Everyone dreams of building their ideal house, condo, or apartment building near the ocean and wants to capture the unique lifestyle it offers. They think that there are so many benefits to include higher property values and year-round enjoyment. In Florida, 15 million of the state’s 19.6 million residents live along the coast and it generates $382 million in income every year. As the state continues to grow, more people are flocking to the coastline for all of the unique advantages it provides. The problem is that building along the ocean is not as simple as you think and requires considering specific factors. These elements decide if your project is a success, enhances your net worth, and increases in value.
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The Flood Zones
Anytime you are building along the coast, it is a high-risk flood zone and will be impacted by tidal surges, hurricanes, and wind. The result is building codes are stricter in these areas and they raise the costs for the project by 20% to 30%. More work and materials are used to comply with the property’s vulnerability to weather, including storm-resistant windows, the use of straps/anchors, and raising the structure. Oceanfront construction in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, becomes stricter with the drainage and roofing standards. The costs for this construction are higher and you must follow stringent building costs. Plan on these estimates rising based on the location, structure, and design of the property. Be prepared for setbacks; as they are a part of the territory and require troubleshooting them to complete everything.
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Elevation
When you buy oceanfront property, make sure you carefully examine the elevation certificate. It tells you the elevation above sea level and determines if you need to add to its height. Many times builders estimate that you must plan on having tidal surges of at least three to five feet. In the future, these figures may be inaccurate, with these levels becoming more frequent throughout South Florida. As a measure of safety, it is advisable to go as high as 15 feet above the highest tidal surges to provide added protection levels. The results are that building the property will increase with the added work in raising it to this level. Knowing the elevation is the key to combining it with the final costs of the project.
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Materials
Building on the coast requires not being cheap and using the least expensive materials in construction. They are known for deteriorating faster from the wind, rain, saltwater, and other elements. The most effective approach in adding to the property’s value requires thinking about the durability of the wood, steel, glass, and cement. You want to go with materials that are treated and designed for oceanfront properties.
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Maintenance
Owning a beach property is nice, but during the construction and planning phases, you need to think about their impact on maintenance. It is no secret that these properties require continuing care and planning ahead is critical in knowing what to avoid. The most significant areas to worry about are corrosion from the saltwater, heat, and humidity. These factors can destroy the metal and wood, even when it is treated. The moist environment makes it more likely that mold will grow on the property and you must think about a dehumidifier in the HVAC unit. You may want to use fiberglass and other components in place of wood to withstand the elements better. The most crucial factor is planning ahead on how you will maintain everything after the construction is finished.
Oceanfront construction in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, can be challenging and requires advanced planning. These elements are things you need to be aware of to do the job right. Chris Barbara Development can help you in building a property using their years of experience. Call today and see how they know the best avenues in creating the oceanfront property of your dreams.