Duck Harbor Lake Retreat New Home Construction
Custom New Home Construction – Equinunk, PA
Project Value: $872,128.88
Completion Year: 2022
Location: Duck Harbor Road, Equinunk, PA 18417Square Footage: 2,870 SF home (including finished basement) + 845 SF covered deck
Project Summary
The Homeowners’ Vision: A Tranquil Retreat by the Water
When Steve Sroka approached NEPA Builders, his dream was clear: a custom lake house that would offer serenity, comfort, and connection to nature. The idea wasn’t just to build a home, but to create a timeless retreat that would serve as a haven for his family for years to come. Set on the peaceful shores of Duck Harbor Lake, the Sroka family needed a home that was not only visually stunning but functional and durable enough for all seasons in Northeastern PA. This meant attention to structure, insulation, materials, layout, and an extended living space: blending rustic elegance with the comforts of modern living.
The Challenge
Building a lakefront home requires careful consideration of multiple factors. The Sroka family needed a residence that was visually striking while offering functional spaces for family gatherings, storage for lake gear, and dedicated areas for children. The home had to balance open, airy common spaces with cozy private areas, all while maintaining durability against harsh Pennsylvania winters and the demands of lakeside living.
Our Solution: A Ground-Up Custom Home Build
We brought their vision to life through a complete new home construction—2,870 square feet of total finished living space, including a finished basement, along with 845 square feet of covered deck for outdoor living. Every square foot was designed for both purpose and personality, from wide-open common areas to tucked-away kid spaces and lake-ready storage solutions.
Design
The Building Process
The project began with comprehensive planning to ensure every detail aligned with the homeowners’ vision. NEPA Builders worked closely with PA Sawmill to custom-fabricate the white pine structural elements that would become signature features of the open-concept living space. Our craftsmen expertly installed these posts and beams to create both structural integrity and rustic character.
Exterior work prioritized both beauty and durability. The black standing seam metal roof with striated panels was selected specifically to minimize oil canning while providing long-term weather resistance. Black Andersen windows were strategically positioned to frame lake views from multiple rooms. The white board-and-batten PVC siding was paired with natural knotty pine soffits to create visual warmth and contrast.
Interior work focused on creating a home that felt both spacious and intimate. The finished basement expanded usable square footage significantly, providing dedicated space for children, guests, and gear storage. The master bathroom received premium treatment with a fully tiled shower system featuring mosaic floor tiles and a frameless glass enclosure. Throughout the home, Schrock cabinetry in White Maple offered both elegance and practical storage, with functional access on both sides of the kitchen island.
Energy efficiency was a priority throughout construction. We installed 5.5″ of open-cell spray foam insulation combined with R-49 blown-in fiberglass to create a thermal envelope capable of handling Northeastern Pennsylvania’s temperature extremes. The Rinnai on-demand water heater and Fujitsu HVAC system were selected for efficiency and reliability.
The 845 square feet of covered deck space was carefully designed and built to extend the home’s livable area into the outdoors, providing protected spaces to enjoy the lake setting in various weather conditions.
Project Gallery
Key Specifications:
- Total Square Footage: 2,870 SF finished living space (including basement) + 845 SF covered deck
- Project Value: $872,128.88
- Completion Year: 2022
- Building Type: Custom new construction, lakefront residential
- Stories: Multi-level with finished basement
- Roofing: 26-gauge black standing seam metal with striated panels
- Siding: White PVC board-and-batten
- Windows/Doors: Black Andersen 400 Series
- Soffits: Natural knotty pine
- Decking: 845 SF pressure-treated covered deck
- Flooring: LVP Farmstead Planks
- Insulation: 5.5″ open-cell spray foam + R-49 blown-in fiberglass
- HVAC: Fujitsu 85K BTU furnace with 13 SEER A/C, ducted throughout
- Water Heating: Rinnai on-demand system
- Cabinetry: Schrock Trademark, White Maple “Ingalis” style
- Countertops: Quartz
Special Features
- Custom-fabricated white pine exposed posts and beams by PA Sawmill, expertly installed by NEPA Builders craftsmen
- Contemporary Lineal LP gas fireplace with textured wall accent
- Master bathroom with complete tile shower system: 7′ walls, Wedi pan, mosaic floor tiles, frameless glass enclosure
- Kitchen island with functional storage accessible from both sides
- Custom stained pine floating shelves and angled corner shelves
- Frost-free hose bibs for year-round functionality
- Delta plumbing fixtures throughout
- Soft-close cabinet doors with dovetail joinery
- Coordinated beam staining matching handrails
- Strategically positioned windows maximizing panoramic lake views
- Black standing seam roof with striation to minimize oil canning
- 845 square feet of weather-protected outdoor living space
Highlights
- Nearly 3,000 square feet of total finished living space including basement
- 845 square feet of covered deck for extended outdoor living
- Custom white pine posts and beams creating architectural interest
- Contemporary gas fireplace as living space focal point
- Black standing seam metal roof engineered to reduce oil canning
- Black Andersen 400 Series windows and doors maximizing lake views
- Fully finished basement providing flexible family space
- Master bathroom with 7′ tiled walls and frameless glass shower
- Schrock Trademark cabinetry with soft-close doors and dovetail construction
- High-efficiency insulation package (5.5″ spray foam + R-49 blown-in fiberglass)
- On-demand water heating and upgraded HVAC controls
Materials Used
Exterior Design Details
- Windows & Doors: Black Andersen™ 400 Series windows and sliding doors enhance curb appeal and frame lake views beautifully.
- Roofing: A striking black standing seam metal roof (26-gauge) with striated panels for reduced oil canning and enhanced durability.
- Siding: White board-and-batten siding in PVC for a classic look with low maintenance.
- Soffits: Natural knotty pine soffits add warmth and contrast against the clean white siding and black roof.
- Deck Space: 845 square feet of pressure-treated covered decks framed for function, built for beauty.
Interior Finishes & Lifestyle Features
- Insulation: 5.5″ open-cell spray foam and R-49 blown-in fiberglass for energy efficiency.
- Paint: Custom paint package with beam staining to match handrails.
- Flooring: LVP Farmstead Planks.
- Tile Work: Fully tiled master shower with a frameless glass shower door and mosaic floor tiles.
- Interior Fireplace: Contemporary style Linear LP gas fireplace with a textured wall finish—an elegant focal point in the main living space.
- Exposed Posts & Beams: Custom-fabricated by PA Sawmill and expertly installed by NEPA Builders craftsmen, these white pine structural elements add rustic character and warmth to the open-concept living space
Bathrooms & Cabinetry
- Tile Shower: Complete master shower system with 7’ walls, Wedi™ pan system, mosaic tile floor, and glass wall/door.
- Cabinetry: Schrock Trademark™ Series cabinets in White Maple “Ingalis” style, featuring soft-close doors, dovetail joinery, and functional storage on both sides of the island.
- Floating Shelves: Custom stained pine floating and angled corner shelves built to match.
- Vanities: High-quality vanity cabinets with quartz tops and sinks, carefully selected to match the home’s finishes.
Utilities & Mechanical Systems
- HVAC: 85K BTU Fujitsu® furnace and 13 SEER A/C condenser, ducted throughout the home with upgraded controls.
- Plumbing: On-demand Rinnai® water heater, Delta™ rough-ins, frost-free hose bibs, and washer/dryer/fridge hookups.
Final Outcome
This lakefront retreat is a prime example of how NEPA Builders transforms vision into reality. Steve and his family now enjoy a custom-built home that reflects both personal style and environmental harmony: a peaceful place to recharge, host friends, and create lifelong memories.
With nearly 3,000 square feet of finished living space—including a lower level perfect for kids, gear, and guests—and thoughtful architectural details throughout, this home blends style and substance in a setting that’s as peaceful as it is practical.
Schedule Your New Home Construction Consultation With NEPA Builders Today
Testimonial
“NEPA Builders truly delivered on every promise. Their attention to detail, commitment to quality, and ability to bring our vision to life made the experience outstanding. This home is everything we hoped for and more.”
— Steve Sroka
