Remodeling a property can be an exciting challenge – or a nightmare. Everyone wants to live in a beautiful, waterfront home, but there is a snag. A poorly remodeled building is always going to be a serious problem, but waterfront properties often wrestle with harsher elements and are subject to different restrictions.
You may already be an experienced builder, but it’s important to realize that remodeling homes with a waterfront property are going to be different from a standard land-locked home. So what should you consider? How can you improve your property? Read on to find out.
The Remodeling Checklist
A remodel is more than just giving your property a quick facelift. Regardless of what kind of area you’re remodeling, there are a few things you should go through before getting started on a big project.
- Preplan
Preparation is key. You can’t approach any serious building renovations with half a plan and a vague idea of what you want. Take the time to set out a detailed plan.
- Set a budget (and stick to it)
The budget is tied in with your plan. Even if you have plenty of funds set aside for your project, carefully create a budget for your proposed renovations. Of course, the cheapest option isn’t always the best quality, either!
- Set a time limit (a realistic one)
An unrealistic deadline is a recipe for disaster. Either you’ll overshoot your deadline by a long shot, or you’ll rush to finish in time and make mistakes.
- Conduct an Inspection
This may seem obvious, but it’s vital to thoroughly assess your property, inside and out, and then make a list of the changes you’re planning. Your inspection should be done before you even begin planning. Don’t forget to check out the garden and landscape!
This is by no means an exhaustive list of a pre-planning checklist, but without any one of these crucial elements, your remodeling plans are not going to go well.
Dealing with the Elements
The primary issue any waterfront property faces is the elements. For a start, it may be a good idea to plan your remodeling for the summer. A summer remodeling gives you a better chance of good, dry weather. Save the cold seasons for your planning stages!
Moisture and Exterior Erosion
Proximity to water, whether coastal or lakeside, is going to create a lot of moisture in the air. This moisture could lead to mold or mildew. Thoroughly check your property for mold. Even a few spores should be dealt with since they can flourish into a fully-fledged problem very quickly.
Mold and damp treatments can deal with mold and mildew. However, prevention is much better than a cure. If you haven’t spotted any mold in your property, make sure the home space is kept dry and not humid. Deal with any leaks immediately. Replastering and redecorating may be necessary after you’ve dealt with mold infestations.
It’s worth noting that coastal waterfront properties may also be susceptible to exterior erosion, due to the high levels of salt in the air. Take time to assess the damage during your inspection.
Advancing Shorelines
Just about every waterfront property owner keeps their eye on the shore. An advancing shoreline can spell problems for a property later on. For example, if the shoreline is getting closer to your property, you may decide to take extra precautions against mold, mildew, and possible flooding.
Preparing for Possible Flooding
Flooding isn’t something any property owner wants to think about. However, your property remodeling could include adding protection to the basement or lower rooms of the home, in case of sudden, heavy rains. Flooding precautions are often designed more to protect against seepage, which can easily occur if your home is very close to a water source.
Do Your Research
If you’ve owned your property for a long time, it may be easy to presume you know all about the dangers facing a waterfront property. That is probably true, but it’s good to do a little research. There may be newer issues that you haven’t considered or new regulations you’ll need to adhere to.
Features
Waterfront property remodeling gives you the perfect opportunity to add new features. So, here are a few suggestions to make your property look even more beautiful.
- Firepit
Fire pits are rapidly coming back into fashion. Waterfront properties often come with plenty of outdoor space, and it can add a certain something to your sunset barbeques beside the water.
- Stone or brick wall
Privacy is important, so is safety. If your property literally sits right on the water’s edge, you may want to consider some kind of fence or railings for extra safety. However, wood is going to rot without a lot of maintenance, and steel or iron can look restrictive. Stone or brick may look more natural, and can even work well with the look of your property.
- Outdoor pool
Having a pool by the waterfront may seem a little unnecessary. However, depending on the type of water you live by (lake, ocean, or river) swimming may not always be practical. A personal pool can offer serenity – and privacy.
- Landscaping options
Trees, shrubberies, plants, decking, and so on can all be added while you remodel. Landscaping can give the impression of a whole new property – inside and out.
Need Help?
If you’ve been dreaming of waterfront property, or you’ve recently bought one that needs remodeling, you may want to recruit some help.
Remodeling can quickly become expensive, and there can be a host of hidden issues in a seemingly perfect home. So, what’s the alternative?
To begin with, you’ll need to do your research. That means checking out what you should look for in waterfront property, what strategies to follow and taking your time. When you see a property you love, it can be hard to slow down and think logically. But remember, good things come to those who wait. You’ll be well rewarded for your patience, hopefully with the beautifully remodeled, home of your dreams!