
A lake house asks more of its decks, railings and stairs than a house inland. Sun reflects off the water, humidity hangs in the air, wind comes across open ground and every board is judged against a view. Construction Marketing is based in Hardy and builds for homeowners around Smith Mountain Lake, from first-time weekend owners to families who have lived on the water for decades.
Before design begins, we look at where your project sits relative to the lake. Appalachian Power holds permitting authority inside the Smith Mountain Project boundary, which follows the 800-foot contour, and that authority covers structures such as decks, docks and piers, as well as ground disturbance and vegetation removal. A county building permit does not replace Appalachian Power’s approval. If any part of your project reaches that boundary, we plan for the extra review up front so the schedule stays realistic.
Most lake clients want the same thing: more time looking at the water. That shapes everything.
Railing choice changes how a deck reads from inside the house. We compare options with you early so safety and sightlines both get what they need. One homeowner described their new deck and railing as expanding and enhancing their view of the lake.
Lake lots tend to fall away quickly. Stair runs, landings and the structure below the deck need careful layout, and we replace aging piers and posts when old supports are part of the problem. A lake house renovation we completed included replacing piers and posts under a deck, among a long list of interior upgrades.
We are a TrexPro® Platinum Installer and also install Fiberon, AZEK and TimberTech composite decking, which resists the cycle of sun and moisture that wears wood down quickly. We will tell you honestly where wood still makes sense.
A deck is often the first step. Many lake owners add a screen room for bug-free evenings, a porch, or a full outdoor living area with seating, lighting and a covered zone. A homeowner on our reviews page added a pergola to an upper deck to break up the visual weight of the space and a usable area underneath.
Lake homes need kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms and lower levels that handle crowds, wet swimsuits and guests who arrive all at once. We have completed whole-level renovations that combined kitchen, pantry, laundry, powder room and flooring updates in one coordinated project.
If the lake house is a second home, communication matters more. A customer on a comprehensive lake-house renovation noted that emails, texts and calls were answered the same day. We agree on a schedule in writing and keep one project supervisor accountable for updates.
See more on our reviews page and in before and after galleries.
If the project falls within the Smith Mountain Project boundary, yes, Appalachian Power reviews it under its Shoreline Management Plan. We help you identify whether your project is affected before work is priced.
For most owners it is, because it handles moisture, sun and foot traffic with far less upkeep. Wood remains an option, and we explain the maintenance difference clearly.
Yes. We remove the old structure, address supports and footings, and rebuild it to suit the lot and the view.