How To Keep Your Waterfront Property in Great Shape

Imagine living next to an ocean in any part of the world, all the things you could do. For starters, you have the freedom to dip into the water any time you want. You can also set up a dock and have your beautiful boat anchored just outside your front yard, and most importantly, it can make you loads of cash if you want to. So why would you let such prime property be run down like a shack in the middle of nowhere? Here are the ways you can keep your waterfront property in tiptop shape.

Keep Sand Out of The House

A beach house is a beautiful thing, but you will have to contend with the sand. The beach is always being assaulted by winds all the time, and some of the sand will be blown into the house if there is an opening. Beach sand could mess up your floor and damage furniture since sand is corrosive when there’s a lot of movement involved. Cover any outdoor furniture to minimize wear and tear and block any crevice that allows sand in.

Keep Humidity In Check

Keep Humidity In Check

This could be the hardest to pull off, but it is a necessity. High humidity is the perfect condition for mold and mildew to spread around the house. This could quickly destroy your otherwise perfect home within no time. Humidity can also impact your wall paint negatively, causing the paint to peel off and inflicting great damage on the drywall.

Storm Proof the House

Storm Proof the House

Coastal areas experience very strong winds and storms that can rip a house clean off its foundations. When you have a waterfront property near an ocean or a sea, you will have to insulate it against the frequent storms properly. Create a bulkhead to keep erosion at bay, install a strong foundation with heavy windows, walls, and doors to withstand the wind, and replace the flashing if the water leaks become too much.

Do Regular Cleaning

There is no keeping dirt out, but there is a way you can ensure that it does not accumulate to dangerous levels in the house. That is what regular cleaning is for. Never leave the trash to sit overnight inside the house as this is bait for small animals that can wreak havoc on your property. Electronics are especially susceptible to damage by dirt, and so they should be given the highest priority. Most beach house owners use them for vacation stays only; when not in use, make sure you have covered everything up.

Get the Right Insurance

Get the Right Insurance

Nailing down a good insurance cover for a waterfront property is very tricky. They cost too much because of the many potential natural disasters that can flatten the house at any time. The insurance has to cover everything, from natural disasters to robberies and any other thing that can come up. Do your due diligence well to ensure that you are getting a beneficial deal that does not undercut or take advantage of you.

Seek Professional Maintenance

You may know every crook and cranny that exists in your house, but you may miss some things that could be indicators of something bad happening behind the scenes. To properly insulate the house from surprise, it is recommended that you procure the services of a professional who will give your house a detailed sweep to uncover anything that may have missed your attention. Professional maintenance should be conducted at least once a year.

Rust-Proof Your Metals

Rust-Proof Your Metals

Metallic structures do not do so well near beaches. The high salt content in the water and the general humidity accelerate the rusting process twice as fast as other parts of the country. If you wish to have metallic structures around, then the only option you may have is coating them with protective rust proofing paint. This could be on pipes, windows, doors, the fence, and the roof itself. Use silicone spray on doors and windows that may get stuck due to the build-up of salts.

Why Maintenance is Necessary

Why Maintenance is Necessary

There are many reasons why your waterfront property has to be maintained at all times. The following are some of the notable ones.

  • It increases property value: Nobody will pay top dollar for a run-down house no matter how prime the location may be. Maintaining your waterfront property goes beyond doing simple repairs or refurbishing the wall paint. It involves the addition of structures and amenities like a state of the art security system, a swimming pool, or jet ski docks by Hisea to bump up the value of your property.
  • It saves you money: You pay more for repairing something that could have still been working if you took the time to maintain it yourself. As earlier mentioned, many things can damage your house when living next to a water source. Taking preventive measures in advance is much cheaper than having to deal with the fallout later on. For every dollar you spend on maintenance, you save $100 that could have gone into repairs.
  • It validates the insurance cover: home warranties and insurances only cover damages caused by things that are beyond your control. Once they figure out your house collapsed because you forgot to deal with the molding that was building up under your watch, then you will get nothing. It may not be written out in fine print, but insurance only works when you handle your part of the deal.

Suitable materials for beachfront buildings

Coastal buildings are frequently exposed to abrasive elements such moist air, direct sunlight, powerful gusts, and corrosion from saltwater. You must utilize the right building materials and methods if you want to construct a strong house that can endure Mother Nature’s wrath.

Here are some of the best, appropriate and durable materials you can use for your beachfront property: 

Glass doors and windows

Impact-rated glass for your windows and doors is a wise investment if you want to shield seaside properties from the dangers of hurricanes and storms. Impact-rated windows are made to withstand force, protecting your property from flying objects and maintaining its water tightness. This is especially crucial if your windows and doors overlook the water. After clients are fully informed and constantly reminded of what each option implies, impact-rated windows are nearly always the gold standard. 

Paint

Exteriors of coastal buildings are subjected to some very challenging weather conditions. In order to offer some protection, many individuals search for the best exterior paint for coastal homes. A weather-resistant masonry paint will be the ideal paint for coastal homes. Masonry surfaces like stone or brick and mortar benefit from the specifically formulated masonry paint’s improved adherence. It is acrylic-based, which also lends it some weather resilience, as opposed to being water-based, like most indoor paints are. 

Insulation

The air in coastal areas is frequently highly humid and moist, that can make the wood to warp. Coastal buildings must always include closed cell insulation beneath the first level to safeguard hardwood floors and keep out moisture. With a solid composition that serves as an excellent barrier against air and water vapor, closed-cell insulation is a spray foam substitute for fiberglass. To build a protective envelope surrounding the interior of your beach house, it is advised to use closed cell insulation for the attic, floors, and walls. 

Framing

You must consider the risk of corrosion from salt water when selecting a framing material for your building. When building your property, it’s crucial to utilize corrosion-resistant materials like concrete and treated wood because salt can seriously harm some components. You need to be aware of when to use treated and untreated materials. 

Siding 

Generally speaking, brick will survive longer than Hardiplank, withstanding the salty wind, rain, and sun for more than a century before showing signs of significant damage. Besides that, brick offers better acoustic and temperature insulation. Although brick is the more expensive option, it will lower your beachfront home’s maintenance costs and raise its resale value.

Roof

Metal roofing is significantly more durable and capable of withstanding rot, dampness, wind, and termites than asphalt shingles. Metal roofs can potentially cut your cooling costs by up to 30% by reflecting the sun’s rays. You’ll end up saving money on maintenance and cooling costs thanks to this kind of material. 

Ways to keep the aesthetic appeal of your beachfront property

  • Use classic coastal décor- Coastal decor is necessary in any beach property, but it is possible to go overboard. In fact, too much beachy decor, especially on the exterior of your home, might seem trashy. Your property can look playful and coastal if the centerpiece of the siding is a simple object like a starfish, sun, or seashell. Start with a few tiny décor pieces for a minimal beachy feel if you’re not sure what to utilize. This can truly elevate the look of your property. 
  • Create a relaxed appearance- Your property will appeal to possible customers if it has areas outside where they can relax and sunbathe because most people link the beach with a laid-back lifestyle. There is nothing more enjoyable and relaxing than unwinding at the beach, and your property need to reflect this way of life and attitude. After all, those who are exhausted head to the beach to unwind. You and your family also could benefit from this. 
  • Utilize beachy color combination- Vibrant colors will catch people’s attention and immediately improve the curb appeal of your home. The bright colors of a blue, pink, or yellow house could seem flashy or out of place to you, but not when it comes to beach houses. This can improve the appearance and attract more visitors in the future. 
  • Build a beautiful entrance- Since most visitors to your property will initially see the front door area, it should be visually appealing. To make the area stand out, many beach home owners opt to paint the entrance a different color than the rest of the property. In addition, you can enhance your home’s welcoming appeal by adding a cute welcome mat or sign.
  • Plants and other beautification- Your porch can feel cozier and more ornamented if you place potted plants or little figurines there. Your space will seem amazing and elegant if you add some minimalist or attractive frames and paintings. Before visiting the major attraction, the beach area, visitors will enjoy seeing this. 
  • Cautious fabric selection- Take a look at the many performance fabric kinds if you want a fabric that is long-lasting and simple to maintain. To prevent spills from turning into stains, the fibers are designed to require minimal cleaning. Fade-resistant textiles make excellent sofa coverings and slips because beach houses receive a lot of sunlight.
  • Choose the design of pillow cases, curtains, rug, etc.– Be sure that the design of linens, such as pillowcases, curtains, and rugs, are not overly designed. Choose an aesthetic that is always pleasing to the eyes and appears clean and fresh.   Visitors will be more comfortable as a result. 
  • Keep it clean- If you own beachfront property, cleanliness needs to be your primary focus. To maintain the lovely and tranquil appearance, cleaning is required regularly. Also, it makes your goods and furniture live longer. As per the saying, “If you take care of things, they last.” Furthermore, since most people value cleanliness, they will respect you and your house more. 

Conclusion

A waterfront property is something many people dream of owning one day, but they are damned expensive and beyond the reach of billions. If you happen to be one of the few with the means to own one, then take it upon yourself to ensure it is always in good condition that befits a waterfront property.