General Contractor in Prior Lake, MN: Lake Homes, Remodeling & Exteriors
Bischel Building is a family-owned general contractor serving Prior Lake with remodeling, additions, decks, roofing, siding, windows and custom homes, including lakeshore properties.
- Family owned & operated since 2005
- BBB accredited
- Licensed MN contractor BC634092
- Based in Farmington, MN
- Free estimates
Our Farmington office is about 14 miles from Prior Lake.
Building near the water comes with extra rules and extra rewards, and we plan for both.
Prior Lake homes and what they need
Prior Lake takes its name from the lake at its center, made up of Upper and Lower Prior Lake, and its housing ranges from older lake cabins that have been expanded over the years to newer subdivisions. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates, about 46% of homes were built in 2000 or later and 32% from 1980 to 1999, with a median build year of 1998. About 86% of occupied homes are owner-occupied.
Lake homes tend to need decks, porches and outdoor living spaces that face the water, plus windows that make the most of the view. Older lake places often need additions or full remodels. Newer neighborhoods bring basement finishes and first-time roof and siding replacements.
Building on a shoreland lot
Lakeshore properties in Prior Lake fall within the city's Shoreland Overlay District. In that district, a building permit is required for construction, additions, decks and taller retaining walls, and a certificate of survey documenting impervious surface is required with zoning or building permit applications. There are also limits on how much of a lot can be covered by hard surfaces, and setbacks from the water depend on the lake. We check these early, before you fall in love with a design that can't be built, and work with the city's planning staff when needed.
Recent work in Prior Lake
A commercial building project in Prior Lake.
Services Prior Lake homeowners ask for most
- Lake-facing decks, porches and outdoor living spaces
- Additions and whole-home remodels for older lake homes
- Custom new homes
- Roofing, siding and windows
- Walkout basement finishing
Permits in Prior Lake
Prior Lake's Building Inspections Division handles building permits and inspections, with applications accepted online. Properties near the lakes are also subject to shoreland rules administered by Planning & Zoning. See the city's Building Inspections page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a survey for a deck or addition on my Prior Lake lake lot?
In the Shoreland Overlay District, a certificate of survey documenting impervious surface is required with zoning or building permit applications. We'll help you get what's needed.
How do I apply for a building permit in Prior Lake?
Prior Lake accepts permit applications online. We prepare and submit them and schedule the inspections.
Can you update an older lake cabin into a year-round home?
Often, yes. Older lake homes may need new insulation, windows, foundations or additions to be comfortable year-round. We'll evaluate the structure and check shoreland rules before planning.
Can you build a porch or deck facing the lake?
Yes, within the setbacks and impervious surface limits for your lot. We'll confirm what's allowed before we plan your project.
Areas we serve
Along with Prior Lake, we serve Savage, Credit River, Shakopee, Lakeville and Elko New Market, and every town on our service area page within 60 miles of Lakeville and Farmington.
Related services
Planning a project in Prior Lake?
Tell us what you have in mind and we'll set up a time to visit. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, with weekend appointments by request.