A vacation home can be an amazing way to connect with family while giving your children a playful respite from everyday life. Whether you want a breezy coastal paradise on the shores of Lake Michigan or a quiet log cabin nestled in the Upper Peninsula, you might be surprised to find that a vacation home can be quite affordable–not to mention fun.
This article will discuss some of the important considerations for your brand-new vacation home, including location, building type, and safety measures.
Find the Perfect Location for Your Needs
Consider how often you will visit your vacation home to decide how far away you’re willing to drive. If you want a cozy home for short weekend trips, you can search within an hour or two of your primary residence. If this is going to be a spot you only occasionally visit, anywhere in Michigan would be a great option.
You will also want to consider access to things like grocery stores, urgent care clinics, gas stations, and post offices to ensure you’ll have everything you need for a great trip. It can be very frustrating if you’ve gotten all settled in only to find that you forgot the sunscreen, and now you must pack everyone up to find the grocery store.
Think About Local Amenities
The right vacation home spot depends significantly on your family’s specific interest and needs. For example, you might want somewhere close to Metro Detroit’s indoor waterparks so that your children can splash all year round, or you might want somewhere quieter where they can connect with nature.
A family vacation spot should offer something that everyone enjoys. Before picking a location, remember to ask each of your children for input.
Pick Your Building Type
Many choose to purchase a pre-existing property thanks to the fact that they are readily available and can be visited in advance. While shopping, ask your realtor about the community, particularly crime rates and hunting access. More remote areas of Michigan are well-known for deer hunting, and you want to ensure that there won’t be any accidents on your property.
Though premade homes are an economical choice, it can also be very exciting to craft your own according to exactly what you will want. For example, park model homes can be an amazing option for a getaway, as they are affordable and come with a variety of different floor plans. They are also on wheels, so you could move the cabin if you decide to sell the land or simply want a change of scenery. Park model buildings come with turnkey installation; all you have to do is park them, install steps, and hook them up to utilities.
While a park model cabin is a great choice for smaller families, those with multiple children might want something bigger. In this instance, you could opt for a pole barn home. These are cheaper than traditional homes as they do not have load-bearing internal walls.
Consider Security Measures
Metropolitan Detroit has recently become the target of international crime rings, which break into homes while the residents are away to steal cash and jewelry. Those with vacation homes, even in quieter rural areas, need to be extra cautious, as thieves may watch your home closely and wait until you’re gone to break in.
Before you purchase or build your property, consider how to keep it safe when you’re not there. For example, explore security camera systems or get close to neighbors so they will be willing to check on your home while you are away.
You should also carefully plan what you leave at your vacation home. Many people keep things like boats, ATVs, kayaks, snowmobiles, and other recreational vehicles at their vacation homes, which could be snatched up when you’re gone. Ensure that the property has a shed or locking garage where you can place larger equipment when you’re not there.
Another unique option is to rent out your vacation home during the weeks or days when you can’t visit. Not only does this help bring in extra income that can recoup the costs, but it also means that there will be a regular flow of people, deterring vandals or thieves.
While metro Detroit is an amazing place to raise a family, it’s also delightful to get out of the city and enjoy Michigan’s boundless nature. You may think that vacation homes are only for the ultra-rich, but there are many affordable yet incredible options to give yourself a cozy home away from home. Think carefully about what you want from a vacation home, choose a location that meets everyone’s needs, and select the right option for your family size and budget. Above all, take precautions with your property to ensure it stays beautiful for years to come.