9 Tips for Remodeling a Coastal Home

Owning a coastal property can be a wonderful experience. You’re often mere minutes from the beach and are able to enjoy spectacular ocean views while immersing yourself in nature as much as you want. There’s also nothing quite like seeing the sun set over the ocean.

However, coastal home ownership significantly differs from owning an inland home. The environment can be harsher, with strong winds, salt air, and high humidity. There can also be flood and storm risks, and most coastal regions have stringent building regulations. If you’re thinking about beginning the renovation process, here are some helpful tips to start you on the right track:

Choose Coastal-Specific Building Materials

When making significant alterations, such as installing a new roof or new windows, research the best materials for coastal environments. Standard building materials won’t be suitable in all situations.

For example, you’ll need coastal roofing materials that resist salt corrosion, high winds, and UV exposure, such as aluminum, zinc, or galvanized steel. You may even need to install flood vents and high-impact windows with corrosion-resistant frames.

Any fasteners and hardware installed outside your property need to be made of materials that won’t corrode, such as marine-grade, stainless steel, and galvanized materials. Fortunately, most tradespeople who work on coastal properties are knowledgeable about the best materials to use for longevity.

Work with Local Remodeling Businesses

Price can be a driving factor in who you choose to help with your remodeling project. However, experience in coastal homes is far more crucial. Local business owners with experience in building and renovating properties near the beach understand the environmental challenges.

As a result, they are well versed in the building regulations they must follow and the best building materials for quality, strength, and longevity. As tempting as it can be to opt for an out-of-town remodeling company when they’re competitively priced, local knowledge can be worth so much more.

Consider Floods and Wind Resistance

Being so close to nature has its downsides. While you’re treated to beautiful, sunny days, you also encounter wild, windy, and wet weather. Ensure your remodel accommodates such days. Elevate your living areas above flood levels and install breakaway walls under raised structures. If you have a deck, make sure it’s adequately anchored to handle high winds, along with your roof.

Have a Plan for Moisture Management

Coastal properties are more prone to moisture due to the higher humidity levels, salty air, and wind-driven rain. As a result, moisture management needs to be a significant consideration while renovating.

Ensure adequate drainage and vapor barriers, alongside making sure your attic and crawlspace have plenty of ventilation to prevent mold growth. It’s also essential to opt for moisture-resistant drywall and insulation materials, such as closed-cell spray foam. These considerations can make all the difference to how dry and comfortable your home is year-round.

Don’t Skimp On the Outdoors

One of the many benefits of coastal living is being able to enjoy spectacular views. While you can enjoy these inside your home, they are even better when you’re able to sit outside in the sunshine and feel the ocean breeze on your skin. That’s why it’s a good idea not to skimp on your outdoor area planning during your remodeling project.

Create a covered patio or screened porch and invest in durable decking materials and outdoor furniture that won’t succumb to the elements. If you plan on having plants in your outdoor area, research varieties that will thrive in your coastal location, such as sea holly and beach roses.

Embrace Light

Enter any coastal home, and there’s one thing that most of them have in common: light. They are light, bright, and breezy to match their surrounding environment. Keep this in mind as your renovations get underway.

Maximize natural light through large, impact-resistant windows, glass doors, and skylights. You can also align windows and doors to experience a magnificent coastal crossbreeze. If you wish to use window treatments for privacy, opt for sheer or linen blinds or curtains that will soften the light, rather than block it.

Fine-Tune Your Coastal Color Palette

Choosing colors is one of the most exciting parts of the remodeling process, as it means you’re reaching the end. However, with so many different options, it can also be one of the more challenging stages!

It helps to have a basic understanding of the colors and shades that ‘work’ in a coastal property. Opt for soft and natural tones that draw inspiration from the surrounding environment, such as sea foam greens, ocean blues, white and sandy colors, and driftwood grays. For a bit more character and color, incorporate muted accent colors like turquoise and coral. When choosing finishes, always opt for matte or satin, rather than gloss, as they better reflect the natural textures.

Make Natural Materials the Star of the Show

You’ve chosen to buy a house in a natural environment, so it makes sense to incorporate some of those natural materials into your renovations. Light-toned wood, bamboo, and wood-like tiles achieve that peaceful coastal look while also hiding sand and resisting moisture. For relaxed vibes, install whitewashed or reclaimed wood furniture. For those final finishing touches, shop around for home decor that fits in with your ‘beachy’ vibes, like jute materials, rattan, and seagrass.

Maximize Views

You can do more than install large windows and glass doors to truly show off the incredible views from your coastal home. Orient your rooms and furniture toward the best views and install mirrors to reflect water and light. It even helps to be selective of the furniture you buy, as low-profile furniture reduces the risk of blocking sightlines. Where possible, use built-in furniture and minimal partitions. The goal is to ensure that no matter where you are in your home, you’re just a small head turn from having a spectacular outlook.

Remodeling a coastal home requires a great deal of forethought and planning. Don’t underestimate the importance of upgrading materials and hiring local experts with knowledge of coastal property construction and renovations. You can be enjoying your stunning beachside home in no time.