stems.

Another tip: Learn what “baby plants” look like, so you don’t mistake them for invasive plants. The goal is for the perennials to spread and fill the planting bed.

Q: What’s the reward?

A: It’s exciting that every year more clients ask to remove or reduce the size of their lawn. Lawn grass is not native, does not thrive in our sandy/loamy soil and has shallow roots. Lawns need fertilizer and additional water to thrive, while the native plants can flourish on their own.

Remember, you are not only adding all these amazing plants to your landscape for you—you’re also establishing a habitat full of life. Happy planting!

Lifestyle to the Max

Today’s custom homes harness the power of purpose-built spaces.

by MEAGAN FRANCIS

When embarking on a new build or renovation, today’s homeowners understand the importance of adding value—not just to the property but also to their day-to-day lives. Thoughtfully designed areas allow family and guests to work, connect, relax and play.

For a recent project they call “Baywatch,” East Jordan–based Black Birch Design + Build created lifestyle-customized spaces for their clients, a surgeon and attorney with three young children living in downtown Petoskey. By learning about the family’s lifestyle, personality and goals, Black Birch was able to design truly purpose-driven spaces that elevated old design concepts to new heights.

THE WINE ROOM, RE-IMAGINED

At Baywatch, wine is both a hobby and a high-stakes collectible investment. With so much potential value wrapped up in each bottle, preservation is as important as presentation. To

serve both desires, Black Birch designed a climatecontrolled space in a special corner of the home’s walkout basement with a storage area designed in raw white oak and glass for a modern touch and a counter for pouring, tasting and socializing, just steps away from a backyard patio with Lake Michigan views. “It’s an intentionally social place, in addition to being a showpiece,” says Justin Roberts, owner/principal at Black Birch.

FROM PUTTING TO PRO-LEVEL PRACTICE

For golf lovers Up North, finding a way to keep up their game year-round has always been a challenge. “People have been hitting into golf nets in their garage or putting greens on their floor forever,” says Roberts. But with the new breed of computer-powered, sensor-enabled golf systems, players can truly mimic the experience of playing on the green—without ever leaving their home.

At Baywatch, Black Birch incorporated acoustic panels to buffer the sound of the club and protect the walls. They also included multiple synced screens to allow guests in any area of the room to keep an eye on the game while waiting for their turn to swing. The sensor that tracks golf drives can also pick up the movement of a hockey puck or soccer ball, meaning the kids can use it to practice sports as well. And for whole-family fun, this area functions beautifully as a theater room: just fill the floor with beanbags and pile in for a movie night.

A HOME OFFICE THAT DOES HEAVY LIFTING

“These days a home office is used every day, all day,” says Roberts. Black Birch responds to that need with technology-driven solutions like TV screens with integrated webcams to optimize Zoom calls. AV systems automatically lower and raise shades throughout the day to improve lighting during an on-screen meeting, or to create glare-free “focus lighting” that makes it easier to stay in the productivity zone.

In a dual-professional home, privacy and workspace separation are also top of mind. “We designed the home office space in a symmetrical way that allows the couple to stay close while still having privacy for calls and meetings,” Roberts says.

With a fully functional home office, the owners of Baywatch can seamlessly integrate the needs of their young family instead of having to travel from home to office to school and back again. For second homeowners, a thoughtfully designed home office makes it possible to truly feel “at home” while Up North. “Having an optimized workspace allows for a second homeowner to extend their stay for weeks or a month, as opposed to only being able to take a long weekend every now and then,” Roberts says.

Create Your Dream Deck

Summer entertaining has never been easier—or more stylish. Here’s what’s trending in the deck world.

by LISA BLAKE

We spend eight months of the year daydreaming about summer in Northern Michigan and being outside every minute we can. One of the most delightful ways to do it is by transforming your outdoor living space with a deck that doubles as a warm-weather living room.

But before you build, you need a regionally savvy strategy— the elements up here demand different considerations. Factoring in the intense sunlight, wind, rain and temperature swings that Northern Michigan dishes out, Doug and Mary Rodriguez stock their lumber and building supplies store, Honor & Onekama Building Supply, with products that stand up to local conditions. Their team has been working hand in hand with local contractors and DIYers since 1963, carving a niche as the lake-loving region’s decking experts.

Looking to elevate your deck life this summer? Here’s how.

GO HIGH STYLE + LOW STRESS

Cut down on paint, stain and upkeep by choosing a lowmaintenance surface, says Honor & Onekama Building Supply Manager Kevin Ingleston. PVC deck boards have the authentic color and texture of real wood, but resist rotting, delaminating, splitting and cracking. The Wolf Serenity Decking line is an Honor & Onekama top seller for its comfort and functionality. “If someone spills wine on it, you just hose it off and you’re done. This decking makes entertaining easy,” Ingleston says.

KEEP COLORS RICH + REAL

In Northern Michigan, deck colors steer toward clean and contemporary. Natural wood patterns and lighter driftwood-

inspired hues with darker trims are trending right now. Ingleston sees a lot of amber wood, harbor gray and silver teak decking orders. Wolf Serenity Decking uses high-density cellular technology to imitate the color and texture of real wood while repelling moisture and guaranteeing long-lasting beauty with a 50-year stain and fade warranty.

ADD FUNCTIONAL DETAILS

Once the primary structure is planned, adding detail helps create a customized look. Stainless steel cable rails are all the rage right now. Rather than traditional baluster railing, this sleek modern material allows you to maintain unobstructed views of the lake while keeping things safe. Drink rails are another popular way to level up, Ingleston says. Add a six-inch decking ledge that allows guests to set drinks or plates down and you’ve built in extra party spots to congregate, talk and connect. Pro tip: Consider recessed lighting for nighttime safety on deck stairs and walkways.

BRING YOUR KITCHEN OUTDOORS

Whether you’re grilling veggies, smoking a brisket or busting out the pizza oven, summer entertaining is all about al fresco cooking on the deck. “We’ve noticed in the last few years that people are putting more thought into their decks,” Ingleston says. “It used to be you’d throw up a little eight-by-eight spot by the door and call it good. Now, it’s about treating your deck as another room in the house.” Grease- and stain-resistant Wolf Serenity Decking provides a no-brainer foundation for outdoor kitchens, he adds, making for less clean-up time and more hangout time.

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Buying a Home in Today’s Market

Mortgage options that help get you in the door.

by KIRSETIN K. MORELLO

If you’re among today’s hopeful home buyers, you may feel frustrated by the rising interest rates of the past couple of years. But from a historical perspective, they’re not unusual. Between 1970 and 2000, 30-year fixed rates were as high as 18.63% and not lower than 6.49%. It wasn’t until the 2000s that rates began to regularly fall to under 8%. And in all of those years, people purchased homes.

“Even with higher rates, buying a home is still, for most consumers, the best investment they’ll make,” explains Karen Myers, assistant vice president with Community Choice Credit Union, a community-based financial institution with 24 Michigan locations. “When rates and prices increase, there are still ways to drive down your payment so it fits your budget.”

If you’re thinking, “I want to buy a home. I’m just not sure I can afford it,” there may be options you haven’t considered. Here are a few mortgage types to explore:

A fixed-rate mortgage is the one most of us think of first. It’s typically a 15- or 30-year term. The interest rate on this loan remains the same for the length of the loan (the “term”), which means your monthly payment doesn’t change. The length of the term affects the interest rate. The consumer doesn’t control the rate, but the consumer does control the term, Myers explains. “This type of loan often works for people who’ve saved for a down payment, plan to live in the home a long time, and like the stability of a consistent mortgage payment,” she adds.

An adjustable-rate mortgage, or an ARM, has an interest rate that changes over time and is typically lower for the first part of the term. “This allows buyers to save on interest for a few years and have a lower monthly payment,” explains Myers. “At Community Choice, a mortgage consultant will watch interest rates and work with you to refinance if rates drop.”

secure funding for the cost of land, building materials, labor and permits. “If you go this route with a bank like ours,” Myers says, “your mortgage consultant will help you understand your options for long-term repayment once the building process is done.”

Many financial institutions also offer specialized financing, like VA, FHA and USDA loans, jumbo loans, balloon mortgages, and so much more. It can feel daunting if you’re doing the research alone.

This loan is often a good option if you’re planning to live in the house for just a few years or want a lower initial payment for any reason—sometimes because you’ll also have renovation expenses after you move in.

A construction loan can help you finance building a new home when a house in your price range, with the features you want, doesn’t exist on the market. This loan allows you to

“At Community Choice, a mortgage consultant will help you understand the different types of loans, and which ones are a good fit for you and work with your budget,” Myers says. “Another advantage of working with us is that members can expect to close within three to four weeks.”

“We guide people through the process and look at the person, not just the file,” she adds, “because no two homebuyers are alike.”

Outdoor Living at its Finest

Instant Backyard Oasis

Dream it on a Monday, and have a new outdoor kitchen by Friday.

by KIRSETIN K. MORELLO

If you’ve dreamed of upgrading your patio to an inviting outdoor kitchen, you’re not alone. A recent report by SkyQuest Technology Consulting projects the worldwide outdoor kitchen market will grow from $21.81 billion in 2022 to $38.60 billion by 2030. It’s not surprising that, in Northern Michigan, where families gather at cottages all summer long, people are expanding their living space and creating a warm, welcoming vibe with these additions.

“We believe the heart of every home lies within its kitchen,” says Scott Philp, CEO and owner of Landscape Logic in Charlevoix. “An outdoor kitchen extends space for families and friends to gather, share stories and create memories. It’s a space that can reignite the family gathering.”

Fire pits add another element of warmth and bring a touch of serenity to owners as they relax in their backyard. They also provide a wonderful wintertime gathering spot for those who love to be Up North during the colder months.

In the past, the months-long construction process was a stumbling block for many who wanted to maximize the use of their outdoor space during Michigan’s beautiful summer season. But market innovations, like Landscape Logic’s custom prefabricated natural stone outdoor kitchens and fire pits, are a game changer.

With true masonry and options for a variety of custom elements, like different burner arrangements, cutting board options and several choices of authentic natural stone, every outdoor kitchen is tailored to the client’s specifications.

Because Landscape Logic is staffed year-round and has an

indoor construction facility, they’re able to design and build clients’ projects over the winter months. “Since we don’t have to build them on site, we can install their outdoor kitchen or fire pit in a couple of days when the weather warms,” says Philp. “Some of our packages can even be installed in one day.” Their custom outdoor kitchens start at under $10,000 and custom fire pits at under $4,000.

What if you haven’t started thinking about adding an outdoor kitchen until now, when summer has already arrived? Depending on the custom elements you choose, it can still be a quick process. “It could be an idea of yours on a Monday and reality by that Friday,” Philp says.

Of course, if you’re interested in a more traditional design and build from the ground up, Landscape Logic can help with that, too. They also offer landscape design, annual planting, hardscape design and installation and grounds maintenance.

It’s all part of the move toward embracing the outdoor lifestyle more completely. In recent years, the company has seen a surge in clients interested in a more utilization-centric approach to landscaping. “People aren’t just landscaping for beautification,” explains Philp. “We’re seeing more traditional gardens, raised gardens and orchards. It’s the idea of being able to do farm-to-table at your own property and we can help design those projects, as well.

“We’re passionate about helping people design their outdoor kitchen, hardscapes and landscapes,” adds Philp. “We love the creative part of the process and bringing clients’ visions to life.”

LOCAL TICKETS. ONE PLACE.

Putting the Art Back in Architecture

If you can dream it, this talented Northern Michigan woodworker can build it.

by LISA BLAKE

A soaring two-story fireplace built of natural wood and behemoth polished river stones. A Victorian-inspired turret-style round porch with a coned ceiling of specialty blue-washed okoume plywood planks. These are the game-changing details and mind-bending aesthetics that transform “new build” to “dream home.” And, unfortunately, they’re the kind of touches that can get nixed when home building costs start to tip the budget scales.

“I always say, don’t skip the details the architect draws. They’re well worth the time and money to set your house apart,” says Elk Rapids home builder and Trillium Shore owner Jamie Wilkins.

Wilkins has earned a reputation for adding the type of bespoke touches that change the whole expression and feel of a home. Known for next-level woodwork and breathtaking craftsmanship, Trillium Shore is where you turn when you can’t find the perfect piece to pull your design vision together. For homeowners who are craving special flair but unsure where to start, Wilkins recommends looking at small touches to create big impact—exterior brackets, cupolas, exposed rafter tails, natural stone and round columns with detailed capitals and bases really elevate a home’s appeal, he says.

Wilkins, 55, has been building custom homes and remodeling for 21 years. He started out with a Bachelor of Science in graphic design from Florida State University, spent some time in corporate marketing and, while remodeling his first fixer-upper home, was approached by a builder. After building and remodeling in Holland, Michigan, for four years, he launched his own business.

Travels have played an impactful part in Wilkins’ work as inspiration bubbled up from time spent in seaside Boothbay Harbor, Maine, where he was commissioned to build a house and spent a year captivated by the area’s coastal cottages, classic lobster boats and sailing yachts.

He was inspired to build his first wooden boat after snagging a copy of WoodenBoat Magazine from an airport newsstand on a ski trip. The same precision and painstaking labor-of-love design work that went into his boat shows up today in the curved beams, round window casings and tapered ceiling planks Wilkins artfully cuts on his CNC router.

“With this machine, we can create things you just can’t do by hand,” he says.

When a client wanted to up-level their vast open kitchen, Trillium Shore answered with a 12-foot-long black-walnut island with custom steel shelving and a generous deep-blue Bahia granite top. Wilkins turned the chunky table legs on a lathe in his shop and collaborated with local artist Darin Fetter of North Shore Iron Works to create metal shelves and one-of-akind drawer pulls.

“I think the ‘difference maker’ that separates a nice house from an extraordinary home is the details,” he says. “It’s the art in the architecture that is so often missing.”

The End of the Build is Just the Beginning

Why partnering with your builder for ongoing maintenance and management just makes sense.

by LISA BLAKE

When Sara Frederick-Holton received a 3:30 a.m. call from her home security company about the family lake house fire alarm going off, she emailed Curt at McBride Custom Homes. By 6:30 a.m., he had called her back and checked on the house in person, working with her security company to make sure the system was up and running properly.

Many second-home owners in Northern Michigan are several hours or hundreds of miles away from their property most of the year—a cause for anxiety when it comes to navigating things like power outages, alarm system alerts, big storms or sudden visitors. A logical contact is your builder; after all, they know the property inside and out. But despite the close relationships forged during a project, most builders don’t offer formal ongoing maintenance and management once the build is complete.

McBride Custom Homes saw a need to answer the question, “You’ve built it, now what?” Their business evolved to encompass four pillars: remodeling, new home builds, property management and professional cleaning. With more than 40 years in the business, the Petoskey-based experts clean, prep and manage remodels and new builds with a heavy focus on waterfront homes.

“We work with architects on the design-build process and continue working with homeowners all the way down to cleaning and property management years after the project ends,” says McBride Marketing Director Brenna Hart. “We’re not just going to build your home and then leave you.” Here’s how it works:

PILLAR 1: CUSTOM-HOME BUILDS

McBride understands the special place Northern Michigan holds in families’ hearts and when it comes to building that dream home, they welcome families by promising quality craftsmanship and custom touches. Guiding the way from initial consult and design to permits, framing and foundational work and all the way to the final inspection finish line, McBride Custom Homes provides an expert team of architects, engineers and builders.

PILLAR 2: REMODELING

Maybe you love your home’s location and neighborhood, but the house is outdated or needs more space. What do you do? Many times, a whole-house remodel is the best solution. McBride’s team can help reconfigure layouts, make your home larger or change the look dramatically. They’ll expand and restore existing rooms and add entirely new spaces, all while upgrading surfaces, floors, lighting, countertops and heating and cooling systems to make your home work better for you. Need ideas? Check out McBride’s portfolio of kitchens, bathrooms and whole-home makeovers for inspiration.

PILLAR 3: PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Comprehensive property management services mean you can sit back and fully enjoy your Northern Michigan home while experts take care of the not-so-fun parts. Three tiers of property management packages cover seasonal opening and closing to-do lists alongside key areas of inspection and onecall access to trusted trade contractors.

PILLAR 4: RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL CLEANING

Eco-friendly products and meticulous techniques ensure immaculate spaces. McBride’s dedicated team of pro cleaners tackles everything from luxury residences and high-end commercial properties, to deep cleaning your summer cottage before you pull in the driveway and shining your office space for seamless workweek clarity and productivity.

With more homeowners building from afar and seeking a boots-on-the-ground connection, McBride Custom Homes has built a sturdy business model around second-home success. Bonus: Messaging, photo sharing and billing stay up-to-theminute clear via McBride’s top-tier client communication and project management software, Buildertrend.

Home Services Guide

819 S Elmwood Avenue Traverse City, MI 49684 231-946-0400

Ken Richmond Architect, is a full-service architectural firm. We provide a full range of architectural design and planning services including Custom Residential, Historic Renovation, and Urban Planning projects. richmondarchitects.net

420 S. Division, Traverse City, MI 49684 231-932-9700 kitchenchoreography.net

Northern Michigan’s leading design firm, we provide outstanding interior design for new construction and remodeling projects. Visit our award-winning, historically renovated showroom to discover how our team coordinates projects seamlessly from design to completion.

PAUL MAURER GENERAL CONTRACTING, INC.

10167 E. Cherry Bend Rd., Traverse City, MI 49684 231-941-1448

Paul Maurer General Contracting has been building some of Northern Michigan’s finest, most innovative custom homes for more than 40 years. We make your project easy with clear communication, punctuality, collaboration, and exceptional craftsmanship. paulmaurer.com

Designing a dream home shouldn't be a one size fits all model. Neither should your supplier. We specialize exclusively in premium products for spectacular homes.

At Thomas & Milliken, we are more than just suppliers; we're dream-builders. We take the time to understand your vision, from the grand architectural flourishes to the meticulously placed window offering the perfect morning light.

HOME & COTTAGE LIFE

SHUT THE FRONT DOOR

You can transform a drab exterior into something downright dreamy with one simple change.

231-947-7040 homecabinetryandinteriors.com

616-454-1600 amdgarchitects.com/cottages

231-252-2288 myartfulinteriors.com

231-675-3789 blackbirchdesignbuild.com

231-633-6449 greatlakesland.net

231-946-0400 richmondarchitects.net

248-624-1234 californiaclosets.com 800-444-3276 greenstonefcs.com Honor: 800-444-6396 Onekama: 231-889-3456 honorbldgsupply.com

Custom Homes, Inc.

231-441-1107 jdhometc.com

231-547-3472 landscape-logic.com

231-348-2749 mcbridecustomhomes.com

231-941-1448 paulmaurer.com

231-350-7440 pleasantvalleycustomhomes.com

Need a color boost but not willing to re-paint the whole house? Focus on the front door, and whatever you choose, make it anything but boring old brown or “meh” white. “A front door can be a safe way to play with color and still make a statement,” says Ashlee Carnes, who, with sister Brandi, runs Carnes Painting and Gardening in Lake Ann. “There’s a lot of potential for personality there.”

Turquoise, lime green, soft apricot, bold red, soothing sage, glossy black—a pop of color creates not only a memorable entrance, but also adds a style note that can set the tone for matching furniture, window boxes, mailboxes, planters and other accents.

To create a more design-y feel, pull complementary and unexpected colors together—like a navy house with a turquoise front door, bright orange patio furniture and creamy white trim. Other combos?

• Sage + cream + yellow

• Lime + powder blue + white

• Slate + creamy white + rust

• Gray + white + cobalt blue

• Lavender + purple + white

231-881-9318 tmmill.com

231-218-7567 TrilliumShore.com

231-943-8420 twinbaydockproducts.com

231-347-6870 white-liebler.com

231-357-4820 winkinteriordesign.com

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