Living in a waterfront or water view home is a dream for many. The privacy, the tranquility, and the fresh air are only some of the things that these homes offer in abundance. If you are a swimmer or paddleboarder, or you love sailing, living on the waterfront allows you to partake in all of your favorite activities whenever you want. This is the place where you can take full advantage of good weather and water proximity with no need for a long drive. Not only that, but waterfront properties are also great for entertaining and spending a lot of fun time with your loved ones. Life on the waterfront is slightly different than landlocked living, but these waterfront living tips should help you find your footing easily.
Want to buy on the waterfront? Here is what you need to know
Obviously, waterfront living is a pretty general term. It can include coastal properties by the ocean, or houses on lakes, rivers, ponds, and bayous. Each of these has its own specificities that should be considered.
Liabilities
Waterfront homes are disproportionately affected by the effects of climate change compared to other types of housing. One of the top 10 tips on waterfront property buying is to be aware of the high risk of flooding. This is especially true if the house is older. Newer homes nowadays are built differently in order to accommodate a certain amount of flooding which won’t ruin your home. Coastal homes are also at risk from storms, hurricanes, and rising sea levels. These are all events you should have contingencies for. One thing many people often overlook completely is how corrosive salt water is. So, if you are about to move to your new waterfront home in California, you want to bear in mind that its exterior and decks will probably require some extra maintenance.
Waterproofing
While waterfront homes are vulnerable to rain, wind, and flooding, even when the weather is fine, your property will still be in constant exposure to water. Whether or not it is saltwater, any amount can do damage. This is why one of the basic waterfront living tips is to waterproof everything. Heavy morning dew can greatly damage all of your outdoor furniture in no time. Covering all of your outdoor elements in a layer of waterproof paint or getting a cover to protect everything will pay off in the long run.
Boating
Waterfront properties are attractive to people with many different hobbies. However, they might be the most enticing for people who are into boating. Whether you already have a boat or you want to get one for your waterfront home, you have to make sure you know what size of boat your property can accommodate. Another one of the waterfront living tips is to pay attention to the regulations regarding boating and docking in your particular area. The size of your boat may not only be determined by the size of your property. It could also be impacted by the proximity of the neighboring properties.
Another thing to bear in mind if you are planning on buying a waterfront home in order to spend more time on your boat is the difference in bodies of water. As mentioned, saltwater is highly corrosive, so if you are moving to an oceanfront like California, your boat will require more maintenance. It will have to be rinsed with fresh water and its engine flushed regularly. Its life expectancy will also be shorter. On the other hand, a lake house or another freshwater-adjacent property will save you money on boat maintenance. No matter where you decide to move, though, you will want to pay special attention to the company handling the transport of your boat. Movers like Los Angeles Transfer and Storage will safely bring your boat to your new California home.
Secrets of waterfront living on a budget
When it comes to activities, if you do not already have a water-related hobby you are passionate about, you will probably find yourself trying out different ones at home. Now, many watersports can be expensive. Maintenance of your waterfront home could also be a big expense, so you do not need your hobbies to further drain your bank account. There are actually fun activities you can take part in without breaking the bank while still taking full advantage of your surroundings. Fishing equipment is quite inexpensive online. Stand-up addleboarding is a relatively inexpensive investment upfront and poses virtually no additional costs later on. Kayaking and row boating is a bit more expensive.
Safety
Safety is very important to consider in waterfront living. This is particularly true if you have children or pets. When it comes to children, living in a waterfront home will be as much of a dream for them as it is for you. Numerous outdoor activities available at a beach house will make it feel like an endless summer vacation. However, all of these perks come with certain dangers as well. Depending on your children’s age, of course, you will want to take certain precautions.
If your children are of age, you will want to have them take swimming lessons. All of your family members should be confident swimmers. In addition, make sure there are enough life vests on your boat and life ring buoys on your dock. If your children are very young, you will want to invest in gates and alarms. Gates should keep toddlers from accessing the waterfront unattended and the alarms on your door will let you know if any of them wander outside without you knowing.
There is nothing comparable to having a water view or waterfront home. Water you waiting for?