4 Helpful Things To Consider When Building A Coastal Home

Many homeowners dream of having a home overlooking the beach, which can be their primary residence or a perfect vacation home during the summer. In the US alone, nearly 127 million people live in coastal counties. Coastal or beach homes have a lot to offer, including stunning vistas, landscapes, and fun outdoor activities. However, there are more things you would have to consider when building a home directly on or by the beach compared to building inland. Check out these useful tips to help you get a better idea of what to expect when it’s time for you to build your perfect beach home.

1. Understand the different building regulations

When building on a coastline, the most important thing is that the rules are vastly different from building inland. With inland homes, most home developers do not worry about flooding, which could come from high coastal winds, high tides, and storm surges. Unlike coastal homes, inland houses do not need to be elevated. 

If you are building a coastal home, you must ensure that its elevation is significantly higher than the standard base flood elevation. It must also have deep-rooted foundation piles, which prevent major damage to the building caused by water and soil erosion. 

2. Use a professional builder 

To ensure that your coastal home is standing firm and ready for harsh weather conditions, you must carefully select a professional builder specializing in coastal buildings. These builders are more familiar with coastal building codes and regulations and will ensure that the house is built properly to ensure safety and pass any inspections. 

Seasoned builders also know the types of building materials to use and can advise on elevating your home and the best foundation for your home. Coastal homes are much more difficult to build than inland homes, so failing to get an experienced builder can have a lot of negative consequences. 

3. Include outdoor living areas

If your coastal home is raised above the ground, you must invest in a quality outdoor living area. These living areas could either be balconies or decks attached to your elevated home. You can also have ground-level areas such as gazebos and patios overlooking the water. A great marine construction company with sufficient skills can ensure a well-built deck or pier accompanies your home to enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean. 

4. Choose appropriate building materials

Flooding shouldn’t be your only concern when building a coastal home. If you want to live by the ocean, you must consider the corrosive nature of salt and how it affects buildings. Therefore, when selecting materials, ensure that you choose ones that are naturally resistant to harsh weather. Wood and concrete are more suitable options over metal, as they are more resilient and resistant to water. 

Living in a coastal home is a dream, but it can quickly become a nightmare if you fail to go about it the right way. You can build the perfect and safe coastal home of your dreams by considering these tips. 

4 Helpful Things To Consider When Building A Coastal Home