Lakefront home builder: boathouse & pier coordination: what we handle vs. refer

Lakefront living is all about connection to the water. When you build a custom home on Lake Geneva, Fontana, Delavan, or the surrounding lakes, the boathouse, pier, and shoreline become as important to your experience as the home itself. As a leading lakefront home builder, Jorndt Fahey, LLC helps clients plan a complete waterfront lifestyle with clarity, coordination, and attention to detail. This guide explains what our team handles directly, what we refer to specialized marine contractors, and how we coordinate permits and timelines so your home, shoreline, and pier work beautifully together.

Lakefront home builder: learn what we handle for boathouses and piers, what we refer to specialists, and our permit coordination. Plan your shoreline. Get a consult.

Why plan your shoreline at the same time as your home

Shoreline elements shape how you live in and around your home. The position of your pier affects your views. The size and style of a boathouse influence your outdoor rooms and pathways. Utilities, lighting, stormwater management, and landscaping need to be planned from the start to meet code and protect the lake. Jorndt Fahey, LLC integrates these factors into site planning and design so that your shoreline is not an afterthought. Early coordination saves time, reduces change orders, and results in a more refined finished project.

Our role as your lakefront home builder

Jorndt Fahey, LLC is a premier custom home builder based in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. We serve Lake Geneva, Fontana, Delavan, and nearby communities with luxury custom homes, remodels, and additions. Our leadership team blends decades of craftsmanship with modern project management. As your lakefront home builder, we keep your vision at the center while coordinating architects, engineers, surveyors, and specialized contractors. Our goal is simple: deliver a high-quality home on time and keep you well informed from concept to completion.

What we handle directly for boathouses, piers, and shoreline planning

While every property is unique, the following items typically fall within our in-house scope as a lakefront home builder. We tailor each plan to your site conditions and municipal requirements.

Site planning and design integration

Coordinate surveys, site plans, and lot analyses to understand setbacks, the ordinary high water mark, and buildable areas.
Plan home placement for optimal views, privacy, and sun paths while respecting shoreline rules.
Develop conceptual layouts for boathouse massing and appearance where allowed by local ordinances.
Align pier approaches, pathways, and outdoor living areas with your home’s architecture and daily patterns.

Architectural coordination

Collaborate with your architect to integrate boathouse style, rooflines, and materials with the home.
Produce construction-ready details for upland structures that are permitted as part of your home project.
Coordinate finishes so railings, lighting, doors, and trim feel cohesive from doorstep to shoreline.

Utilities, lighting, and technology

Plan electrical conduits and stub-outs for shoreline lighting, security cameras, pier power, and lift power where approved.
Design low-glare, dark-sky-friendly lighting to preserve views and respect neighbors.
Integrate smart home controls for exterior lighting, security, and seasonal power shutoff.

Grading, drainage, and erosion control

Engineer site grading to manage stormwater away from the lake and protect structures.
Install erosion control measures and coordinate county approvals as part of site work.
Design durable, comfortable pathways and steps to the water with safe slopes and non-slip materials.

Hardscape and landscape integration

Build patios, terraces, and upland retaining elements that frame views and simplify maintenance.
Coordinate landscape design with native plantings to stabilize soil and enhance shoreline aesthetics.
Plan storage solutions for lake gear and seasonal items as part of a cohesive outdoor program.

Permitting coordination

Manage municipal building permits, zoning submissions, and design review for the home and allowed upland structures.
Coordinate with surveyors, civil engineers, and your architect to produce complete, code-compliant submittals.
Assist in assembling documentation required by state or county agencies related to site work and erosion control.

What we refer to specialized marine contractors

Wisconsin lakefronts demand expertise that goes beyond traditional building. Jorndt Fahey, LLC brings trusted partners to the table for specialized tasks in and near the water. We remain your single point of contact while these licensed professionals perform the work and handle the related approvals specific to their trade.

Marine scope typically referred

Pier design, fabrication, installation, and seasonal removal.
Boat lifts, canopies, dock accessories, and repairs.
Lakebed work such as dredging or underwater inspection when applicable and allowed.
Shoreline stabilization at or below the ordinary high water mark, including riprap and seawall repairs.
Dive teams and barge logistics for heavy or overwater work.
Formal state-level registrations and permits specific to pier design and waterway impacts that are customarily submitted by marine contractors.

How referral and coordination work

We recommend vetted marine contractors with proven performance on Lake Geneva, Fontana, and Delavan.
We host joint preconstruction meetings so everyone aligns on design, schedule, and logistics.
We coordinate site access, staging areas, and safety requirements when marine crews work alongside our trades.
We keep communication centralized so you receive clear updates from a single source.

The permit and approvals roadmap

Shoreline rules vary by municipality and by lake. Jorndt Fahey, LLC guides you through a predictable process and connects you with the right specialists where needed. The outline below shows how a typical project flows.

Discovery and goals: We learn how you want to live on the water and document priorities for views, access, and storage.
Survey and site due diligence: We coordinate a current survey and confirm zoning, setbacks, and the ordinary high water mark.
Concept design: We align the home, outdoor rooms, and proposed boathouse concepts with your vision and local allowances.
Municipal feedback: We meet with local officials early to identify requirements, timelines, and any design review expectations.
Marine contractor engagement: We introduce specialized partners for pier design and shoreline work and schedule a site walk.
Submittals: We prepare home and upland structure permits. The marine contractor prepares pier-related registrations or permits.
Refinements: We respond to comments, adjust details, and maintain schedule updates for you.
Construction: We build the home and upland elements and coordinate schedules with marine crews to keep the site efficient and safe.
Finals and orientation: We complete inspections, walk through your systems, and ensure your shoreline is ready for the season.

Designing a cohesive boathouse and pier experience

When the home and shoreline are designed together, the result feels effortless. As your lakefront home builder, Jorndt Fahey, LLC curates elements that bring visual calm and functional ease.

Material harmony: We echo tones and textures from the home in the boathouse doors, decking, and railings.
Framed views: We position glazing and outdoor seating so the pier aligns with sightlines, not sight clutter.
Comfort underfoot: We specify slip-resistant treads and comfortable step heights for daily lake access.
Low-maintenance living: We prioritize materials and finishes that handle Wisconsin seasons with grace.
Discreet storage: We include built-ins for life jackets, towels, and seasonal gear close to the water.
Night lighting: We provide gentle, task-focused lighting that keeps pathways safe without glare on the water.

Seasonal timing on Wisconsin lakes

Shoreline and lake work are seasonal. Water levels, ice, and municipal schedules influence when certain tasks can be completed. With careful planning, we sequence tasks to keep momentum.

Winter and early spring: Ideal for design, permitting, material selection, and off-site fabrication.
Spring to early summer: Often the best window for foundations, framing, and major site work, weather permitting.
Late summer to fall: Finish carpentry, landscape installation, and final coordination with marine contractors for pier adjustments.
Off-season prep: Power shutoff controls, storage planning, and maintenance checklists to protect your investment.

Budget clarity and value

Jorndt Fahey, LLC provides transparent budgeting and phased allowances for shoreline-related items. Where we engage specialized marine contractors, we secure detailed proposals and integrate them into your master schedule. Our proactive coordination reduces surprises, protects your timeline, and helps you invest where it matters most.

Frequently asked questions

Do you design and build piers?

We coordinate pier design and construction through qualified marine contractors who focus on lake structures. We integrate the pier with your site plan and oversee schedules and communication, but specialized marine teams complete the pier work and handle the related registrations or permits that are customarily their responsibility.

Can you build a boathouse with living space?

Local ordinances and state rules often limit boathouse features, including living space and plumbing. We design within the guidelines for your municipality and lake. Our team will review what is permitted on your property and create an elegant solution that aligns with the rules.

Will you handle all permits?

We manage home and upland structure permits and coordinate with surveyors, engineers, and your architect. For pier-specific approvals and any in-water work, the marine contractor typically leads with our support and communication. We assemble a clear permitting plan during preconstruction.

When should we start shoreline planning?

Start early. Ideally, 6 to 12 months before site work begins. This allows time for surveys, concept design, municipal feedback, and any required seasonal scheduling for marine work.

How do you protect the lake during construction?

We follow best practices for erosion control, stormwater management, and site logistics. We also coordinate with marine contractors to keep staging organized and to minimize disturbance near the water. Respect for the lake is part of our process.

A coordinated example: from front door to shoreline

Imagine a custom home on Lake Geneva with a warm modern exterior and generous glass. Jorndt Fahey, LLC aligns the front entry with a line of sight through the great room and out to the pier. A gently graded stone path guides you to the shoreline, with low-profile lights leading the way. The boathouse doors mirror the home’s wood tones, and the pier railings echo the home’s metal details. We coordinate the electrical stub for lift power and pier lighting, set on timers and controlled by your smart home system. A marine contractor fabricates and installs the pier based on the agreed design. We manage the schedule so the pier comes online as the exterior hardscape wraps up. The entire experience feels seamless because it was planned that way from day one.

Why choose Jorndt Fahey, LLC as your lakefront home builder

Local expertise: We build in Williams Bay, Lake Geneva, Fontana, and Delavan, and know local processes and expectations.
Luxury craftsmanship: Our team is obsessed with details that stand up to lake living and look timeless year after year.
Clear communication: We provide consistent updates, straightforward budgeting, and one point of contact.
Trusted network: We bring in proven marine partners and manage a smooth collaboration under one cohesive plan.

Meet the leadership behind your project

Bryan Jorndt: Skilled in construction and subcontractor coordination, with the ability to visualize the project from concept to completion.
Douglas Jorndt: Experienced in business management and customer-focused project coordination, ensuring schedules are honored.
Dan Fahey: Expert remodeler and designer known for quality and adaptability, guiding details that elevate daily living.

Our core services support your lakefront vision

Custom Home Design: Tailored plans that reflect your lifestyle and the character of your site.
New Home Construction: From ground-up builds to final finishes, managed with precision.
Luxury Remodels: Transformations that enhance function and elevate style.
Home Additions: Seamless expansions that look and feel original to the architecture.

How to get started

The best lakefront projects begin with a thoughtful conversation. Bring your ideas, wish lists, and inspiration. Jorndt Fahey, LLC will outline a clear path that accounts for your home, boathouse concepts, and pier coordination. We will help align design, approvals, and schedules so you can enjoy the water without worry.

Contact Jorndt Fahey, LLC

Address: 168 Elkhorn Road, Williams Bay, WI 53191

Phone: (262) 607-6121

Email: office@jorndtfaheyllc.com

Hours: Mon to Fri 7 am to 7 pm; Sat 10 am to 5 pm; Sun 12 pm to 4 pm

Your shoreline, thoughtfully planned

As your lakefront home builder, Jorndt Fahey, LLC orchestrates the people, processes, and details that bring your waterfront lifestyle to life. We handle the home and upland elements, refer and coordinate the specialized marine work, and guide you through approvals with clarity. The result is a cohesive, functional, and beautiful shoreline experience that feels effortless from the first day you move in. If you are planning a home on Lake Geneva, Fontana, Delavan, or nearby lakes, connect with our team to begin. We are ready to help you plan your shoreline and build with confidence.