Building a vacation home on a lake does not have to drain your savings. Gene and Sharon DeSmidt proved that with careful planning and smart construction choices, you can create a beautiful 825 sq. ft. lakeside retreat for just $125 per sq. ft. Their design proves that simple does not have to mean shortchanged. By using a straightforward shed roof, plywood siding, and strategic lumber spacing, they built a design and build a house on a tight budget without sacrificing style or function. This article breaks down the construction methods, material choices, and layout decisions that made this project a success.
Site Planning and Foundation Design for Lakeside Construction
Building near water presents unique challenges and opportunities. The site selection and foundation work set the stage for the entire project. The DeSmidts chose a lot with gentle slope toward the lake, allowing for a walkout basement concept that maximized views and natural ventilation.
Site Orientation and Solar Considerations
The house was oriented with its long axis parallel to the shoreline, placing the main living spaces facing the water. This orientation achieves several benefits:
- Maximum lake views from the primary indoor and outdoor living areas
- Southern exposure for passive solar heating during cooler months
- Natural cross ventilation through the 10 ft. wide accordion door and operable windows
- Reduced excavation by working with the natural slope rather than against it
Foundation System and Concrete Bulkhead
A concrete slab on grade was chosen for its cost effectiveness and durability in the lakeside environment. The slab incorporates a vapor barrier and rigid foam insulation around the perimeter to prevent moisture migration and heat loss. For the two 8 ft. by 12 ft. cabanas later added to accommodate weekend guests, a concrete bulkhead was constructed along the shoreline. This bulkhead serves a dual purpose, acting as both a retaining wall and a foundation for the cabanas.
| Foundation Element | Material | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Main slab | 4 in. reinforced concrete with vapor barrier | Primary floor support for 825 sq. ft. house |
| Perimeter insulation | Rigid foam (R-10 minimum) | Thermal break and frost protection |
| Bulkhead wall | Reinforced concrete | Retaining wall + cabana foundation |
| Cabana footings | Concrete piers | Individual support for two 8×12 structures |
Framing Strategy: Saving Lumber with 2 Ft. Stud Spacing
The most innovative cost saving measure in this project was the decision to space wall studs 2 ft. on center instead of the conventional 16 in. spacing. This approach cuts lumber use by roughly 33% across the entire wall framing package. Combined with a simple shed roof design, the framing package came in well under budget.
Why 2 Ft. Spacing Works for a Small Structure
Advanced framing techniques have long advocated for reduced lumber in wall assemblies. The 825 sq. ft. footprint means shorter wall spans and reduced structural loads compared to a full size house. The key factors that make 2 ft. spacing viable here include:
- Single story construction with no upper floor loads to support
- Shed roof with lightweight asphalt shingles and minimal snow load accumulation
- Plywood sheathing that provides excellent racking resistance even at wider stud spacing
- Engineered lumber for headers and beams where concentrated loads occur
For builders interested in similar approaches, advanced framing techniques offer proven methods for reducing material costs while maintaining structural integrity. The key is matching the framing density to the actual structural requirements of the building.
Shed Roof Framing Details
The shed roof slopes in a single direction from the high side facing the lake down toward the parking approach. This simple geometry eliminates the need for ridge beams, complex rafter cuts, and valley flashings. The roof framing uses 2×8 rafters at 2 ft. spacing, matching the wall rhythm below. Benefits of this approach include:
- Reduced material costs fewer rafters and no ridge hardware
- Simpler construction all rafters are identical length and cut angle
- Easier insulation open ceiling cavities can be filled without kneewall complications
- Clean interior lines the sloping ceiling creates volume without wasted attic space
Exterior Finishes: Plywood Siding and Durable Cladding
Plywood Siding Selection and Installation
The exterior uses plywood siding as both structural sheathing and finished cladding, a classic approach that eliminates one entire trade from the schedule. The panels are 4×8 ft. sheets of exterior grade T1 11 plywood with a textured surface that mimics board and batten. The installation sequence followed these steps:
- Wall framing is sheathed with the plywood panels, nailed at 6 in. along edges and 12 in. in the field
- All panel joints are backed with building paper to prevent air infiltration
- Exposed edges are trimmed with 1×4 battens to cover vertical joints
- A high quality exterior primer and two coats of paint are applied after installation
This combined sheathing siding approach saved approximately $2,500 on this project compared to a separate sheathing plus vinyl or fiber cement siding installation. When choosing a cost effective wall system, integrated approaches like this deliver substantial savings without compromising performance.
Windows, Doors, and the 10 Ft. Accordion Entry
The signature feature of this lakeside home is the 10 ft. wide accordion style door that opens the entire living area to the outdoors. This type of multi-fold door system creates a seamless indoor outdoor connection that is ideal for lake living. Standard double hung windows flank the door on each side, providing balanced daylight and cross ventilation. All windows are positioned to capture prevailing summer breezes off the water.
Interior Layout and Space Efficient Floor Planning
Main Living Area: Open Plan Efficiency
At 825 sq. ft., every square foot must earn its keep. The interior follows an open plan layout where the kitchen, dining, and living areas flow into one another without interior partitions. This approach makes the small footprint feel much larger than its actual dimensions. The floor plan was developed using solid floor planning principles that prioritize function over formality.
| Zone | Approx. Area | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Living / Dining | 320 sq. ft. | 10 ft. accordion door, lake views, vaulted ceiling |
| Kitchen | 120 sq. ft. | Open to living area, peninsula counter, efficient galley |
| Bedroom | 150 sq. ft. | Lake facing window, built in closet |
| Bathroom | 65 sq. ft. | Walk in shower, compact vanity, stackable washer dryer |
| Entry / Utility | 70 sq. ft. | Mudroom bench, mechanical closet, coat storage |
| Cabanas (2x) | 96 sq. ft. each | Sleeping loft, screened windows, minimal utility |
The Cabanas: Flexible Guest Accommodations
After experiencing a steady influx of weekend guests, the DeSmidts added two 8 ft. by 12 ft. cabanas on the concrete bulkhead. These standalone structures function as sleeping quarters, each with a small loft bed and screened windows for natural ventilation. The cabanas were built using the same 2 ft. stud spacing and plywood siding approach, keeping construction costs low and maintaining visual consistency with the main house. Each cabana includes:
- A compact sleeping loft accessible by ladder, accommodating two guests
- Screened windows on three sides for airflow and bug protection
- A small deck platform connecting each cabana to the main bulkhead walkway
- Minimal electrical service for lighting and device charging only
Storage and Utility Solutions
Small space living demands creative storage. The design incorporates built in shelving, under bench storage at the entry, and a compact mechanical closet that houses the water heater, electrical panel, and HVAC equipment in one efficient footprint. The kitchen peninsula doubles as a dining counter and provides additional cabinet space below. Every storage decision was made with the goal of eliminating standalone furniture pieces that would clutter the open floor plan.
Cost Breakdown and Budget Friendly Construction Lessons
Coming in at $125 per sq. ft., this lakeside house significantly undercut the typical construction cost of the era. The savings came from deliberate, informed decisions at every stage of the project. Here is how the budget allocated across major categories:
| Cost Category | Percentage of Budget | Savings Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | 15% | Slab on grade instead of full basement |
| Framing | 20% | 2 ft. stud spacing, shed roof, simple geometry |
| Exterior finishes | 12% | Plywood siding as combined sheathing and cladding |
| Windows and doors | 18% | Standard sizes, one premium accordion door |
| Interior finishes | 15% | Minimal trim, open ceilings, simple fixtures |
| Mechanical systems | 12% | Compact HVAC, tankless water heater |
| Site work and permits | 8% | Minimal grading, working with natural slope |
Key Takeaways for Budget Conscious Builders
The lessons from this project apply to any small home or vacation property. The most important principles include:
- Simplify the roof geometry a shed roof costs less to build and insulate than a complex multi pitch design
- Match structural spacing to actual loads not all houses need 16 in. stud spacing
- Combine material functions plywood siding saves one full trade and its associated labor
- Build in phases the cabanas were added later when the budget allowed and the need became clear
- Prioritize the indoor outdoor connection one large opening is more impactful than several small windows
- Work with the site orienting the house to capture views and breezes reduces mechanical demands
This lakeside project proves that thoughtful design and smart construction choices can deliver a beautiful, functional vacation home without excessive spending. The combination of a simple rectangular footprint, advanced framing techniques, and integrated siding created a home that feels spacious, connects with its natural surroundings, and remains affordable to build and maintain. For anyone planning a small home or lake retreat, the DeSmidt approach offers a proven blueprint for success.