Boathouses: Functional Storage and Elevated Living on the Water

For Minnesota lake homeowners, maximizing your shoreline space is everything. A well designed boathouse is more than a place to store your boat. It creates function, convenience, and a gathering space right at the water’s edge.

At Precision Landscape & Irrigation, we design and build shoreline environments that enhance how you use your property. A thoughtfully planned boathouse can completely transform your lake experience.

One of the biggest advantages of a boathouse is practical storage exactly where you need it.

Instead of hauling life jackets, water toys, fishing gear, and dock accessories back and forth to your garage, a boathouse keeps everything within reach. This creates:

• Faster, easier access to your boat

• Organized storage for water equipment

• Protection from weather and sun exposure

• Reduced clutter in your main home or garage

When designed properly, a boathouse can include enclosed storage rooms, shelving systems, and secure areas for valuable equipment. It keeps your shoreline clean and functional while protecting your investment.

A boathouse is not just about storage. It can also serve as a lakeside retreat.

Many homeowners use their boathouse as:

• A shaded hangout space during hot summer days

• A quiet morning coffee spot overlooking the lake

• A central gathering area for friends and family

• A transition space between boating and entertaining

With the right layout, finishes, lighting, and surrounding hardscape, your boathouse becomes part of your outdoor living space. It turns into a natural extension of your lake lifestyle.

For properties with elevation changes, a boathouse can provide something even more valuable: usable deck space above.

A rooftop deck or elevated platform can:

• Take advantage of panoramic lake views

• Create additional entertaining space

• Provide a sun deck separate from your main patio

• Maximize square footage on smaller shoreline lots

On sloped properties, this vertical use of space is a game changer. An elevated deck above your boathouse creates dimension, improves flow between elevations, and enhances how your shoreline functions.

When integrated properly with retaining walls, patios, and stair systems, it becomes a seamless part of your overall landscape design.

Designing and building a boathouse is not just about constructing a structure near the water. It requires shoreline expertise, structural planning, and integration with the rest of your landscape.

Here is how we serve as the solution.

We Design the Entire Shoreline Experience

A boathouse should not feel like an afterthought. It should connect naturally with your retaining walls, patios, stair systems, docks, and plantings.

We look at your entire shoreline layout and design the boathouse to:

• Complement your home’s architecture

• Improve traffic flow from house to water

• Integrate with existing hardscape and landscape

• Maximize views and usable space

This ensures everything works together cohesively.

We Understand Shoreline Construction

Building at the water’s edge comes with unique challenges. Soil stability, water levels, drainage management, and freeze thaw cycles all impact long term performance.

Our team plans for:

• Proper base preparation and structural support

• Drainage systems that protect both the structure and shoreline

• Integration with retaining walls and erosion control

• Materials that hold up to Minnesota weather conditions

We build for durability, not just appearance.

We Integrate Elevation Changes Seamlessly

Many lake properties include steep grades or tiered landscaping. A boathouse with an upper deck must connect safely and beautifully to the rest of the property.

We coordinate:

• Stair systems

• Retaining walls

• Patio transitions

• Lighting and irrigation adjustments

The result is a smooth transition from upper yard to shoreline, creating a layered and intentional design.

We Handle the Details From Start to Finish

Shoreline projects require careful planning and coordination. We manage the process so homeowners do not have to juggle multiple contractors.

From site evaluation and layout planning to construction and finishing touches, we oversee the entire build. That includes ensuring your irrigation and surrounding landscape are protected and restored properly after construction.

We Focus on Long Term Value

A well built boathouse should enhance both lifestyle and property value. Our goal is to create a structure that increases usability, adds storage, expands entertainment space, and strengthens your shoreline investment for years to come.

When you work with Precision Landscape & Irrigation, you are not just adding a building. You are upgrading how your entire lake property functions.