Why More Lake Families Are Skipping Remodels & Building New—With Cloke Custom Homes

Lake of the Ozarks is famous across the nation as an escape for quick getaways and second-homes for seasonal living, but as more people make the Lake their permanent home, builders are noticing.

Local custom homebuilder Charles Cloke says momentum from the Covid boom is still strong as full-timers, retirees, and generational families relocate to the Lake. For those considering a permanent move, building can be the better route.

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"We'd rather help someone build it right the first time than remodel it three times," said Cloke, the owner and founder of Cloke Custom Homes. "When someone plans to live at the Lake long-term, fully custom just makes sense. It allows us to design around their lifestyle instead of asking them to adjust to the house."

Buyers might be surprised to learn that purchasing an existing home and remodeling can sometimes exceed the cost of building new. And even then, compromises often remain.

A custom build is intentional. Instead of renovating in phases over time, homeowners can create a space that works for them right away, like "legacy" homes that are designed for an older generation but accommodate the whole family.

Cloke Custom Homes has served Lake of the Ozarks since 2019, and owner Charles Cloke has been building homes at the Lake for over 20 years!

For complete custom home builds or renovations, call 573-216-1062. Their attention to detail shines in their finish work!

When it comes to intentional floor plans, Cloke Custom Homes builds with the next few decades in mind. This shows up throughout the home:

• wider doorways with fewer level changes

• main-level living that reduces stairs

• functional storage to keep spaces organized

• elevator planning for future accessibility needs

• durable, low-maintenance finishes

"We try to design homes that work just as well 20 years from now as they do the day the keys are handed over," Cloke said.

Of course, not every homeowner wants—or needs—to build from the ground up.

Location is (almost) everything at the Lake. For many families, the view, amenities, or proximity to town is not something they're willing to give up. That's where thoughtful remodeling from Cloke Custom Homes can help.

"Not every project needs to start from scratch," Cloke said. "Sometimes the right move is reimagining what you already have, especially if you love your location."

This could include improving the flow in the kitchen or updating bathrooms to support aging-in-place. For those in a home built 15-20 years ago, remodeling could modernize the layout for today's living.

Cloke Custom Homes is clients' long-term building partner! Their experienced team brings quality craftsmanship to all their projects: 573-216-1062. Check out some of their featured builds!

Building or remodeling at the Lake can feel overwhelming. Between budgeting, selections, timelines, and contractors, the process can become stressful. Cloke Custom Homes keeps projects calm, clear, and controlled.

From the start, clients are given itemized budgets—no guessing or hidden surprises. Throughout the build, communication stays consistent with regular updates and an online client folder where all job-related documents are accessible.

This isn't a hands-off process for Cloke. Charles himself is personally involved from start to finish. While he's regularly on-site for each stage, his wife K.C. will be found there too, documenting progress (and admiring the work!)

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"The building process shouldn't feel overwhelming," Cloke said, who understands the importance of timelines. "Our role is to guide clients step-by-step so they feel confident, not stressed."

As the Lake continues to evolve, one thing is clear: it's a place to stay, gather, and build something that lasts.

If you've been thinking about building or remodeling, Cloke Custom Homes is ready to talk through your vision. Call 573-216-1062 or reach out to clokecustomhomes@outlook.com to see what's possible!