Waterfront Homes Explained: Permits, Setbacks & Surprises (Part 1)

Northern Michigan winters are as beautiful as they are brutal. In this episode, Jake Knight, Aaron Cummings, and Jay Sackrider share how McBride Custom Homes designs and maintains properties that thrive through snow, ice, and subzero temps. From smart roof design and insulation strategies to property management and tech monitoring, they reveal what it takes to build, and live, resiliently up north.

In Part 2 of our waterfront homes deep dive, the McBride Custom Homes team explores how to turn regulations into opportunities. Learn how to maximize lake views with cantilevered decks, smart window tech, and rooftop entertainment spaces all while still respecting setbacks and the environment. If you want to see how great design solves big challenges, this is the episode for you.

Building on the water isn’t just about amazing views—it’s about navigating regulations, setbacks, and protecting Michigan’s natural beauty. In Part 1, Jake, Aaron, and Jay from McBride Custom Homes break down the realities of waterfront construction. From EGLE permitting to township rules and unexpected wetland surprises, this episode will prepare you for what it really takes to build your dream lakefront home.

Jake Knight, Aaron Cummings, and Jay Sackrider pull back the curtain on McBride Custom Homes’ concierge aftercare services; luxury property management that goes far beyond maintenance. From wine cellar curation and bourbon hunting to stocking your fridge and prepping your boat, they share how McBride makes every trip to Northern Michigan effortless. It’s white glove service designed to turn dream homes into stress-free retreats.

In this episode, Jake Knight, Aaron Cummings, and Jay Sackrider explore what sets a legacy lake home apart from a typical vacation house. From design features that bring generations together to real-life stories of preserving family history, they share what it takes to create a home that lasts. Whether rebuilding a cherished cottage or planning a dream home from scratch, McBride Custom Homes brings craftsmanship and care to every project across Northern Michigan.

In the reboot of their former podcast The Construction Zone, Jake, Aaron and Jay launch The McBride Experience by diving into their decision to sponsor the inaugural Great Lakes Championship at The Heather. They share how this LPGA-pathway event aligns with McBride’s brand vision, the parallels between homebuilding and championship golf, and why investing in youth development is vital to Northern Michigan’s future. Tune in—and get inspired to be part of something bigger.