At some point or another, most of us will have coveted a beach house. Climbing into bed with the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. A morning cup of coffee overlooking the ocean. A stroll on the beach whenever you’re in the mood. It all sounds rather idyllic, doesn’t it?
But before you start saving for that ocean-side spot, it’s important to know a few things about the realities of owning a little something at the seaside.
A house at the coast means more time handling the elements
Being so close to the ocean has both its pitfalls and perks. If you’re eyeing out some seaside accommodation, you should be mindful that seasonal beach erosion makes these homes highly vulnerable. Before buying, it’s important to establish if erosion has been a problem in the past and where the property line is in relation to the beach. These houses are also susceptible to wind and rain damage. If your house faces the sea, there’s a high possibility that you’ll feel the full force of tempestuous weather conditions. And because the water being hurled against your home is likely to be rather salty, this makes the potential for damage that much greater.
Unique risks mean increased insurance premiums
With your seaside accommodation being so close to the ocean, there’s a higher chance you’ll be affected in the event of a flood. As such, it’s not surprising that insurance premiums for coastal dwellings are typically more privacy than those for regular homes. One of the first things any beach home owner should investigate is the likelihood of flooding, taking out the necessary flood insurance to safeguard your home against this risk. If your beach house is a second home and you’re renting out the property when you’re not there, your property insurance will also be a little higher than normal.
Seaside accommodation and extra maintenance go hand-in-hand
To put it simply, salty air means more maintenance. Humidity and dampness caused by this salty air also affects your home exterior. The sun can damage exterior paint, any external fittings made out of metal are susceptible to rust and wooden features run the risk of rotting due to moisture exposure. All beach home owners need to factor routine maintenance into their monthly budget.
Being so close to nature also means greater exposure to animals, insects and other things
Because water can be a breeding ground for insects and other animals, you should be aware that these critters are going to be regular visitors to your seaside accommodation. And if your property is right on the beach, chances are anyone and everyone can use the shoreline in front of your home. This may not sound like a disaster but it does limit privacy and makes your home more vulnerable to vandalism and theft.
Not only can window film alleviate some of the challenges around maintenance and privacy, it also helps to safeguard your beach house from the harmful effects of the sun by offering UV protection. If you’re looking to renovate your home, we have all the window solutions you need. Visit our website to find out more.
Image Credit: http://www.homedsgn.com/2013/03/27/big-bay-beach-house-by-coa-and-fuchs-wacker-architekten/big-bay-10/
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