Coastal Homes: 5 Things to Consider Before Building a Home By the Beach

The idea of falling asleep to the sound of crashing waves each evening and then enjoying the sand between your toes every morning sounds nothing short of idyllic. However, building a coastal home isn’t a simple, hassle-free endeavour. 

Whether you talk to the best home builders Bellarine Peninsula has to offer or the most popular builders in Cairns, you’ll quickly learn that constructing a home by the beach comes with a unique set of problems and challenges. 

If you’re thinking of taking the plunge, here are five things you need to understand about coastal homes:

1. The climate

Before buying a plot of land and building a home by the beach, you need to research the climate and weather patterns of the region. Coastal homes often bear the brunt of harsh weather conditions, including floods, strong winds, and relentless salt spray. However, each coastal region is unique.  

For example, if you build around Cairns, Townsville, or other parts of the North Queensland coast, you’ll have to factor the possibility of cyclones into your decision-making. Whereas, if you build in South East Queensland, cyclones are unlikely to be an issue. Every Australian state and territory has its own climatic factors to consider, and with states like Queensland and Western Australia, the climate in the north is far different from the climate in the south. Understanding the local conditions will help you design and construct a home capable of withstanding the unpredictability of Australia’s intense climate. 

2. Local laws and regulations

Every local council in Australia has its own regulations governing the construction of homes by the beach. These regulations are there to protect the environment and ensure all homes in the area are built safely. While many councils have similar rules and laws in place, there can be differences, so it’s crucial to research the local lay of the land before beginning the construction process. Failure to comply with council regulations can lead to legal dramas and financial penalties, so it’s never worth taking a chance.

3. The foundations

The foundation of your home is always important but it becomes even more critical when you’re building by the beach. Your foundation must be robust enough to withstand potential shifts in sand and soil, as well as flooding and storm surges. When constructing a coastal home in Australia, it’s best practice to consult a professional engineer who can determine the type of foundation that will best suit your specific location.

4. Beach proximity

Many people dream of having an absolute beachfront property, and there’s no denying the attractiveness of such homes. However, you need to be practical when thinking about beach proximity. The closer your home is to the beach, the higher your risk of sustaining damage from storms and king tides. The ideal location for a coastal home is one where you have a safe amount of distance between your property and the shore while still being able to enjoy lush ocean views.

5. The total cost

The cost of constructing a home by the beach will vary depending on your location, the type of foundation required, and the materials needed for the build. Research the associated costs and build a budget long before you begin to build your house. This is crucial if you want to ensure the project remains financially viable.

A home by the beach can be a dream come true. However, it can also be an unexpected nightmare if you fail to consider the above factors. If you’re determined to achieve your coastal living dream, get set for a lot of research and plenty of saving and planning!

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