Buying a luxury waterfront abode is a dream come true, one that many do not wish to spoil with thinking of cleaning and repairing. But the inevitable reality is that every property requires regular maintenance, and waterfront homes are no exception. It is vital to realize that maintaining an oceanfront property routinely over the years is of the utmost importance. Otherwise, the building and the grounds easily fall into disrepair, decreasing property value and disproportionally raising restoration costs. An waterfront home is an investment, and the only way to get an adequate return on that investment is to protect it continuously.
The battle against humidity
The most important task for every waterfront property owner is to control and prevent humidity and mold. You can easily get this issue under control if you install a dehumidifier or properly ventilate the property. However, you might need to invest in a dryer. Depending on the humidity level in your area, air drying your laundry might contribute to the growth of mold indoors. This is something you definitely want to avoid.
Speaking of humidity, it is essential not to overlook home areas that tend to accumulate it. You may think that the only job in your garage is to organize a storage unit properly and create enough space for extra tools. However, you also need to protect those tools and your vehicles. Keep everything that might corrode in airtight plastic containers with a bag of desiccant.
Focus on landscaping as a part of your property
Maintaining your property includes taking care of your grounds, too. However, landscaping is hard work that requires a lot of time that you might not have. Don’t neglect your front and back yard if you don’t have a green thumb. Hire a local landscaping company to determine and advise you about plants that would flourish in your area. They can even maintain your garden for you.
A pretty garden shows that maintaining an oceanfront property is done right. A well-kept yard should be home to native plants accustomed to the climate. Native flowers, shrubs, and trees are resistant to local pests and better adjusted to salt and humidity levels. Choosing the right plants to enrich your surroundings results in lower maintenance costs over time.
Always start with a good finish
Regularly painting your coastal home is a necessity. Proper preparation is the key to a good paint job. It is crucial to scrape, peel and sand off the old layers and apply a new coat of paint properly to preserve the property. Painting doesn’t involve only the coating of the facade but also the patio area, wooden deck, and outdoor furniture. And don’t forget any metal elements!
You can extend the life of your patio furniture if you cover it with a tarp when not being used. It should be safe from salty aerosol and sand abrasion, but you still need to clean it regularly. Furthermore, metal hinges and door locks, among other metal parts, are very susceptible to corrosion. Use a special type of silicone to spray over and protect these elements.
Be a responsible owner
Maintaining an oceanfront property is mostly about prevention. Why have to fix it if you can do everything in your power to avoid potential issues? Waterfront homes, especially those close to saltwater or sandy beaches, get more wear and tear. Bear in mind that you and other residents bring salt and sand inside on your shoes which can cause scratches and discolorations on the floors. Apply quality hardwood finishing, but also make sure to treat your home well.
Sometimes, however, you can’t avoid repairs. Every time you start a home renovation, you need to protect your furniture and other belongings. According to Good Neighbors Moving Company, moving professionals with experience in packing, storage, and relocation of fine art, carefully preparing your property and belongings for renovation is crucial. Otherwise, you risk damaging instead of repairing your estate.
Prepare for the unpredictable
Insurance – there isn’t a major investment that doesn’t require adequate insurance coverage. An oceanfront property is no different. The more demanding the property, the more extensive the policy. However, in this specific case, you should also acknowledge climate change and potential natural disasters. Standard home insurance may not cover flood damage and should be considered separately. It would be best if you didn’t leave anything to chance regarding such a significant, long-term investment.
Do your homework and determine if the area around your home happens to be in a flood or hurricane zone. For example, to discover if a luxury Long Beach estate is in danger of flooding, simply enter its address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center website. You will find out that this property is in an area with reduced flood risk due to a levee. Such information is essential not only for obtaining the right home insurance coverage but also for planning your property maintenance efforts.
Update your home but choose the materials wisely
If you’re buying an existing, renovated waterfront home, you may not need to refurbish it right away. But if you need to renovate the property, always rely on the best in business. Licensed ontractors should use the high quality materials, ensuring the highest customer satisfaction level. Use the opportunity to inquire and get pro tips on proper maintenance of certain materials, finishes, and luxury surfaces from the experts themselves.
Using only the best quality and most resistant materials for upgrading, renovating, and maintaining an oceanfront property will pay off in the long run, especially when you take into account the increased value of the property. You might even need to build a dock to connect your sophisticated Honeymoon Bay waterfront property to the waterways. Once again, team up only with the most skilled, reputable contractors who use the best materials. They will cost more but you can’t put a price on your peace of mind. After all, you are buying your oceanfront property to enjoy it as long as possible and to increase its value.